New member, first bike! 79 kz1000

Hi all! I'm new to the forum, and to motorcycle ownership. I've spent quite a bit of time on a bike, but this is the first one I've bought. 79 kz1000 shaft drive, picked it up from a buddy of my dad's. I have so many plans for this bike, I get to pick it up in a couple of weeks. From what I understand, these are tough to get parts for? I'm hoping some folks on here might be able to help me out with some leads there. Anyhow, can't wait to get on this thing and start adventuring.

Congratulations on a fine purchase! Parts availability depends on the model but many parts are interchangeable. Ebay is a good source for used parts. Z1 Enterprises for reproduction stuff.

Welcome aboard! I don't know if you are aware of it, but Kawasaki screws are not Phillips, they are Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS). Using Phillips screwdrivers on the will deform the screwheads and make life miserable.

See: www.kzrider.com/forum/10-new-members/609...uy-signing-in#791293

Ed

If you are in the U.S., Partzilla is a good source of still-available factory parts.

www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motor...1979/shaft-kz1000-e1

Welcome to the forum...

I agree with TexasKz, Partzilla. I’ve made several purchases from them. Here’s what I have noticed though. They are selling superseded parts as original. Particularly bolts. For example an original bolt for my bike is a 110B0625. Partzilla has it listed as 112G0625. It the correct size and will work but if you looking for truly “original” it’s not... do your homework.

Edit: I need to thank HardRockMiner for telling me the breakdown of the part numbers... I say this to let you know there are extremely knowledgeable members here far beyond my novice experience.

Mikaw is very kind. I take no credit for knowing the nomenclature on nuts and bolts. I was lucky enough to acquire a copy of John Brookes' book where it contains all kinds of good information. The new edition is for sale from Z Power, or if you wish to buy 5 or more copies you can contact John directly. I have his email address and you can PM me if interested.

I checked the book for copyright but did not find one so I'm posting the information below.

One more comment so I don’t highjack the OP thread...

But thank you HRM for posting that... I have been looking for the chrome bolt that fastens the turn signal head to the stem... Because of you I now know it’s an N on the finish matrix. I just located 4 bolts that I had been searching for a long time... 110N0630... much appreciated

Thanks for all of the good input and the tips on parts everyone! Once I actually get my hands on this thing I'm sure I'll have alot more questions. I'm not the best mechanic in the world but I plan on learning, starting with this bike. Talk with you all soon!

650ed- i had no idea about the japanese screws. I am now the proud owner of a set of JIS screwdrivers! Thank you!