KZ1100-How do you guys in the USA rate these bikes

Looks like a warmed over honda.:laugh: If it doesn't have a tail on it I don't like it. Give me a z1-r give me a MKII or certainly give me a z1 or even a zr1100 but not a bike without a tail.
I personally think the zr1100 was the prettiest kaw made. But then my impression is that with bikes and cars I really like the smooth round lines the best and then for those who get bored and want something different put some angles with those lines. Make it look beastish and butch take the the tail off and square off those lines.
Tommotbird wrote:

Found this picture.
What a truly beautiful bike. I am going to keep two of mine completely stock & maybe slightly customise the other one.
Any changes that I make will be easily reversible and all that I intend to do do is change the seat slightly and and change the bars to clip ons to give a sort of cafe look.
I take the point on them being the sort of Volvo of the era but in my opinion a much better looking bike than the ST.

Personally think this bike looks like an abortion but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So if you like it then ride it. Before I would ride it I would get a z1r and a MKII in my garage. And then a zx14...And in the words of Tri it is the volvo and to take that another step further there was an old movie that came out about the time of this bike with crazy people making up car ads and I think this bike would be the bike that advertises birth control because if you ride one of these you definitely ain't getting laid. Now take a z1r or a z1 or even a MKII and it's on.... Like the commercial they came up with for the Jag if you guys remember the movie.

RonKZ650 wrote:

That is a nice looking bike. Here's the ST for comparison. They are definately a different look. I always thought the MKII was probably the best looking Kawasaki ever, so the ST is similar in appearance to it is why I liked it. I liked the tail section on the ST and the shape of the tank. Nothing wrong with the KZ1100. Very nice too.

I have this same bike. Same colors even. It's not running well right now and I've been wondering what I'm going to do with it.

My Shaft definitely has a more high in the saddle feel or whatever than my 76, but It rides pretty comfortable.

I like them, I had three, this one I sold to a friend, but it is back with me at the moment for safe keeping. I have a blue restored one and a green 'special'

Not that I particularly like the 1100 looks, but I don't get why the Z1R is so prized for looks. The ST and Z1R look like somebody put jello in the microwave, it's all lumpy and weird, I think it looks far more dated than the Z1...sorry had to vent.

You ever heard of winnin' ugly? These bikes are Frankenstein's babies and are so bizarre they stand out. They grow on you like a fungus and if I ever find one I'm going to buy it cause that is why they are cool because they are freakish.

They remind me of the old suzuki's, they are a plain bike, commuter special, you can ride them anywhere and not worry about someone stealing it. It's a good bike for the price, it was made for a different kind of rider, not a hot rodder.

There's not that many of them out there, it may be worth something, someday?

The GPzs were more popular and looked better (to me) I'd say.

I hear what you say saxjonz.

They are quite freakish, but I have sort of overcome that- a bit like fancying a woman that no-one else does & you question whether you are a pervert or not.

Anyway I have three of these babies and in ten years time folks are going to be queuing up to shake my hand!

Of the three I would first go for the z1r and then the MKII.If the price was right I wouldn't mind getting the 1100 but for sure I would change the appearance a bit.
They really do look a lot like the honda customs.
I guess I got off track a bit when everyone was mentioning the z1r and the MKII. :blush:

You ever heard of winnin' ugly? These bikes are Frankenstein's babies and are so bizarre they stand out. They grow on you like a fungus and if I ever find one I'm going to buy it cause that is why they are cool because they are freakish.

But you are right. These bikes would be great commuter bikes that you wouldn't have to worry about getting stolen. And they seem to fit that nice around town image 70s-ish. I am not in to commuter bikes or plastic bikes I am so in love with my LTD and falling in love with the z1r my friend has. And I saw this MKII in Florida OMG!!! Slammed and totally polished out infreakincredible! But this kz1100 is starting to grow under my toenails a bit of fungus if you will. I certainly wouldn't turn down riding it if my bike were down. I wouldn't mind it at all. But does it speak anything like sexy or fast or enticing? Nah, but comfortable maybe. Shaft drive though. hmmm Not my cup of tea. I have a feeling that once that unit went out it would be impossible or too costly to redo. I will stay away from shafties. I had one though. They accellerate quickly and maintenance of lubing the chain is gone and well... my father liked them alot when they came out. Said shaft was the wave of the future. Well here we are and it seems that we still have belt, chain and shaft driven bikes.

C'mon fellas.
This is my pride and joy.
1983 Kawasaki 1100 LTD.
I love it!
Another few years and you won't find these so easy...

Hi Rick,

How tall are you? I'm 6'1" and feel as if I'm on a little bike when I ride my 82 KZ1100 Spectre. It's probably because of the handle bars along with the stepped seat which makes moving around difficult.

How do the ergos work for you?

Bill