Books on the Kz1000's?

I'm looking for some seriously in depth books on the bike. Books that show what's proper on them, how they looked brand new, available accessories. Basically a book on collecting the bike or restoring them and making them proper.

I don't know about the KZ1000, but Original Kawasaki by Dave Marsden covers the Z1/KZ900. The book is purported to be the definitive guide to those models, and a typical listed price can be over $200+.

Amazon.com - Original Kawasaki

So.........besides here is there somewhere to get the info on the proper restoration of the Kz's? Somewhere that lists the proper colors, parts, etc?

For paint you may want to check out this site: www.paintworkz.com/Paint.html They paint and sell paint for Z1 etc. and may be able to help. Regarding parts, the Kawasaki.com parts diagrams may be helpful.

There were many KZ1000 models. It would really help if you put your bike's year/model in your signature line so we know which specific bike you need info on. There may be some original sales literature out there that contains photos and specs, but without knowing which bike you have it won't be easy to find. Ed

I am not aware of any 'books' that cover the 1015 models to the extent that Marsden covered the 903cc and 746cc models. There is an aftermarket book on the Z1R and also a compilation book about the 1015 model(s). However, getting the correct genuine Kawasaki shop manual and parts diagrams will go a long way in getting you much of the information you want. All those publications are available on eBay as either original or reprint documents.

650ed wrote: For paint you may want to check out this site: www.paintworkz.com/Paint.html They paint and sell paint for Z1 etc. and may be able to help. Regarding parts, the Kawasaki.com parts diagrams may be helpful.

There were many KZ1000 models. It would really help if you put your bike's year/model in your signature line so we know which specific bike you need info on. There may be some original sales literature out there that contains photos and specs, but without knowing which bike you have it won't be easy to find. Ed

I actually don't have a KZ model yet. I'm planning on getting one within the next few years and want to educate myself as much as possible as to what is factory stock proper for the models. About 22 years ago I purchased a 1973 Triumph Bonneville 750 just because it looked cool. Had I knew then what I know now about Triumphs I never would have purchased that one because it was no where near stock in parts and color. I still have the bike and after A LOT of blood, sweat and cursing she's 98% proper. I don't want to make the same mistake again. I'm leaning towards the 1977 or 78 year but who knows what the future holds and want to make an educated purchase when the time comes.

Ah, I understand. One place that nay help is the Kawasaki.com site. Under "Owner Information" there are parts diagrams for the various models. You can use these to see what wheels, brakes, exhaust systems, etc. came with each model. It's not as nice a color photos, but it will help you weed out bikes that have the wrong equipment on them and it might help you chose which model you prefer depending upon your preference for different equipment. Here's some info on using that site. Also check out www.z-power.co.uk/merchantmanager/view_information.php?pId=21 Ed

Go to Kawasaki.com. On left side put cursor over "Owner Information" then on drop down menu click on "Parts Diagrams." The click "Continue" next to "Motorcycles" and click on model/year/etc. on drop down. Once you get the list of parts for your bike you can click on the category of parts - such as "Air Cleaner" and you will see a diagram of all the parts for that category. Then when you click on an actual part number on the list under the diagram it will say if the Item Status is "Active." If it is "Active" Kawasaki still sells the part through dealers. Also, at that little page you can click on the yellow highlighted question mark for a cross reference of which bikes share that part or click on the red highlighted S to see earlier part numbers for the same part.
If you want to change bike models you can enter the new model at the top. Also, you can put in just the first part of the model (i.e. KZ650) and it will list all the years and sub models. You also can put in a part number up top and switch the word "MODEL" to "PART NUMBER" using the little drop down in that box. If you do that it will show all the models that part is used on.

Cool and thanks. Do you the KZ1000 model that had the box style, café racer faring around the headlight? The information you gave will be a big help in choosing a model as well.

Are you referring to the Z1R (see image below)? Ed

650ed wrote: Are you referring to the Z1R (see image below)? Ed

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Yep...........she sure is sweet looking!!!! Thanks for the help.

Kawasaki made the Z1R in 1978 (KZ1000-D1) and 1980 (KZ1000-D3). They may have made a 1979 KZ1000-D2, but I don't know if they ever imported them into the US. The D2 is not listed on Kawasaki.com. Ed

tazaroo wrote: I'm looking for some seriously in depth books on the bike.

The two books mentioned so far are the only two I know of (Z1 and Z1R), but here is more info on these books.

The '78 and '80 KZ1000 Z1R book is by Tony Sculpher.
Amazon carries it: www.amazon.com/Kawasaki-Z1000-Z1-R-Crowo...assics/dp/184797144X

The 73-75 Z1 book by Dave Marsden can be purchased directly from the author for much less than those listed on Amazon (about $30 plus shipping from the UK).
www.z-power.co.uk/merchantmanager/produc...php?products_id=2054