I have a 1987 KZ1000-A2, although it has A1 carbs. It has 26k miles. I've had it for 5 years, but much of that time it was not running. It looked great when I got it, but needed some attention. Spent some time not running. Everything I do I'm learning for the first time, so it takes a while. I got it running a year go after increasing the pilot jets and replacing the ignition coils. I've ridden it for 320 miles since then.
It is really hard to let out the clutch on this motorcycle. There is a thin margin between a jackrabbit start and a stall. It's like I don't know how to work a clutch. (I have two other motorcycles and all I drive is stick cars, for 20+ years.) I've never had to replace a clutch on anything I own, but this behavior is not what I normally associate with clutch failure. I honestly even tried practicing in my driveway, but in the end I feel like the motorcycle does not react in a consistent way to my use of the clutch and throttle, and it's really hard to ride the clutch (if I try) because the engagement travel distance on the clutch lever is really short.
Is this an issue that servicing the clutch can help with? I wonder also about fuel coming off idle hitting a lean spot because the jetting may not be matched right. It does rev and come down fine unloaded (stationary in neutral). It did stall coming to a stop once on a recent ride.
Work I did since owing it that I can remember: oil change (blackest stuff I ever saw, should probably change again, was thinking at 500 miles), adjusted valve clearance, cleaned and synced carbs (many times) replaces throttle cable, adjusted all carb and throttle specs, exhaust gaskets, tensioned cam chain, new battery, went over all electrical, bunch of other little things. Thanks!