Back on KZ Rider after 20 years.
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Back on KZ Rider after 20 years.
12 Jan 2025 07:08
My first bike was a KZ250 that I bought for $600 in 2004. I cleaned the carb, replaced the tires, and installed some drag handlebars. I rode that thing everywhere, spent too much time on the interstate, and ruined a crank bearing. At the time I was just learning about bikes, and couldn't afford the repair, so I bought another motorcycle. Since then I've owned a CB900F, a v65 Magna, two VF700F Interceptors, a Hawk GT, a GSX-R750, and my current ride...
I went shopping for another bike in 2021. I was looking for a Harley Police bike, specifically the Road King. In my search I came a across a KZ1000P which was only 30 minutes away. It wasn't the cleanest example, but it had new tires and a valid NYS safety inspection. I know the police bikes didn't have the aftermarket support of the other models, but that J engine had limitless possibilities. I paid the guy his asking price and drove it home.
When winter arrived I tore it down to the frame, and to the crank. I put it back together how I saw fit. Here's a short summary of what I did:
I had every chassis piece refinished in satin black powder, rebuilt the forks with Racetech emulators and springs, replaced all chassis and frame bearings, installed Ohlins STX rear shocks, Shinko Tour Master tires, "cafe" seat from Korea, Renthal handlebars and grips, K&S switches, new front master cylinder, rebuilt all calipers and fitted EBC Double-H pads, converted the drive to 530 with Sprocket Specialties sprockets and new chain. I also rewired the entire bike with a universal harness from Sparck Moto.
I cut up the front fender, ditched the saddlebags and guards, trimmed the windshield, and had everything painted in Ford Colonial White.
The engine has a Fast By Gast roadracing transmission, MTC 1075cc big bore kit, APE tensioner and EPA block off plates, refinished in silver with black covers, all stainless cover bolts, the carbs are Mikuni 36mm flat slides, the exhaust is Delkevic, and the air filters are K&N pods. I replaced all the seals, the cam chain, the valves, and several other components with OE replacement parts. Next I'll do the head with premium parts and machining, but I have to scrape some more cash together first. The ignition is Dyna S with Dyna green coils and gray wires.
About myself:
I'm a USAF veteran and have worked in the motorcycle industry for 20 years. My most recent venture is as my own business, performing repairs locally. I am in the process of building a web store that will feature parts for the KZ1000J engine and the models equipped with it. One thing I learned during my build is that the J gets NO LOVE compared to the early Z, and I would like to offer something to fill that void in the market.
I'm pretty knowledgable about motorcycles, and consider myself as one of the best wrenches around. I hope to be able to contribute to the site with advice and technical knowledge, and I'm sure there will be days I'll need those things from you.
Cheers, and thank for having me back!
I went shopping for another bike in 2021. I was looking for a Harley Police bike, specifically the Road King. In my search I came a across a KZ1000P which was only 30 minutes away. It wasn't the cleanest example, but it had new tires and a valid NYS safety inspection. I know the police bikes didn't have the aftermarket support of the other models, but that J engine had limitless possibilities. I paid the guy his asking price and drove it home.
When winter arrived I tore it down to the frame, and to the crank. I put it back together how I saw fit. Here's a short summary of what I did:
I had every chassis piece refinished in satin black powder, rebuilt the forks with Racetech emulators and springs, replaced all chassis and frame bearings, installed Ohlins STX rear shocks, Shinko Tour Master tires, "cafe" seat from Korea, Renthal handlebars and grips, K&S switches, new front master cylinder, rebuilt all calipers and fitted EBC Double-H pads, converted the drive to 530 with Sprocket Specialties sprockets and new chain. I also rewired the entire bike with a universal harness from Sparck Moto.
I cut up the front fender, ditched the saddlebags and guards, trimmed the windshield, and had everything painted in Ford Colonial White.
The engine has a Fast By Gast roadracing transmission, MTC 1075cc big bore kit, APE tensioner and EPA block off plates, refinished in silver with black covers, all stainless cover bolts, the carbs are Mikuni 36mm flat slides, the exhaust is Delkevic, and the air filters are K&N pods. I replaced all the seals, the cam chain, the valves, and several other components with OE replacement parts. Next I'll do the head with premium parts and machining, but I have to scrape some more cash together first. The ignition is Dyna S with Dyna green coils and gray wires.
About myself:
I'm a USAF veteran and have worked in the motorcycle industry for 20 years. My most recent venture is as my own business, performing repairs locally. I am in the process of building a web store that will feature parts for the KZ1000J engine and the models equipped with it. One thing I learned during my build is that the J gets NO LOVE compared to the early Z, and I would like to offer something to fill that void in the market.
I'm pretty knowledgable about motorcycles, and consider myself as one of the best wrenches around. I hope to be able to contribute to the site with advice and technical knowledge, and I'm sure there will be days I'll need those things from you.
Cheers, and thank for having me back!
1990 KZ1075P
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