1979 KZ 1000 LTD vs MK-11

What are the difference between the KZ1000 LTD and the kz1000 MK-11?? The KZ1000 i just bought doesn't have anything on it other than the KZ1000 on the sides. I really don't know anything about KZ's. Any help?

Didn't mean to post this under electrical just realized I did. Sorry guys.

There is quite a bit of difference between the two. The LTD will have a smaller tank, a stepped seat, a 16" rear mag wheel and a 4 into 2 Jardine exhaust. The 79 KZ1000 MKII will have a boxy tank, a flatter seat and an 18" rear mag wheel. Also IIRC the MKII came with an engine that was painted black from the factory.

The Gringo wrote:

There is quite a bit of difference between the two. The LTD will have a smaller tank, a stepped seat, a 16" rear mag wheel and a 4 into 2 Jardine exhaust. The 79 KZ1000 MKII will have a boxy tank, a flatter seat and an 18" rear mag wheel. Also IIRC the MKII came with an engine that was painted black from the factory.

This bike does have the stepped seat... I gotta get a picture up of this bike up online. Do you think the LTD is a good starter bike?

Here is a pic of a stock 79 1000 LTD. As to being a good starter bike I'd have to say no, you should just ship it off to me. You will have to mind your P's and Q's with this bike if you are just learning to ride, they aren't slow and you can get yourself in trouble. You might want to look into taking the MSF riding course.

The LTD was made in the US with left over parts from 1978 models! and you can never tell hardly from the trim. The pic that the Gringo put up has the 78 decals on the bodywork. but it is just as likely to be a 79.

I am just getting done rebuilding a 79 LTD from the frame up should be done in a few weeks heres my tank now. I didnt like any of the repro decals so I had my own thing done.


second that on the goes like a bat out of hell and the brakes could be better. Don't get too crazy.

The Gringo wrote:

Here is a pic of a stock 79 1000 LTD. As to being a good starter bike I'd have to say no, you should just ship it off to me. You will have to mind your P's and Q's with this bike if you are just learning to ride, they aren't slow and you can get yourself in trouble. You might want to look into taking the MSF riding course.

I am going to take the rider training course, that is almost how the bike looks, But the one I bought has a shield and it does not have LTD on the side panel it just has KZ1000?

If its a 1979 is has to be a MKII or an LTD

Did they come with the shield, can I take the shield off?
Which is the better model?? MK-11 or LTD?

Better is a subjective term...check the frame VIN on the triple-tree neck...if the 6th letter is a 'B' than it is an LTD frame...if it is an 'A' then you have a MKII. Neither bike came stock with a fairing.

Mcdroid wrote:

Better is a subjective term...check the frame VIN on the triple-tree neck...if the 6th letter is a 'B' than it is an LTD frame...if it is an 'A' then you have a MKII. Neither bike came stock with a fairing.

That sounds good, I will check. What does it mean if neither are on then VIN? I'm starting to feel like the bike is not what the guys says it is...

Kingchiefa wrote:

Mcdroid wrote:

Better is a subjective term...check the frame VIN on the triple-tree neck...if the 6th letter is a 'B' than it is an LTD frame...if it is an 'A' then you have a MKII. Neither bike came stock with a fairing.

That sounds good, I will check. What does it mean if neither are on then VIN? I'm starting to feel like the bike is not what the guys says it is...

In 1979, Kawasaki released four KZ1000 models (KZ1000A3, the standard; KZ1000B3, the LTD; KZ1000E1, the Shaft; and KZ1000C, the Police issue). The 6th letter of the frame VIN will be either A, B, E, or C, in that order (to match the above order). The most common KZ1000 sold was the LTD model and it is likely that is what you have...the numbers after the frame KZTOOB will then determine what year bike you have.

POST us a pic or 2 then you will get some info on it for sure.

ALL the LTD's had the "LTD" on the side covers BUT the side covers can be changed easy so a different one could have been put on. I had one of each when I first got mine. and no tail piece, totally wrong rear caliper and disk, tail light was wrong, tank had been rattle canned no decals so the only way I knew what it is was with the serial number.

never know what a #$%@ ##$#$% PO has done to the old girl.