'77 KZ 900/1000 street/drag project

Here is my project, I've owned this bike for 6 years and never even taken it for a ride....I know it's depressing. The engine has bad idlers so I'll have to replace those and the cam chain before even thinking about taking it for a spin. When the bike was running we could hear the chain slapping the cam cover, could be a bad auto adjuster but I'm not taking any chances with my valves. First I plan to swap the front end for an 88'FZR 1000 I have from a "parts" bike and redo my cobjob rearset mounting, I used the rearsets from the FZR, but the way I have them mounted now is just too high,silly and unsafe. I pulled the FZR front end apart last night so it will be ready to rebuild. Here's a few pics showing my horrible attempt at rearsets,FZR forks/triples and front wheel,and the 2 chipped fins on my head that I will need to repair.

I would take a hard look at that motor FIRST! I would crack cases and do a good once over. You will be shocked of all the chit in the oil pan.

Well I have changed the oil a few years back and it was actually a beautiful amber color which I was quite happy to see and the filter was also in great shape but alas I'm sure this will be in the works when I change the idlers. Isn't it possible to change them with the engine still in the frame?

Yes you can do a top end rebuild with motor still in frame,but if youre going to all the trouble its not that much more work to split the cases and check the bottem end out and throw a cam chain in there.

Ok thanks for the replies 4thekz1000 and wireman, I have to agree this most likely is the route I need to take. Would/should I get a complete gasket set for this and any suggestions?

Yes id get a complete gasket set,pull everything apart and clean everything really good.
If anything looks questionable in the bottem end replace it while youre there,id suggest having the crank checked/welded as long as youre in there then you shouldnt need to get back into the bottem end for a long time

Ok I found 2 different makers of gasket kits Vesrah and Athena and a NOS factory kit for $15 bucks more than the others, any difference or better quality on one versus the others?

Ive never had a problem with the vesrah or cometic gasket sets,although i copper coat both sides of the paper gaskets before installing no matter what brand

Good to know wireman, My buddy uses Honda-bond on all his gaskets for his KZ1000 and CBR900RR but I'll try that Permatex, looks like good stuff.

My backhoe mechanic turned me on to it years ago,its da bomb!

Engine is out, wow that thing is heavy next time I'll get help. My arms feel like I went to the gym for a full day.

those engines are heavy,awkward,finger biting,sonsab!tches :pinch: .

some rubber/vinyl tubing split lengthwise is a good frame protector.




available from most home improvement stores,

leon