Big Bore starter.

79MKII wrote:

Are any of you guys running a honda starter that looks like the picture below? It's from a CB900 but I've noticed that the 900 starters have part of the mounting holes cut away, where the mounting bolts go through. Would this work on our KZ's??

Just going from memory, it looks like the same one I installed on my M2. Don't worry about the bolt shaft cut-away.

This mod maid a HUGE difference on my bike. Night and day.

OK, I've been asking a lot of questions to guys on eBay and it seems that the CB750 starters are .7kw and the CB900/1100 starters are .8kw. The stock Kaw starter is a .6kw. Assuming they will all bolt into the Kaw (even the weird one shown in the previous post), is the change to a .7kw worth it or should I make sure I buy a .8kw??

I also found a new aftermarket source for the KZ starters. They are 25% more powerful than stock, which puts them at .75kw. That would bolt right in for sure, but costs a little over $200. They do have a one year warranty but the price is pretty steep. What do you guys think??

79MKII wrote:

I also found a new aftermarket source for the KZ starters. They are 25% more powerful than stock, which puts them at 7.5kw. That would bolt right in for sure, but costs a little over $200. They do have a one year warranty but the price is pretty steep. What do you guys think??

Well, I got a CB900 starter for about $20, and it works great. It took some work to clearance the sprocket cover so it didn't interfere with the power post, but if you've got a grinder, it's not too bad.

If it were me, I'd pick $20 + a little work over a new aftermarket starter for 10x the price.

Mine is from a CB900 and turns over great. It bolts in but you have to grind out a small spot on the inside of the sprocket cover so the psitive terminal of the starter will clear it. Only paid about $20 shipped also.

bkitchen wrote:

Mine is from a CB900 and turns over great. It bolts in but you have to grind out a small spot on the inside of the sprocket cover so the psitive terminal of the starter will clear it. Only paid about $20 shipped also.

You guys found some great deals! I'll have to be patient. Do you remember if your starter looked like the one in the picture? With those funky cut outs??

Mine did not have the cutouts.

I think mine DID have the cutouts. I don't remember for sure.

Man, I've been outbid on 3 or 4 starters in the last couple of weeks. They're going in the $50-$60 range now. There are a bunch of "buy it now" parts but they are like $90 and up!:blink: My patients are wearing thin...must not bid too high...must be patient...must not bid high...

I'm holding out for the .8kw unit from the 900's and 1100's. Maybe the .7kw units are going for less (from the 750's), but I'm not sure if that will be enough starter motor for my 1260cc's of pure classic kawasaki power!

Update: I got a .8kw unit for $32.50 shipped. Cheaper would have been better, but not too bad, really. Hopefully it will have the power to turn over this beast!

The starter I won was listed as being from an '82 CB900 and is a .8kw unit. I just installed it this morning and the difference is UN-FREAKIN' BELIEVABLE!!! Totally amazing! The Honda starter is like the Kaw starter with the plugs out and my engine is a 1260cc!! I am shocked at what a difference it made.

It was a 100% bolt in for me. The positive terminal on the starter is oriented a little differently, but I have an aftermarket front sprocket cover so clearance wasn't an issue. If that's the only mod that has to be done to a stock motor, I would recommend it to anyone.

Thanks for all of the tips! Awesome mod!!

Right on!
Glad it worked for ya,that's great.