Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000

wdhewson
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09 Jan 2023 16:12 - 09 Jan 2023 19:34 #878697 by wdhewson

Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000 was created by wdhewson

Hi Guys,

These big Kwackers were in the showrooms when I got into motorcycling in the mid-1970s

This big KZ1000 entered my life in late 2022, but I'm not sure what I have, and don't know if it's viable or a boat anchor.

Here's a low resolution image, a bit before I got her.

What can we determine from the chassis and engine numbers in combination with the image.

Thanks, and I'll look forward to continued input as she comes apart, and then knitted back together.

Chassis KZT00A-023894

Engine KZT00AE-016734

Nothing quite like the rip of a Big KZ

Last edit: 09 Jan 2023 19:34 by wdhewson.

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Mikaw
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09 Jan 2023 18:27 #878699 by Mikaw

Replied by Mikaw on topic Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000

Japanese made Kz1000A1, by the numbers. Picture didn’t post.

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.

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wdhewson
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09 Jan 2023 19:36 #878700 by wdhewson

Replied by wdhewson on topic Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000

Thanks, I think I've managed the image.

Nothing quite like the rip of a Big KZ

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ronnieV
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10 Jan 2023 05:38 #878705 by ronnieV

Replied by ronnieV on topic Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000

Definitely an early a model someone put ltd wheels and seat on.

77 ltd1000 80 ltd1000 78kz1000a ,02 red zrx 12r, 94 cb1000 big one ,03 valkyrie (my couch) 65 olds 442

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wdhewson
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10 Jan 2023 05:57 #878706 by wdhewson

Replied by wdhewson on topic Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000

Thanks guys. Appreciate the input.

Here are a few more pictures that were taken before I got the KZ1000.

I don't think she's been crashed hard or in really bad hands, but perhaps not treated with great reverence !!

Nothing quite like the rip of a Big KZ

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martin_csr
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10 Jan 2023 06:38 - 10 Jan 2023 07:09 #878710 by martin_csr

Replied by martin_csr on topic Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000

From the info at CycleChaos & checking a couple of factory service manuals on EB:
Frame number KZT00A-023894 would make it a 1977 KZ1000-A1 (78 A2 models begin at KZT00A-027501).
The 1000B Ltds are KZT00B-xxxxxx.
The same engine number nomenclature was used on the 1000A standard models & B Ltds. and maybe the 1000C police bikes.

see manual on EB item #134393596413. back cover has beginning frame numbers plus info that highlights some of the model features such as the wheels & brakes.

1981 KZ650 Competition Sports and Road

Last edit: 10 Jan 2023 07:09 by martin_csr.

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Warren3200gt
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10 Jan 2023 06:48 - 10 Jan 2023 06:50 #878711 by Warren3200gt

Replied by Warren3200gt on topic Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000

That mahoosive headlight bracket does it no favours

What it should look like.

Z1000J2 somewhat modified!

Last edit: 10 Jan 2023 06:50 by Warren3200gt.

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Mikaw
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10 Jan 2023 07:48 - 10 Jan 2023 07:50 #878716 by Mikaw

Replied by Mikaw on topic Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000

That would be a keeper. As mentioned it has had LTD mag wheels swapped in, including a dual front disc setup installed.

Front pegs are suspect. Maybe need to swap right and left around.

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.

Last edit: 10 Jan 2023 07:50 by Mikaw.

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hardrockminer
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10 Jan 2023 08:25 #878717 by hardrockminer

Replied by hardrockminer on topic Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000

Your newfound treasure has many add ons that indicate it was dearly loved at some point. Thank you for deciding to bring it back to its original glory.

PS the valve cover looks to be from a Z1. See Warren's bike for the difference.

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.

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gd4now
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Denco where did you go?

10 Jan 2023 12:36 #878724 by gd4now

Replied by gd4now on topic Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000

Both the frame and engine numbers posted fall within theh numbers posted on zedder.com, which has listings for frame and engine numbers that I have found to be rather accurate.

zedder.com/Info/77%20KZ1000-A1.htm

1977 KZ650 B1
Pods and Denco header

OLD KAW OWNERS SMILE ALOT

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wdhewson
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10 Jan 2023 13:27 - 10 Jan 2023 15:30 #878727 by wdhewson

Replied by wdhewson on topic Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000

Thanks guys, those are some very pretty bikes.

My efforts go mostly into the mechanical side (to avoid calling friends with trailers), but I'll try harder than usual to make things look good.

I started with the brakes, which is my habit, just to make sure she's safe if it ever rolls at speed.The rubber brake lines certainly need replacement and those little friction pads in the front calipers don't have much "meat" left.