my first bike: 1980 kz1000 LTD.

I've been wanting to get a bike for a while and lucked out a couple of weeks ago when I found a 1980 kz1000 LTD on CraigsList. The body, paint, and chrome is all in great shape and it runs almost perfectly (at least to my limited experience). I ordered the Clymer service manual which has been very informative. My only experience with working on motorcycles (and engines in general) was with a buddy in highschool who would find old bikes and fix them up, but those were mostly smaller and less complicated.

When I got it I didn't have a motorcycle license so I spent the first three days cleaning it. A can of WD40 and about 5 ruined rags later it shines. I finally got my license and have been riding it every chance I get. I've been riding it for about a week and have only had a couple of problems with the speedo (bulbs and wiggle) which I think I got all ironed out thanks to the people over at kawasakimotorcycle.org.

I've had a blast riding it, but have had to take a couple of days off due to inclement weather. I finally got my wife to ride with me around the neighborhood and she said she wants a sissy bar, which I know are hard to come by. I can't wait until it's sunny again!

And one more.

nice looking bike!

thats sweet, may i ask how much you got it for? i got a 1980 550 off craigslist for 500. but its got some problems.

I paid $2000 which was about the same the guy I got it from paid the year before when he got it.

nice bike...fair starting price....alot to work with there....in good shape ...everything straight...i'd say you my man are on your way...congrats...and welcome...craig....

superbike bars...handle bars ends/wheights.....are a great handling way to go....

looks like a good starting point and at a very fair price. congrates and welcome, nice bike

by the way tell your old lady that is what hands and legs were invented for to grab on a bit tighter it could spice things up for you later.

welcome,i dig the groovy old paint.that should be a great bike for you.

leon holmes