New rider, unidentified KZ1000?

Hey guys,

I just bought this bike -> binghamton.craigslist.org/mcy/1178174027.html

From what I've seen on here it looks like I got a pretty good deal on it? Just needs a set of headers- anyone got some 4 into 1s they'd let go of in the name of getting a KZ back on the road?
Also can anyone tell which type of KZ1000 it is from that picture? I haven't picked the bike up yet.

I'll introduce myself as well- I go to school at Cornell in Ithaca NY, spend way too much time on the Formula SAE racecar and go to class sometimes. I'm one of the engine subteam leaders, in charge of the throttle, intake, turbo, wastegate, and exhaust. fsae.mae.cornell.edu for more.

I haven't ridden before so I plan on getting the above bike running and then learning on it... should be fun. Our racecar is basically a motorcycle on 4 wheels though and I've driven that a bunch, so I figure all I have to get down is controlling it with handlebars!

Any tips for a new owner would be greatly appreciated, see y'all around!

-Matt

Welcome to KZR Matt. That looks to be either a KZ1000 MKII or a KZ1000 ST from that side I can't tell for sure. If it is a chain drive it's a MKII, a pretty rare and desireable bike. If it has shaft drive it's an ST, nice bike but not really highly sought after. For the money you didn't get hurt on it.

Yep, Andy's got it pegged. If it does turn out to be a MKII, my advice would be to restore it...it will yield a considerable profit on your investment

if thats the right frontend im gonna guess st(shaft drive)

kz1000st

Interesting... I read about the crankshaft on the MkIIs, but besides that (and obviously the shaft drive) are there any other major differences?
I guess what I'm getting at is, is the st just not as rare as the MkII or is it not as good?

Speedemon wrote:

Interesting... I read about the crankshaft on the MkIIs, but besides that (and obviously the shaft drive) are there any other major differences?
I guess what I'm getting at is, is the st just not as rare as the MkII or is it not as good?

Not as rare as the MKII...and many of the parts on the KZ1000E models (ST made 1979 and 1980 only) are unique and do not interchange with other models/years. There is, however, nothing wrong with owning a shaftdrive E model. I'd love to fall into one like you did...it is just that the MKII is sort of a holy grail of KZ's.

Shaft bikes can run good also, and some of us think they take KZ to a new level.
You can make them perform and look good doing so.