Attn: Lurker Identifies Self

I have been registered for several months but have just been absorbing information and enjoying project builds. I have now decided to step forward and ask some questions that I have not found answers to.

But first, a little about me. My first bike was a 1971 Honda 350 SL that I bought new and sold a couple of years later. Flash forward about 40 years, and I had the bug again. I began researching bikes and looking thru Ebay and Craig’s List. I wanted something between 750 and 900 cc with either a belt or shaft drive (I don’t like to lube chains or clean the wheel the next day.). Late last year I spotted a bike on Craig’s List that was within 20 miles of my location. It was a ’81 KZ1100 A1. I contacted the seller for more pics, and he replied “come see it”. I set up a time with the seller to see it the next day and at that time he reduced the price $300. Before I could see it he emailed me and reduced the price another $400 and threw in a parts bike. When I saw it the next day I decided to buy it before I even heard it run. (Hopefully a picture is attached somewhere around here showing what it looked like when I first saw it.) In addition to the parts bike it came with two manuals and matching Vetters saddle bags and trunk with mounting frame and keys.

After getting it I didn’t care for the way it idled, so after checking the plugs, which were black and wet, I re-jetted it to run leaner. While I was into the carbs I set the float levels. As I knew that the valves had not been adjusted recently, and this being winter, I tackled that project. I can tell you now that that large hole in the center of the engine contains a very large attractive force for shims, but fortunately, not as strong as my rare earth magnet on the end of a telescoping rod (thank goodness for aluminum blocks). After performing this work it ran like a scalded cat. I really wasn’t prepared for that for when I tried to beat a light, I cranked back on the throttle and almost ended up on my assets. Since then I make sure and have a firm grip before unleashing the horses. A real bad motor scooter!

I haven’t taken any pics since I got the bike home as my garage is too small (wife says too full) and when the bike is outside it’s going too fast.

I hope I haven’t been too long winded. My first question concerns the fairly typical lack of references to the KZ1100. The KZ1000 is always listed, but seldom is the 1100. Is this because it is understood that the 1000 and 1100 are identical except for the displacement? More questions will be posted later in specific categories.

very cool...welcome aboard

Welcome daveal...nice to meet you.

I believe yes is the answer to your question, for the most part.

But there are subtle differences from model to model.

lurker...that reminds me of starcraft broodwars lol

welcome,nice bike.

leon

9am53 wrote:

lurker...that reminds me of starcraft broodwars lol

UBER geek slip... :laugh:

For increased front end stability, I recommend going to www.fastfromthepast.com and get a front fork brace to fit your bike. I put one on my 1982 GPz1100 B2 soon after I bought it.

That is a beautiful bike.

That fork brace sounds like a good idea. How much of an improvement did you notice? I plan on installing progressive springs in the forks this winter. That would be a good time to add that also. Also, any good places to source the springs? I thought that Z1 used to carry them but I couldn't find them today.

Thanks for the input.

I am going to post the question about locating progressive springs to the proper forum. No need to reply here.

The fork brace stiffened up the front end quite a bit and made my bike easier to handle at high speeds.

It depends on the model, but you might have 8-10 fasteners to tighten. I use the BLUE Loctite #242 as this type is easy to adjust with hand tools but stays tight during vibration.

Loctite #242 BLUE, Medium strength thread locker
For ¼” to ¾” bolts.

Loctite # 262 RED, High strength thread locker permanent
For up to ¾” bolts (can be loosened by 300 F heat).

Loctite #271 RED, High strength thread locker for sealing plugs, nuts and bolts (can be loosened by 300 F heat).

Loctite # 272 RED, High strength, high temperature(450 F) thread locker.