1978 kz1000 ltd things to look for?

Hi,

Sorry to ask a question that's probably been asked a 100 times but is there anything to be cautious about with a 1978 kz1000 ltd? I used the search but I guess I'm not very good at it!

Any typical issues? Parts expensive, is there a good supply?

It's got 65000 kms on it and it was on the road last year. Looks like basic maintenance was done to keep it road worthy but I haven't actually seen it.

What's shagged at 65K? I'm just looking for a cheap fun ride. I don't mind wrenching a bit but I don't know anything about them, I don't have much mechanical experience (but I'm not afraid to screw things up), and I have limited time. I don't want to pour money into it either. I'm good with about $500 at the beginning.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

the 1978 models are usually favorites for most people. You can usually find anything you need on ebay or you can go to you local kawasaki dealer and get parts there for alittle more cash. if this bike runs and drives good, im sure you and the bike will have a very happy friendship:) plus they got plenty of power and lucky for you, a kickstarter which is what i have longed to have for like 2 summers now. (i own a 81' KZ1000LTD) i love my 1000 and im sure you'll love yours too.

And the engines in these things are bullet proof. Just keep up the regular maintenance as needed and you'll be fine.

I asked a similar question about a 1979 KZ750. I don't know how similar the two models are, but you might find that thread worth looking at.

Biggest thing they said to look out for was the starter clutch.

I'd say your search of this site was successful. The kz900/1000/1100 bikes are on the whole well designed and built and do not have problems that are not related to age, neglect and abuse.

What you need to look for are problems that one would expect on any 33 year old machine.

Check frame and suspension for signs of collision - is everything straight? Welds look solid? Cracks anywhere?

Frame rust? Look carefully around and below the battery box.

Check all electrical equipment to insure that everything works as expected. Does the starter make any odd noises? Does it engage quickly and turn the engine fast enough to start? Do all the lights work? The horn?

Does the engine make scary noises on start up? Chain, piston slap, etc? Does it smoke? Does it warm up quickly and idle smoothly?

Do the brakes feel solid (check before riding, please.)? Do the brakes work as expected when riding? Do they pulsate or make noise?

Do the forks and shocks work well? (If they are factory original shocks, they are toast.)Does everything feel tight over bumps and around curves?

If you really want to pester the seller, you can ask to see the spark plugs and do a compression test.

As noted above, check fuel tank, tires and chain & sprockets.

If the bike has been well cared for (don't be afraid to ask for maintenance records), even at 33 years and 65,000 miles, it can still be a solid bike.

Parts are generally available and are typically no more expensive than parts for other bikes.

I've no doubt overlooked a thing or two, but the sharp folks around here will fill in the blanks.

It is no accident that these old beasts are still popular.

Thanks for all the comments! Very confidence inspiring.
I've found a 1977 standard(?) that has had Ltd wheels brakes and seat put on.
Is there any other differences between a standard and an Ltd?

I'm not as familiar with the 77 as with the J engined bikes, but on the Js, there are quite a few differences. In addition to what you mention, fenders, tailpiece, forks fuel tank, side covers, gauge cluster, handlebars, cams, final drive ratio (sprockets) and exhaust system are among the differences.

Are the J bikes the ones after 1978? I'm not that clear on when models occurred and why they are significant.

fireworks wrote:

Are the J bikes the ones after 1978? I'm not that clear on when models occurred and why they are significant.

Click > www.aperaceparts.com/tech/techkz1000.html

Good Fortune!

Patton wrote:

fireworks wrote:

Are the J bikes the ones after 1978? I'm not that clear on when models occurred and why they are significant.

Click > www.aperaceparts.com/tech/techkz1000.html

Good Fortune!

Nice one