how to ID KZ1000 engines???

:blush: I'm a noob to the KZ world, and I was just wondering how to ID motors for certain years. I hear a lot about the "J motor" and I'd just like a little insight on how to figure out what motor is in the '79 KZ1000 that I am looking at tomorrow night! I'd appreciate it!

the majority of 73-80 900/1000 motors will look basically the same main cosmetic differance being some are painted.an easy clue is stamped on front of cyinder on right side (sitting on bike) 73-75 z1 and 76 900 will have 903 cast into pad,77-80 1000 will say 1015 and j series will have 998 this is only if the motor hasnt been bored oversize of course.z1 engine numbers normally start with Z1-E followed by numbers kz motors normally start with KZ-T followed by numbers.if the dyno cover on left side is finned with kawasaki cast into it chances are good its a 79-80 motor,the 79-80 motors also have smog ports in head/valve cover

try www.aperaceparts.com/tech/techkz1000.html

tells all you need to know