kz1000s handle wierd since they were new...

"Early frames had a tendancy to flex around the steering head. Bracing was added, but the handling was never ideal."


I know when stuff gets put into print that we mortals tend to go "yep...read it in a magazine...must be true". For the most part, the early 'Z's were a little flexy, but don't throw the towel in just yet. There's guy on this forum that RACES a Z1R!:ohmy: Let me tell you this: I've owned a few 'Z' Kaws (my way of defining a 1980 and before Kawasaki big bore) and of all the liter class bikes that I've owned my '78 Z1R (the 2nd one that I've had...and still have) is by far more evil handling than any of my earlier Zs. I don't know if it's the front 18" wheel, or the semi-harsh suspension, or what, but that thing is completely evil...but it doesn't walk around the road on me...and I'm a bit embarassed to admit to 'where' it's been on the speed-o, so like I said: don't throw the towel in.

You've got shocks and wheel alignment and lots of other issues to address...keep us posted.

I've owned three KZ100's. Always had headers and pods on them and motor were pretty stock, ( one had ported and polished heads) Never got past 130 mph before engine red-lined.:dry

I'm a sport bike rider and personally don't feel comfortable riding these old bikes fast.

Figured I would shore-up the frame should I opt to restore the bike.

There are memebers that have added this Kosman Z-1 frame brace kit.

All the best!
Phil

Post edited by: circusnuts, at: 2007/08/31 21:22

Hey Frank, Your right this thread is ridiculous. Ive been riding KZ for over thirty years and the only handling problems I ever encountered were related to LACK of maintenance.

Hey these are street bikes aren't they?

KZCSI

Sure Bill.........you've been riding 30 years in a haze. Make no mistake boys.......and girls. These old turds aren't high tech machines. They can and will wobble at high speeds. Many things factor this and especially maintenance. Road....tires......alignment...swing arm...etc. I've riden a 1000 once that changed lanes on me around 80mph. Brings a whole new meaning to "pucker up".

My 75 had a pretty good wobble around 110. I'll be adding a Kosman kit to my 78 while i have it apart. But I'm hoping to have about 200 hp so I need all the support I can get. :ohmy:

sidestep the clutch on an h2750 and run it through the gears,then come back and tell me how bad the frames and suspension are on a kz!

:laugh:

Just about every thing handled bad in the early
seventies.My 77 Sportster was terrible,even with
only about 45 Rear wheel hp.Honda 750s wallowed
worse than my 1000.The first year Goldwings were
awfull.British bikes might have handled better
but by the mid seventies most were broken or worn
out.About everyone I knew that rode British bikes
had gave up on them and bought Japanese.The HD
guys pretty much stayed with HD.My friend used
to do 90% of his maintenance with a pipe wrench
and a hammer.:laugh:

Was this problem only on the KZ1000's? The only time I had any instability on my KZ650C1 was when the original shocks gave up the ghost (back in '79). I take my bike over 100 very often (more than once per month) usually 1 up but occasionally 2 up and do not experience any instability, period. Of course I keep quality tires (Michelins) on it and take care of all maintenance items. In my earlier days, on a long trip from races in the Poconos to Baltimore, I ran my bike along side a friend who had a VERY fast KZ750 at 120 for just over ten miles with no instability before we came to our senses. Ed

The straightline wobbles don't start untill
about 130MPH on the spedo.In a big sweeping
turn,with a big handfull of throttle enough
to break the tire loose,will give you some
tank slappers you will never forget.My brothers
1983 CB1100F would do the same thing though.