1980 KZ1000 carb upgrade question

Motor Head wrote: OK, i don't see the reason for going CV, especially wanting the Pods. You say the CV is easier to tune with pods? I'm pretty sure the Stock carbs are a better choice.
1st they're worth more, so the bike is worth more.
2nd you can get to tuning right away without extra expense, the needles would have the adjustment slots. not so with USA CV's.
3rd Easy to even get a different slide cut away. The CV well?
4th All the issues with signal strength and Pods on a CV carb.
I'll stop now, that's my .02

Thats kinda some of the feedback I was looking for. Being one who hasn't hardly any experience with building/jetting these old style carbs,one of the questions I should have asked up front was which are better for the above(building/jetting) when installing performance exhausts and pod setups. Guess I'll keep'm,build and jet'm for the 4-1 I'm getting. Not sure where I heard that the CV's were a better option,but obviously I might have gotten some bad info or opinion. Thanks for the suggestions and feedback. I'll try and post some pics of the old gal soon. Ken
P.S.--1)Since the needles are slotted I'm assuming I'd just have to get the appropriate main jets instead of the entire jet kit. Correct ?? 2)and whats meant by "a different slide cutaway"??

The slide has a cut away, at the Airhorn, Belmouth, or Airfilter Intake side of it. It effects the low speed signal, which can make the signal stronger, ie less cutaway, or decrease it more cutaway.
Go into "Filebase" here on KZR, it is at the torp right of your tool bar. Go into the "Non specific models". There you find some really great write ups on carbs, jetting for Pods, rebuilding, balance Sync, Fuel level, operation, tuning, etc.
The Carbs you have sound like a much better fit/ cost than going with BS34's, or BS32's. But that is my opinion, I'm sure there are others.
Just think about buying a used set off of Feebay, then need ing rebuild kits, maybe diaphragms, a new float, or maybe damaged missing parts. Could add up to $300 if you get unlucky.
You carbs would be well worth spending $150 on to bring em back and some Jets.

Also I don't know where you source your parts, but Z1enterprises, has everything you might need for the bike, and if you have a business sign up for better pricing.

The CVs are an upgrade once you get them to run right. I have never got them to run right without buying a jet kit, I believe that the needle in the kit is the difference that you just cant get by adding shims under the stock needle.
As far as value I believe that it is close to a heads up trade. I dont know who is getting $400 for late model 28's but that would be news to me and I watch all the time.
Your carbs being from 1980 do not have a a slotted needle, 79 was the last year for that. But dont worry, 125 mains and 17.5 pilots and you should be right in the ball park.
Sorry we couldnt do the trade I am just looking for another set of 28's

Thanks!!!! I do have an acct with them cause I work on some old Kawi stuff. I have a customer with a KZ900 and KZ750B,one with Z1R,and now me. I also have accts with Sudco and K&L Supply which are good for old oddball stuff and carb parts.
Your right about the carbs. I just wasn't sure if it was possible to get the same or better performance out of these as newer CV's. I will check that info out in the next couple of days. I gotta order my pipe tomorrow. Unsure weather to just throw a cheapee Mac 4-1 on it or give V&H a call(I have an acct with them too) and order the one for the KZ's(not the drag version)Meg w/baffle. Thanks a bunch!!!!! Ken

You shouldn't have any problem with 26's. I have run them jetted 20/120 with pods and open header with the needle raised one notch on the ones that have notched needles.

I like the earlier 26's with just the air mixture instead of the gad mixture screw underneath.

As concerning the intake boots. You need larger one for 34mm carbs.

Thanks,I have access to all the jets,but I'm having a hard time finding adjustable needles. Will the 28's work and does anyone have a set to get rid of ?? Thanks

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Ken

I just found what I needed in Sudco catalog I believe. I can get complete O/H kits with gask's,asst jets,pilot jet,pilot screws w/springs and o-rings,float needle and seat,and what looks like adjustable needle for $18. Listing says 79-80 E1-E2 are VM28SS carbs. Hmmmm gonna call'm.

See, that's easy and cheap. The bike will run great on those carbs.

kenthewrench wrote: I just found what I needed in Sudco catalog I believe. I can get complete O/H kits with gask's,asst jets,pilot jet,pilot screws w/springs and o-rings,float needle and seat,and what looks like adjustable needle for $18. Listing says 79-80 E1-E2 are VM28SS carbs. Hmmmm gonna call'm.

Ahhhhhh Out of stock!!!! Won't be in till first of year. Crap!!!!!! I'm gonna pull'm in the next day or two when I get time here in shop and see what in'm. Mean time if anyone has some I'd proly be in the market for them. Thanks

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Ken

Cross to K&L?????

Motor Head wrote: Cross to K&L?????

Nope,just talked to my rep there,and kit they list doesn't come with near what Sudco kit has. I'm gonna pull'm tonite and see whats up. Sudco says if I give'm needle # they may be able to get adj one. Who knows they may already have'm. Thanks for suggestions. Ken

The Canada bikes had them, 16009-1013 JET NEEDLE,5CN15.
The US bikes had a choice, 16009-1046 JET NEEDLE,5CN29 | KZ1000 or 16009-1032 JET NEEDLE,5CN17 | KZ1000
You will find out quickly what you have and whats available.
Shims for needle height adjustment are Cheap!!!!