KZ 1000 build

This is my new project, a 1981 KZ1000j dolled up like an ELR. The engine is all there minus the electrical, which gives me free reign in the parts acquisition department. I ordered a Dynatek 2000 ignition system, a Kerker 4 into 1 from Dennis Kirk, a set of K&N air filters, APE valve cover plates, a set of carbs from ebay that I'll rebuild and rejet, and all the missing parts for the front brakes that are missing, including a set of stainless steel brake hoses.

I'll miss having money to spend on things as frivolous as food.














The previous owner picked it up a few months ago and was going to turn it into a badass AMA racer for the vintage class. He stripped off everything that was unnecessary for running, so I'm going to have to reconstruct most of the wiring harness from scratch. I'll reinstall the blinkers and helmet locks and whatever else is laying in the box of parts I got with the bike. I'm going to do try to do what he did and make it race ready, but trying to keep it streetable, so I can drive it to track days eventually.

Any suggestions for paint? I love the ELR, it's a fantastic bike, but this is not an ELR. It's a J. I'll keep the side cover emblems, they're annoying to replace anyway, but I'm not sure about what color to paint it. Maybe something in a similar paint scheme, just can't think of any good colors. I'm trying to stay away from purple, because my KZ650 is purple, and really, who needs two purple motorcycles?

Other than the flaking paint, It's in fantastic shape, with only around 8k miles. Hopefully it'll be ready come spring.

E

Ive got a 1981 gpz 1100.almost the same bike.I found a complete harness on ebay for mine.I do still have the old one but, its kinda chopped up.pm me

Nice save! Have you looked at www.kz1000r.com ? You might get inspired to continue in the ELR vein. J models are damn near ELR's anyway...if you decide to go with a resurrected J model, how about the Euro version of the J model...nicer than the North American version?

nice find. good luck with the build.
elr colors are always a fave. maybe do the elr graphics in a modern Kawi green.

mark1122 wrote: nice find. good luck with the build.
elr colors are always a fave. maybe do the elr graphics in a modern Kawi green.

Yes!

The front forks, Leading Axle, and the Instruments/ Triple Clamps, are LTD. Any Chrome under the black paint? At the Valve cover or Stator cover? When you pull the valve cover off, check the cams for how many grooves are cut into the un-machined boss near the #3-#4 lobes. If there is two grooves, those are the standard cams shared by the LTD, CSR, Police, etc. Not the "J". Look in the Manual in my signature, it will explain it all for you.
Looks like someone took off the second brake rotor, and caliper from the RF.
What Carb's did you get with it, BS-34's?
Look at the Identification Tag on the Steering Head, and look at the serial # and the Model #, K is the LTD.

The tag on the steering head says it's a J, and so does the engine number. It didn't come with any carbs. There is no chrome anywhere, minus the one case saver on the right side.





I'm curious, what separates the European J from the North American?

I checked out KZ1000R.com, they have some immaculate bikes there! I'm crazy about those wacky disc brakes on the S1, and I would like to eventually pick up a swingarm from a ZRX or something of that vein. That is, once I get a little more spending money.

Camaroguy, I appreciate the offer, but I'm going to rebuild the harness. Most of it is there, and it shouldn't be too hard to restore. I've already done a similar job on my KZ650.

I'll post more when I get a chance to work on it.

Also, does anyone have any experience with the hydraulic clutch kit from AmericanClassix.com? It looks interesting.

So as I wait for the parts to arrive, I've been on a photo kick.

Parts


Annoying spot on front end...


Gauges and whatnot


OVERSPRAY. There is no smiley to express my disdain for overspray.


I love this shape.


Big Ol' Taillight.


Frame in need of a good cleaning.


My Favorite pic so far.

Half put together headlight.



Mag Mopus? Bridgestones



The frame is neat.

My other bike is displeased.


"Are you KIDDING me? Another one?"


Sorry for the fuzzy pic.