J Motor ID ?

Looked at my 1982 LTD engine number. I know I read if the 6th ot 7th number has a "J" in it, its a J motor. Im a little confused now.


1st the engine number on my bike is KZT00JE0213**. I assume its a "J" motor ??? On the Zeder site it lists the number ranges for LTD & J motors being in the same range but has 2 different specs. The one is the 92HP engine and the other is the 102HP :huh:

Then I read on a few other forums by some KZ guy that the "J" motor is less desireable since it was a cheaper motor, and had problems with cranks twisting. I have read here and many other places the J motor was the better motor made in 81 & 82, but the Zedder site and postings on that other site have me confused.

if the ends of the cam covers are blocky or it doesnt have a kickstart, or kickstart shaft, its a J motor.

and since your bike is an 82 it should have a 92hp J motor, the ltd/csr are rated at 92hp because of their stump pulling torque due to the cams and carburation setup.

you could change your cams acd get some smoothies to make 102hp but you'll have to wind it higer when putting around town.

these motors are desireable because of their freer flowing head and tougher transmission, i'm not sure about the crank twisting, and the only thing i cand find undesireable about them is that they lack a badass kickstart.

feel free to correct me if i'm wrong.

Post edited by: themachine, at: 2007/10/04 06:23

The "J" motor is 998 cc vs the earlier 1015 cc 1000's.
All US model 1000's except the KZ1000 police used the "J" motor from 1981 on, the KZ1000 Police used it from 1982-2005.

Assuming Kawasaki followed their usual practice of starting production of the following year model in July, and ending it in June, then the first "J" motors were produced in July of 1980, and the last in June of 2005, that means it was in production for 25 years. I think that's a record.

Thanks for the help with the motor ID,
Im happy with the performance of the 1000 so far. I got tired of all the shifting with smaller bikes and so far this LTD 1000 seems to be pretty good.

1 question though.......... Do they make any case gurads for the 82 KZ1000 LTD ? I called a few places and they dont list any for the 1982's.