76 KZ900 vs a LTD

I am going to buy a 1976 KZ900 LTD model, does anyone know the difference between the lTD anf the standard KZ900? Would a standard seat fit on the LTD model?
Thanks

The ltd has a 16 in rear tire with a rear disk brake. Also a thin rear fender to make the bigger rear tire look even bigger. It has more cruiser like bars. Also has a peanut tank. Smaller holds less gas. Usually has Morris mags instead of spokes. It also has a short front fender and came with two 2 into 1 exhaust. No centerstand although the hangers are there but the exhaust interferes. I believe the seat is the same except for the king/queen on the ltd. But with the smaller tank the KZ900 seat may look funny. It also came with Mullholand(sp?) shocks. I think that's it. Think!
Ooops I believe it had a different grab bar too. With more curve.

The LTD is a completely different frame then the standard. It has more rake for one thing and was Mother Kaw's attempt to lure the "cruiser/chopper" crowd. I wouldn't say a standard seat will not fit an LTD frame as anything is possible if you have the fabricating skills, the time, the money and the desire but I will say it is NOT a direct bolt on. Engines internally are mostly the same. The LTD had different cams and carbs I do believe. A lot of guys on here don't like the LTD's. I love both of mine. They suit the kind of riding I do very well and I prefer the upright riding position.


EDIT: Loco, both of my LTD's have factory center stands.

The "76" is the most desirable LTD to own.

I install LTD seats on my A4 900 so you should be good to go. Keep the original seat. Roy

Concur with everything above except that both the B1 (Ltd) and the A4 (standard) have the VM26SS carbs. They were changed in 1976 to try and provide more mid-range power (from what I've read.

Also, the grab bar is different to accomodate the Ltd seat. What ever you do, don't get rid of anything....they only made around 5000 of the Ltd's

Vter I think the only difference in the frame is the rear brake being disk is modded for the master cyl. I don't think the rake is any different. Both 1976 std and 1976 LTD have a 1505mm wheelbase. The brakes were reversed on the forks. As for the center stand I plug one in when I need it but there is no way I could ride with it. I just looked it up in Original Kawasaki Z1, Z900 & KZ900 by David Marsden. He states that the low slung exhaust necessitated the removal of the center stand. They actually beefed up the side stand. Your exhaust must not be the stock Jardines. Are they 76' 900LTD's as other year 1000LTD's may differ. Other changes were the front headlight bracket was changed as well as the front signals were located on the handlebars. Since it was dual disks up front a larger master cylinder was utilized. He does confirm seat brackets were unchanged but again I caution because the smaller tank might give you a gap when using a standard seat. Yes the engine and the carbs were identical.

Arh! Vter I now see by your post which LTD's you are talking about. I guess the first LTD the 76 900ltd is different than yours. His post seems specific to that one.

Loco, more proof that it pays to read things closely. I see the post is about a 76 900 LTD. My 550 is an 81 and my 1000 is an 82. :blush:


It's the Vermont cold, it numbs the brain. That's my story and I'm sticking to it...

Vter: Your 82 LTD has a wheelbase of 1540mm so I guess it could be raked. I also had a couple 550 ltd's that it sure seemed like their forks were extended but they were stock.

This is the bike I would like to buy. Is this a LTD model, I think a standard seat will fit but does this look like the "peanut" tank?

It doesn't look like a LTD. Some LTD stuff on there though. The seat and front fender look LTD, and they've added a 16" rear wheel it appears. The bodywork all looks like regular KZ900. Look at it close and don't pay too much. That motorcycle looks to be a combination of multiple motorcycles.

$1500 is the price

thats a 76 kz900 im guessing,no rear mastercylinder mounting bracket behind sidecover.nice looking bike,price seems decent enough.