kz1000 head question

Will a head from a 1976 kz1000 fit a 1980 kz1000?

Is this a trick question? :laugh:

I assume you either mean a '76 KZ900 or a '77 KZ1000--Kawisaki did not make a '76 KZ1000, I believe.

If it is a '77 KZ1000, then the answer is yes--assuming that the bike you want to put it on is really a 1980 model. :blink:

I'm pretty sure a '76 KZ900 head can also be bolted onto a 1980 engine, but I'm not absolutely positive.

It will only fit a LTD model. The 79-80 a2a, mkII and shaft have the smog heads on them.

sorry, you're right it is a 76 kz900 head. and it is going on a 1980 kz1000.

OK this is a question that i have been meaning to get to. How do I teel if it is a limited. It came with no markings on the side covers due to it being custom painted. The vin is kzt00b535398.

Sorry to barge in but whats a smog head vs the LTD head ? I thought they were both MK2 heads

Any KZ after 1978 came with a smog pump which attach to the valve covers. The cylinder head has a extra port, right behind the exhaust side of the head. If you go to Kawasaki site (parts diagram) you'll see the difference. Type in both 1978 and 1980 KZ000.

Royal1MC wrote:

Any KZ after 1978 came with a smog pump which attach to the valve covers. The cylinder head has a extra port, right behind the exhaust side of the head. If you go to Kawasaki site (parts diagram) you'll see the difference. Type in both 1978 and 1980 KZ000.

(1) Not every KZ sold in the US after 1978 had the smog ports, the 750 twins didn't get the smog ports till the 82 model.

(2) No pump on the valve covers or anywhere else, on any KZ, it's a simple vacuum controlled system that allows fresh air to be pulled into the ports.

(3) Bolt the 900 head on the 80 KZ1000 if you wish, just use the 900 cam/valve cover. You can also bolt the 1000 head on a 900, just plug the holes that lead into the ports and use the 900 cam/valve cover, it's done all the time.

I used epoxy to plug those holes, others tap them and screw in plugs.