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Hi fellow Kaw riders,
Having just found and joined this illustrious group of discriminating bikers, I am pleased to say this looks like a great place to find out about all the little quirky things these machines can throw at you. Just sold my '04 Nomad and purchased a 82 KZ1000 LTD with 7500 miles on it. It needs some TLC but runs strong.(See photo which I will update after a thorough detailing). It has an oil leak right at the head gasket area on the gearshift side. It drips down to the case top after a few miles of riding. Does this sound like a head gasket job in my future? (Further inquiries of a technical nature will be on the correct forum section.
Thanks in advance for helpful info. I have lots of other questions but will do so in the proper area.

welcome to z-jungle;)

Welcome to the house!Pictures? We like pictures.

hope you have a good sense of humor:) Welcome!

kawdogltd wrote:

It has an oil leak right at the head gasket area on the gearshift side. It drips down to the case top after a few miles of riding. Does this sound like a head gasket job in my future?

Three things.
(1) Welcome to KZR!
(2)Is it the valve cover gasket, head gasket, or base gasket?
(3) Buy a factory shop manual (readily available on eBay). Buy/borrow torque wrenches (one in inch/lbs, the other in ft/lbs. Try re-torqueing the head in the pattern and specs. given in the manual. If this doesn't cure your leak, yes, you are looking at a new gasket if you wish to cure the leak. Don't fret...with the proper manual and tools, it is quite possible to do yourself.