What makes an ltd an ltd? Model differences etc.

What were the differences between the '79 ltd and the earlier kz900 & kz1000A's? I've never like the look of the seats on the ltd. and wondered if there were other differences as well, and if seats from other models will work etc.

Well, I am no expert on this but I have gathered that the LTD's have the crappy seat, smaller diameter rear wheel, mag rims, front axle infront of the fork, super crappy handlebars that everyone replaces, and a small gas tank. Also I think the LTD's have cams designed to give more lower end torque, but lower hp as well. All these things made it more of a "cruiser". Although LTD's are considered the ultimate Kaw burger bikes, when they are clean they do have a certain muscle bike appeal that the others lack... maybe that's just cause I have one though

9am53 wrote:

Well, I am no expert on this but I have gathered that the LTD's have the crappy seat, smaller diameter rear wheel, mag rims, front axle infront of the fork, super crappy handlebars that everyone replaces, and a small gas tank. Also I think the LTD's have cams designed to give more lower end torque, but lower hp as well. All these things made it more of a "cruiser". Although LTD's are considered the ultimate Kaw burger bikes, when they are clean they do have a certain muscle bike appeal that the others lack... maybe that's just cause I have one though

76 -80 LTD Models

Motors are the same as the standard KZ except for carbs.

16" rear wheel

33/15 gearing instead of 35 /15

smaller gas tank capacity

different rear shocks

cleaner front turn signal setup

All that can be changed....

other side

REZZ ERECTION! Metal, paint and rubber Viagra! Well Played! Get that carb bank on and take us on a visual/audio tour.

The LTD started with the 76 900 LTD. Basically, MaKaw found out what people were doing to customize their Z1's. Then MaKaw did it and sold ,sold, sold. Like was said before, 16 inch rear wheel, mags, pull back bars, dual disks in front and replaced the shoe rear brake with a disk. Mullholand shocks, Jardine exhaust and a stepped seat rounded out the picture. The 76 model also had a smaller peanut gas tank but later models got more gas, more displacement and different carbs. Sold so well maKaw decided to offer LTD in many displacements. Then came Yamaha "Specials", Suzuki "L's", Honda's "Customs" and Schwinn's "Playboy"! :blink: :laugh:

Also in 1979 the rest of the KZ1000 line got the beefier MKII motor, where the 1979 LTD retained the 1978 engine with points ect.

Were KZ900 LTDs only made in the USA? Also did they make plain KZ900s in Lincoln Nebraska? Were the later KZ1000 LTDs and others LTDs made in Lincoln also?...Russ

larrycavan wrote:

other side

I love this bike. What front end is that? To me that fender looks like an original, or at least close to the original look.

Splandman wrote:

larrycavan wrote:

other side

I love this bike. What front end is that? To me that fender looks like an original, or at least close to the original look.

Thank you very much

All suspension, wheels and brakes are 96ZX7R. If you do one, go with a different swingarm. It was a mutha making that work on the KZ chassis

Front Fender is 250 Ninja. Modified a bit to fit.

larrycavan wrote:

Splandman wrote:

larrycavan wrote:

other side

I love this bike. What front end is that? To me that fender looks like an original, or at least close to the original look.

Thank you very much

All suspension, wheels and brakes are 96ZX7R. If you do one, go with a different swingarm. It was a mutha making that work on the KZ chassis

Front Fender is 250 Ninja. Modified a bit to fit.

Larry, that´s the price for a mono-shock rear

Dual shock is much easier as you don´t have to fabb a whole new set-up.

And Larry, as said before, that bike is AWESOME :woohoo:

Don't forget the LTD's didn't come with a center stand. I wish they did though!

All three of mine have (had) center stands, but they were from the '80s ('80, '81, '85).

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the LTD steering heads were a bit more kicked out (more rake) than other models. Any truth to that?