Better Than Nothing---The rebirth of a Superbike.

I've just spent the last 4 hours reading this entire thread, and am impressed with the bike, and the knowledge you have. Makes me remember back in '88 when I used to chase dirt bikes around with the V45 Magna that I modded, I used to catch those pesky brats regularly too. I sent a friend request on FB to you as well. I'm Bruce Koukalaka Clarke on FB.

Thanks.  That bike was state of the art when I built it, and for a few years after that. A 435 pound KZ1000 that actually handled, didn't wobble, and stopped made a killer street bike!!!! For a 40 year old bike, it will still give you a thrill if you ride it hard. 

I just been keeping my knowledge to myself lately. In my old age, I really don't have the time or care to argue with people anymore. Let them learn the hard way.  Its kinda fun to watch somebody try something you know don't work. Then sit back, have a little chuckle, and say to myself, Hell could have told you that!!!

I answered your friends request of FB too!!!!    

I started getting my Kz1000 ready for the VJMC West Coast Rally Bike Show already. This year I made up a poster about the history of my Superbike. It might help some folks who just look but don't ask any questions about what the bike really is!!!

If any KZRider members want to make a road trip on September 8th to Prescott Valley, Arizona for the Bike Show, I will have my Kz1000 on display along with my Rg500 or my GSXR750RG LTD. Unlike most of the fancy trailer-queen bikes that show up, I think I am going to fire up the Superbike, and ride it out to the display area!!!

I'm looking forward to reading this entire thread now. I really watch nothing on tv anymore so I just hang out and bother you guys usually.

Think I'll have some dinner and dig in.

Doc, how come we don't see more mk2 bikes for sale. Did they not sell that well? I really don't recall seeing so many on the road way back when. When viewed from many angles the bike is super savage looking.
Especially when all tricked out. Anyway, I am up to season 2 on your thread, it's great stuff. Looking forward to the rest. Can't possibly binge the whole thing tonight.
Rob

Togoster wrote: Doc, how come we don't see more mk2 bikes for sale. Did they not sell that well? I really don't recall seeing so many on the road way back when. When viewed from many angles the bike is super savage looking.
Especially when all tricked out.
Rob

Back in '79 and '80, Kawasaki sold 5 times as many 1000 LTD's than they did MK. II's!!!! Most dealerships in the U.S. couldn't give the MK. II's away. They sold better in Europe than they did here in the States.

The last few years, the Japanese have been buying up most of the MK. II's that come up for sale here in the U.S. If you see one for sale anywhere, I would grab it. I can't believe what a clean used MK. II goes for now!!! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Tis what I surmised and not only the Japanese but elsewhere are also coming here to scoff up these old bikes. They are disappearing and although you still run across them it's getting scant. I'm very diligent about scanning the ads, free ads, you never know what you'll find.

I have been very busy getting three of my bikes prepped for the big VJMC West Coast Rally Bike Show next Saturday in Prescott Valley!!!! Besides my restored Kz1000 Superbike, I am planning on displaying my '86 GSXR750RG Limited Edition, and my rare '86 Rg 500 four cylinder two stroke. The Rg500 is up and running and all of its polished aluminium parts have been freshly buffed to perfection. The LTD is almost finished being cleaned up, and just waiting for the new battery to charge up.

Getting ready to fire up the Superbike and put a few miles on it to get the oil nice and hot so I can change it. After that just got to put the final coat of wax on it before the show!!! I just hope I can kickstart it at the show. I am getting ready to have my other hip replaced soon, and it hurts big time when I try to get it up on the kickstarter. Might have to double up on my pain pills so I won't feel my hip when I try to start it!!!!

I can't wait for next Saturday for the bike show!! I really want to take home a trophy or two!!!!



Ready to change oil and filter on the Superbike.




The Rg500 is all ready for the show!!!


The Limited is almost ready to go!!!

Fine machines Doc, all of them!
Good luck.

Thanks!!!!
I just hope one or two of them can bring home a trophy!!!

any more pics of that GSXR? I have an '86 i am turning in to a 7-11

DoctoRot wrote: any more pics of that GSXR? I have an '86 i am turning in to a 7-11

Hope I don't get into trouble for posting more photos of a Suzuki on a Kawasaki website!!!!

You do know when you put a 1100 motor into a 750 frame, you have to drop the motor to get the valve cover off the motor!!!!!

The 88 and up frame is what most people build a 7/11 out of.

My bike is still a 750 motor, not a 1100 motor.