KZ1000 Z1 Classic

Hi I've seen this bike on Ebay here in the UK. It is a US import with 42,000 miles it has not hit the reserve yet at £850 (approx $1,700). Is or was this is a fairly commmon bike in the USA as it would be considered pretty rare here & collectable (& very rideable, it has fuel injection too). I could be interested in buying it as I haven't got quite enough KZ's yet. Do any of you guys own one or can anyone comment on these bikes please.

If I had the $$$ I would buy it ASAP. Beautiful bikes. The Gringo here on this forum has an extremely fine example of one !!! He'll chime in, I'm sure, as soon as he sees this post. Good Luck !!!

KZ1000G.Z!Classic. I think there were around 3200 made. That one is tricked out a little with the swingarm,fork brace,signals,wires,motor mounts,and header. Go to www.zedder.com and look up the info there. The early fuel injection was not the best and most have been converted to carbs.
i owned a carburated Classic. Nice cruiser. Roy

Back in the early '80s, that bike had my full attention, mostly from the EFI standpoint, although with the polished tank sides it was quite attractive.

That thing is BEAUTY!

:ohmy:

Do your collection proud...BUY IT!

Yeah, as Roy pointed out, there are a number of deviations from stock, including the handlebars, seat...but the bike does not suffer from those alterations...and what has also been pointed out, problems with the EFI system. I have heard several stories regarding the FI woes (and I don't know which is correct):

1) The computer was poorly mounted/protected from vibration ultimately ending in computer failure

2) The fuel injectors were subject to design flaws ending in failure

The end result being (and this I get from a very reputable source) that there was a general Kawasaki factory bulletin issued that allowed the dealerships to replace the EFI with carbs if there was trouble. Clearly, there are some survivors with still functioning FI but those are possibly in the minority.

Post edited by: Mcdroid, at: 2008/02/24 06:09

Thanks for your replies, I am still pretty keen on it although I would obviously prefer it to be stock- like The Gringo's, that is some good looking bike he has.
There is one day & nine hours to go on the auction so I have a while to think about it. I must admit that I am a little bit concerned about the EFI system now that it has been mentioned.

Actually, the bike that really fascinated me and that I think beats the G model in looks is the KZ1000H...which folks on your side of the Atlantic got while North Americans got the KZ1000G...and I have heard horror stories about the FI on that model too.

Tommotbird I sent you a fairly long PM. This bunch here have pretty good eyes in that they have already pointed out most of what has been changed on the bike. It also looks to have been repainted since it is missing the striping on the tank and covers. Also the engine covers should all be chromed. The factory chroming was not the best so these covers have most likely been stripped and polished.

I read somewhere that the dreaded computer problems were sometimes caused by trying to crank the bike with a low battery, something to keep in mind if you do end up getting it. Maybe I just lucked out and got a good one, but so far my EFI has not been a problem. I think this year though I'm going to go to using the kickstarter more just to be on the safe side.

The basic engine is a MKII with the big pin crank so the engine itself is pretty bulletproof. I think you need to get it, what the hell you are working on the UK version of The Gringo collection already, what's one more? :laugh: :silly: :whistle:

Thanks for your posts and Gringo thanks for the PM- all very useful in helping me to decide that I now have to buy it (unless the price gets silly of course!).
I emailed the seller with a few questions about the EFI & whether they have any of the original parts. The Metmacheck swing arm is a good modification but I prefer to keep bikes stock- unless I builr a rat bike.
I do seem to to be getting close to Gringo's collection in number but I don't have all Kawasakis- might be getting rid of the Ducati though.
My family are give me the impression that I now have enough bikes. Me? I am not so sure

I am sure you could sell the aftermarket stuff, buy original and even make a little money. That swingarm would bring some good money and a nice stock swingarm can be had all day long for around $50. The exhaust would sell easily although nice stock are few and far between, plus mega expensive.

Thanks Kawtoy, I just checked with the seller & the original swingarm is included in the sale. The Metmacheck would fetch quite a few £££'s, as would the Harris exhaust system which is quite sought after here & no longer made. They were originally a race exhaust & the baffles can be removed or exchanged. It also has Dyna electronic ignition, spare airflow meter, injectors & control unit & new Pirelli tyres.
Bet I am going to get outbid here.