Kz1000 feels slow

Kz seems like it should be a little quicker, runs smooth, has 4 into 1 header and individual air filters. Engine pulls steady through full rpm range (1000 to 9000) but the bike really isnt that quick.

How is compression? Valve clearance?

Because it isn't. Its 40 yrs. old! What did you ride a Busa? A ZX whatever? A showroom stock 600cc crotch rocket will walk all over a KZ.
But you want to hang on? Put a 14 tooth countershaft sprocket on the front along with a 37 or 39 on the back! Then holeshot it! You can't get your feet up fast enough to pull 2nd. gear. At least that is my experience over the years. I have an old Shovelhead FLH for the road. Kaw's are city beater bikes! JMO. 45 yrs. experiance

What he said not fast compared to what?

My son has an R6 Yamaha. He regularly makes me feel very inadequate!

:lol: :lol: :lol: That depends how you look at it. Will his be running 40 years later Could he handle it like he does his? I doubt it. No comparison, you could make it faster and handle better but they're two different worlds.
Steve

I embarrass modern bikes all the time in the twisties with this 43 year old. Now in a straight line not so much.

baldy110 wrote: I embarrass modern bikes all the time in the twisties with this 43 year old. Now in a straight line not so much.

Good looking bike!

baldy110 wrote: I embarrass modern bikes all the time in the twisties with this 43 year old. Now in a straight line not so much.
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Even on the highway, I can stick like glue to the crotch rockets, while they are laying on the tanks WFO.
My problems begin around ~120-130 mphish with the dreaded HS wobble, or I would be able to overtake them. My bike is an exceptionally strong runner, and certainly not the normal ragged out 40 year old sled.


I don't get too crazy, and when traffic is present, I do tend to back off while trying not to kill anyone in the process. Self included.

A lot of performance issues can be linked to the little stuff, like are the carbs clean? Is the air box on it? Air cleaner pods screwing with the fuel mixtures when at speed. Too fat fuel mixtures? Valves set? Good tune with no spitting or popping, etc. Tank liners can also be linked to constantly plugged carb pilot circuits.. etc.

If you have points ignition, have you checked the advancer to insure it is working properly?

Has all of the routine maintenance been performed according to schedule?