OK I know I am a Newb, but dang.

This morning I took my 80 KZ1000 and had some adjusting done on the carbs. Cleared up some of the low RPM popping. I was on a strainght road and started from a stop. Easy start off and then nailed it. All I can say is WOW. That thing jumped out, stayed in it through first and second and got out of it. I know some of you guys race and are used to that much power but this is my first bike that size and its been 20 years since I have had a bike. I got home and looked up HP rating for the KZ1000 according to Wikipedia it is around 90HP and a curb weight of about 600lbs which equals out to 6.67 LBS/HP. My last hot rod was a 78 ford truck about 5000lbs and the engine was approx. 500HP which equals 10 LBS/HP. To build the truck to equal the power to weight ratio I would need about 750HP. Some of the new sport bikes are 150-190HP at 600LBS that would be approx 3.25 LBS/HP. Thats unreal. Yes this post shows I am a Newb but I was impressed and thought the number difference between my old hotrod truck and the bike were interesting. The old truck would run 8.5 sec. 1/8 mile times which was respectable for a 5000lb barn door going down the track.

On the newer sportbikes the weight is usually in the low 400lb territory. My 2004 ZX-10r makes a claimed 184 hp at the crank and weighs about 410 lbs wet. For the record the new liter bikes are unreal, and you better be ready when you twist the throttle. A good drag racer could run a 10.0 1/4 mile on that bike bone stock. Minor mods can easily put you in the 9.50s. With stock gearing this bike tops out at 104 mph in first gear.

Wipe that silly grin off your face :laugh:

Oh Yea grab the Throttle!
I've got the 82 1000 LTD with a Vance & Hines 4-1 and it really pulls even at 6500ft altitude!
Love the old KZ bikes, just bought a 82 1100 shaft from the 1st owner and am waiting on my rebuild parts.

I had an 82 1100 with the entire Vetter luggage pack and fairing. That bike was still really quick with all of that on it.

They are all fast enough to kill ya.Be sure and connect LEFT side of brain with Right hand before starting bike.lol.bj

hocbj23 wrote:

They are all fast enough to kill ya.Be sure and connect LEFT side of brain with Right hand before starting bike.lol.bj

I couldnt agree more. I am a Paramedic and have seen the aftermath of some stupid things. You still got to twist on it a little every now and then. I figure as long as it still scares me to death I will keep on the cautious side.
I had no idea what the newer sport bikes weighed I was just guessing at the weight. A freind has a Concours14 and he told me his curb weight was around 550lbs and HP was around 150. I just thought the differnece in the HP to weight ratio was interesting. Gets your attention, especially in the seat of your pants above 4000rpm.

Oooh the Concours 14. That would be my touring bike of choice. Not only does it make 150 hp but more importantly it makes like 105 lb/ft of torque. It is however a big touring bike, but still very fast. Definately need to stay on the careful side, but I am one who believes that a life lived in fear of what might happen, is a life not lived fully. Yeah my 10r comes on strong at 4k but that pales in comparison to 7k. I'm really looking forward to riding my KZ if I ever get finised building it. That lower end torque is fun on the street.

1428 kit @ 11to1 burning 104 gas= smile.
dont forget those lumpy barely idle andrews cams
Nice set of 38mm mikuni flatslides
Antique yosh.
And ride

I really like his Concours14 its sweeeeeeet. I bought my KZ about a month ago got a good buy on it and it got me a bike. I am really just learning about the KZs and other bikes for that fact. I always wanted a big V-twin cruiser but after riding the KZ and then just sitting on the Concours I am thinking more towards a sport touring upgrade in the future. I hope the old KZ lasts me until I get some other things paid off. I cant afford to add another payment right now. The KZ will still have a home I would love to restore it. It already has a 4into1 header (not sure of brand). I have to take care of it begause I have to make it last for a while. Playing hard equals breaking stuff. I am just happy to have a ride.

bhardy501 wrote:

I am just happy to have a ride.

Amen to that