Difference between KZ1000 and a MKII

Finally got the KZ home but can't tell if it's a MKII or not what are some of the tell-tell signs?

im told by the square cam housing

The MKII is an upgraded 1015cc KZ1000 motor. So, post the VIN numbers from the frame and motor and the ID can be discerned from what series the numbers fall into. Mother Kawasaki was a bit tricky at times, with engine covers from transitional bikes that externally resemble the MKII motors but internally were still the older series 1015cc KZ1000 motors.

A MKII has the clean air porting in the head. This is evident by the two hoses mounted to the top of the valve cover at the exhaust side of the engine. The bike would be a 1979 or 80

you mean on the right side right because unless i'm mistaken it came stock with duals

Otakar is referring to the exhaust side of the head, which is toward the front, as opposed to the intake side of the head, which is toward the rear.

otakar wrote:

A MKII has the clean air porting in the head. This is evident by the two hoses mounted to the top of the valve cover at the exhaust side of the engine. The bike would be a 1979 or 80

True but there were smog heads on small pin crank motors that were not MKII. Early 79LTD got the old motors but had smog head.

An easy way to spot MKII cases is they have an extra strengthing rib on the clutch side. KZ's didn't have that.

Look at the back side of the clutch area. If there are two verticle strenthening ribs, the cases are MKII. If there is only one, it's KZ cases. You can tell what's inside if you pull the valve cover and count the teeth on the cam sprockets. 30T = KZ, small in crank. 32T = MKII with big pin crank.


MKII motors were a change to a unified type of engine case that could be used for shaft & chain drive bikes. They also beefed up a few other tid bits.

plus.... the 79/80 smog heads are ONLY on the US version of the bike, all other countries received the engines WITHOUT the smog ports

MKII Motor

See the extra strengthing rib by the clutch?

Also notice the shape of the transmission cover near the bottom in the rear. They're also different than KZ.

larrycavan wrote:

MKII Motor

See the extra strengthing rib by the clutch?

Also notice the shape of the transmission cover near the bottom in the rear. They're also different than KZ.

and polished engine covers! oh wait thats one of larrys motors! :laugh:

Is there any way to reference by the number of ribs on the front of the case? I had also heard the main reinforcing web between the oil filter housing and the main bearing mounts is thicker (.6"). I ask because based on the front ribs and the thicker web under tha pan, I would have MKII cases, but it's not a mkII engine. Thoughts?

what are the teeth count differences on the crank? 15 and 16??