1979 KZ1000 LTD Project...

OK, I am new to the forum but excited to be here. So I got this bike, a 1979 KZ1000 LTD. I was given to me in boxes so I am putting it back together. The plan is to put it back together, ride it for a season to log any issues it might have, and them tear it down during next winter to repaint from the frame up.

I am excited because I use to have one of these bikes back in the early 90's and sold it to go back to college. I aways regretted that decision, but I am better off because I did. The perfect gift for my midlife crisis. I will try to post updates and where I am with it as I go. I will also be seeking input as I work thru issues. thanks for having on this forum.

Looks like you have most everything there. Good luck and welcome.

Here are a couple of pictures of the rear wheel when I received it (red paint) then after several hours of paint stripping, masking and painting with semi-gloss black. I really like the finish. Just couldn't ride with red on the wheel.

Big improvement!!! Ed

welcome.
good job on the wheel.
keep us posted as you go.

leon

So I been working in my free time, which hasn't been very much. Work has been busy.

I got the brake lines back on and bled. So I have rear breaks.
Read the post about bleeding the front brakes and will try that next weekend.

Cut-up the stock bars to get the wires out to install the new bars. I am going with Super Bike Bars. I like low profile bars, but not drag bars. I had a set on my KZ1000 I had in the late 80's, didn't like the pinching and numbness I had in my hands on long rides. So I think Super Bike Bars are a great compromise for this go around.

Pulled the carbs off. Guessing the bike hasn't ran since 2005 or 06 according to the date on the battery. The carbs are way out of sync, but super clean inside. They look like they have been rebuilt and jetted, but never bench synced and used since the rebuild.

I need to have a key made by a locksmith or order a new ignition. But then I will have multiple keys, not fun. The guy before me hasn't found the key. I hope he does before I go to start her up.

Just an update. Hope to have her running soon.

d

welcome to z-jungle!

OK I have been hard at work the few evening I have had free. Amazing, you get a new toy and how busy you get. Oh well, life!

Key question??? I do not have a key for this bike, and the previous owner is not sure he can find it. I removed the ignition and set lock to look for a code on them. The ignition, once I cleaned all the grim off had an 173 or I73. The seat lock had a K73 on the bottom of the lock, but the face where you insert the key had a 770 on it. Does this sound correct?

I am going to find a locksmith and have him make a key for the bike. I am hoping the ignition and seat are matched so I only need one key. It came with 2 tanks, I am hoping that one of the fuel caps matches the ignition key. Would hate to have to carry 3 keys.

Also went thru the carbs yesterday. Don't know if I am happy with them. When I open them to full throttle, they stick. They are very clean inside, but I am thinking that they may be gummed up in the slide area. I have never worked on a set like these, different from what was on my old KZ1000 I have in the early 90's. Gonna get some help from a friend of mine that has restored several old bikes.

Just pressing ahead, slowly by surely.

Looks like a fun project. Take your time, do it right, and ENJOY!
I will have a bunch of '80 KZ100 LTD stuff left over. Message me if you need something.
Sorry, no keys for my project either.

Steve

pm rstnick on here.he is in canada but can help you out with the key scenario.

leon

"Making a key by the code number."

www.kzrider.com/forum/4-electrical/41487...y-by-the-code-number

Good Fortune!