Buying a KZ1000 need some help

Hey guys:

I'm looking at a 1980 KZ 1000 LTD vs a 1977 KZ1000 to buy. Is the 1980 the same engine and just as good if not better than the 77? I ask because of the restrictions in 1980 and not sure if that is only the speed-o or if the engine has more horses in the late 70's vs 80.

Any tips would be appreciated as this will be my 4th bike but first KZ1000.

Thanks all

The 77 and 80 motors are not the same. If its a orginal motor the 80 b4 ltd is a better built (stronger) motor. The 1980 kz 1000 b4 ltd has a mk11 motor.

The 77 will be worth more depending on the shape its in!

Buy the 80 if you intend to keep it. I have had both. I actually installed the 80 engine in a 77.The 77 will bring more with wire wheels.

Ok guys here's the update. I bought the 1980 LTD and will pick it up Friday. It has 15k miles, it was built mid year 1980. Numbers are correct range for the engine and frame. The paint looks pretty good but the stickers are very faded on the tail and sides and the tank clear coat is flaking. Guy thinks it was waxed and cleaned a lot which caused some of the fading maybe. He said it was like that when he picked it up. He has had the bike for a year of two. Has a 3 inch tear on the seam of the seat at the bottom which can not be seen unless the seat is up. It has the original pipes and I will put a Kerker on it once I'm 100% happy with it. The back brakes need to be fixed, they work but he said he thinks someone may have ran the pads to thin and hit the rotor. His plan was to fix that when he had a back tire put on it. The guy sent me a lot of photos and videos. But I will see it in person end of this week.

Thanks for any and all the thoughts. I really appreciate any tips on how to deal with those items. Also I have heard that I could put the Kerker on myself but read that the carbs need to be re-jetted. Nothing like that sound.

Nice score!

The seat can be re-upholstered of course or you can buy a seat cover. They come in slightly different styles so look at them closely. Usually they are close to original design but can differ slightly...take a good look to see if they are a match for original match if it matters. Or you can buy a new seat from different places. Check www.Z1Enterprises.com . Paint is just from wear and tear. Seen that happen on many bikes. Options are to run it as is or repaint. Check around...I think you can get decals to reapply after repainting base color to get original paint scheme...if thats the direction you want to go. Rear rotor will be a judgement call once you see it in person as to what to do with it. If bad, some can be ground some to clean up...otherwise look for a good used one. Not sure if you can still buy new ones...if so they will probably be costly...it all boils down to what you want to spend and how original you want to make it again.

Here are a couple more video clips. Thanks guys for the feedback.

score...those turn out nice from stock to street racer...that is a good year...

did i miss it..what'd you spend...registered and legal etc...

Clean it up and RIDE IT

Look at what the rest of us have done to our bikes and set a budget and go for it.
Stock would be very nice , but so would a few personal mods . Make it as nice as that hotrod and you will be golden
Dave

what a deal

Nice score! The problems you mention are minor for most here. If the clear is the only thing that is wrong (tank), I believe you can sand the clear down until it is smooth without disturbing the base color or decals (would have to be careful). Then you can respray it with two part urethane clear. I seen a member here do just that to his 75 and it came out like new.