I grew up around all of them when they were new and only was really interested in Kawasaki, but they all had their good points. Of course CB900 and GS1000 could be bought in either chain or shaft drive versions, but the shaft versions were more like a Kawasaki LTD in style. For sure a shaft is a heavier bike, but the chain drive CB900F and GS1000E were both nice motorcycles and could be about considered equal in most regards to a KZ1000 chain model. The XS1100 was also shaft, and more of a tourer in how it was used by most. Very rare to ever see a XS1100 without full fairing, bags, trunk ect, but they were very nice if left alone. I only consider the standard XS1100 of any redeeming value, any styled like cruisers no interest.
It's been long ago, but from memory in 1978/1979 the XS1100 was the fastest in quarter mile ect and the GS1000 even beat out the KZ1000 slightly, then when the CB900F came out later it was very competitive as well. I'd enjoy any of them, but still prefer the Kawasaki in style.
Then the CBX, nothing like it in style and fastest of them all. I remember $3995 would buy a new CBX back in 1979.
321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
