Mystery or History CPE, Cycle Performance Engineering Racing Engines?

I've picked up a mystery bike. A 1976 KZ900 LTD with what appears to be a 1977 KZ1000 racing engine built with (or by) Cycle Performance Engineering (CPE) . I found the 2004 obit of the last owner of CPE, Gary Campbell,and a few mentions of some East Coast racers who used this builder for their drag race rides.

I've attached a picture below. It looks like this bike has a set of oversize CPE barrels and the cc pad on the lower right front of the engine is not there, as if the engine had been modified for oversize cylinder set. Also has MRE clutch cover but I have not delved into the bike to discover it's secrets. I'll post some more pics when I get it power washed and have a better camera in hand. I'm curious to know about this CPE engine builder. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks.

I see a KZ-based motor, with a big block cylinder assembly (maybe 1260 - 1327 - 1395cc?), J-model head, Mikuni flatslide carbs, and an MRE single-stage lockup clutch - a pretty nice package. Don't know a whole lot about CPE. I recall a Pro Stock-level Kaw that ran back in the '90s which had CPE sponsorship. Don't know if the bike was run directly out of their shop, however. Somewhere I may have a pic of that bike and will post if I come across it. Also, I've attached an image of their classified ad, from 1999. Their phone number had a 301 area code which is Maryland/DC area. Please keep us updated with any further details.

Mike

Can't thank you enough Mike. The historical shop ad is very cool and more than I expected.

The seller I got it from took it out for his one and only a ride with a rusty chain. I didn't get the whole story, but it seems the chain came apart and wadded up at the front sprocket and broke the engine sprocket guard and sprocket cover. Possible the shift shaft is bent too.

He also mentioned one of the former owners is now on Arizona's Death Row.

I'll get it cleaned up and post some pics of the damage. Thank You again.

Hey, you're welcome! Sounds like a good project. More than likely the shifter cover is, indeed, toast. You won't know the full extent of the damage until you can start disassembling things. Just take your time and you'll be fine. I did find the pic of that CPE bike that I was recalling. Had to scan it as this was taken back in the early 90's (pre-digital days!) at an IDBA race at Maple Grove Raceway in PA. I believe that they were running Pro Stock with it, but don't know for sure. I don't know who the rider is, unfortunately. Maybe another forum member can fill in the blanks...

Mike

Isn't that Freddie Mercury?

Very cool score. Have fun with it.