My KZ project for 2019

So my goal for 2019 is to take my '80 LTD 1000, as shown in the pics, and convert it back to something more "street worthy". Way, way back in the late '90s, I built it up using bits and pieces left over from my drag racing days and it hasn't been ridden on the street ever since (except for the occasional blast around the block:) ). I have to change out the 2"-over swingarm for a stock length and also install a pair of Konis. Also, have to pull the front forks apart and remove the travel limiters. The stock mag wheels are going back on as the rear wheel, a spun aluminum Performance Machine unit, doesn't have a cush-drive hub or sprocket. Also should rebuild both master cylinders and make up new brake hoses.

The motor is good-to-go. The head is mildly ported with stock-size valves. Megacycle 0.380" lift cams w/shim under buckets. Mikuni RS34's. Wiseco 10.25-1 pistons (stock bore). Falicon Supercrank (lightened MkII) with strengthened factory rods. R&D Motorsports undercut trans. The bike has gone a best of 10.97 @ 124 mph, which translates to about 100 hp - not too shabby, I guess.

Hope to have things in order by late spring/early summer. We'll see...

Nice Mike
Getter done !!
Dave

Great looking bike. Looking forward to seeing the end result. Post lots of pictures of that beauty.

The bike looks really nice with that Kerker. Did you take one of the front brakes off or did it come like that? My B4 has two discs up front.

Nice bike! Id be interested in the swingarm if you're selling.

I'd put shocks on and ride as is. 2" stretch doesn't hurt one bit.

Les

hardrockminer wrote: The bike looks really nice with that Kerker. Did you take one of the front brakes off or did it come like that? My B4 has two discs up front.

Thanks. I bought that Kerker brand new back in the late '90s. It was flat black from the factory. I shipped it to HPC and had it coated, inside and out. A nice alternative to chrome. And, yes, I did take off one of the front brake calipers and rotor for weight savings. I'm thinking that I'm going to go back to the dual disc front setup for the street.

Mike

Mike

Kidkawie wrote: Nice bike! Id be interested in the swingarm if you're selling.

Thanks and I'll make a note of that. If anything goes up for sale, it's going to be a while from now. I'll keep everybody posted with pics and such...

les holt wrote: I'd put shocks on and ride as is. 2" stretch doesn't hurt one bit.

Les

Love it as is....Was thinkin the same thing...... other than maybe a flat seat (or a slightly stepped down one to help staying in place). Always planned on stretching mine out a little to help it stay straight.

les holt wrote: I'd put shocks on and ride as is. 2" stretch doesn't hurt one bit.

Les

I was thinking the same thing
Dave

Very nice bike to begin with...!
Honestly, I would leave it as is...

Thanks, everybody, for your input. I agree that a stretched and lowered Kawi looks cool and is the hot ticket for lower 60 ft times at the dragstrip. Unfortunately, I'm down to two bikes now - the LTD and a vintage '70 Triumph Bonneville. I need something as an all around bike that can hang on the twisty roads here in eastern PA. The Triumph looks and sounds great but it's brakes and suspension are mediocre, at best - not so great for the backroads. So, this is why I seem to be going bass ackwards in my KZ project and turning it into something closer to stock. Hope this makes sense.

Mike