Are police engines any different than std motors??

Reading the question, I see it as J-Models versus Earlier Non-J-Models. Maybe the original poster will clarify.

Patton is right. I was looking to see if civllian bikes are different than police models whether it be kz or j model. I was hopeing they might have welded the crank or did some other good stuff.

I'm no expert here so going off memory of all the postings I've read here in the last 4 years... :blink: Damn I need a life.... :whistle: :laugh:

Ok, here we go...

If comparing police J model to non police J model, probably not a noticeable change.
If comparing J model to non J model of a 10 year span, yeah there's differences...

The crank shafts are different between earlier/later models. Hell, different between my '76 KZ900 and '78 KZ1000 for that matter.

J-model vs non J-models, If I remember reading this correctly, the head porting was different for air intake for the larger BS-34 carbs. Valve sizes different? Larry C, where are ya bud for clarifications...?

Earlier KZ vs Later year models, factory electronic ignition system vs points and condensers of the earlier years.

Cam Shafts/Timing chain/pin counts etc... are different...

AC->DC /charging systems are slightly different (I think anyways)... Not sure of how much if at all... LoudVHX, where are ya?

OMR

Kraz1 wrote:

650ed wrote:

Kraz1 wrote:

bountyhunter wrote: Electricals are different, not the motor.

I'd have to disagree... Starter Clutches are junk in KZ J-models, and so is the Clutch Basket, when compared to an '80 and earlier KZ.

What bits are different in the starter clutch? According to Kawasaki.com part number "13193-1006 CLUTCH ASSY,STARTING" is used in the following models (1973 Z1 through the 2001 KZ1000P):

I think the facts are from personal experience, the J-Model tends to eat their s Starter Clutches. faster.

Early J motors had issues with keeping the alternator rotors tight on the crankshaft. That situation contributed to starter clutch problems.

Failed starter clutches can happen to any model.

Part numbers interchanged constantly over the years so going by them as an indication of reliability isn't a reliable indicator. It doesn't mean the part was upgraded in every situation. I've seen numbers interchange multiple times in some parts.

yes....like tons

Polar_Bus wrote: One really cool fact I learned is that the "police" carbs have adjustable needles, unlike the EPA compliant fixed needles of the civillian bikes'

Canadian models adjustable, U.S. models fixed.