so what makes an "LTD" an "LTD"?

So while browsing through ebay im always surprised how cheap LTD model KZ's are being sold for. Probably like many others, I prefer the more aggressive sporty look of the earlier kawasakis before the LTD model.

I was just curious, how different is an LTD frame from an earlier kz1000? Would it be difficult to modify parts such as the frame, tank, seat, and suspension etc. to mimic the style of the older bikes? Has anyone done this before? Pictures would be great!

Never had an LTD but I do know the frame is different. The LTD has more rake in the front than the KZ

why would u want to go to the trouble of modifying an LTD/CSR "J" bike to "the earlier style" bike? Just find an earlier KZ and buy it.Lots less trouble.Or find an 81-82 "J" model (if u can).They look like the earlier KZ bikes and have the 102 hp "J" engine.bj

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to 23; the reason could be as simple as price. for example I purchased my csr in the winter knowing it would need work, got it for a good price and started the process of getting it where I like it to be. But after joining this site, I also wonder how difficult it would be to change the body of my 83 csr to look more like the older bikes. after looking at the tail section mostly they just look better. so my question would be is it possible to put one on over the tail section I have? Hope that made sense

Yep.I have an 82 CSR and have a long and short tail section for earlier bikes.No luck in getting it to fit the wider J frame so if u come up with a solution,please let me know. Otakar on here has modified a CSR into an 1100 by the way.bj

H1Vindicator wrote:

Someone here on KZR did a conversion of a CSR1000 into a GPz.
It came out really nice. I tried to find the topic but didn't have any luck... the search function here is the pits.

Yes I did the conversion. No there is not more rake in the LTD frame. There is actually less rake in the newer frames because of the leading axle configuration. Most of the frame is the same the differences come where the side covers are mounted, the way the seat is mounted and there is no tail section on the newer LTD/CSR bikes so there no provisions to mount one. The forks are also different. Here is the link to my thread about my conversion. Keep in mind that a CSR is a cheaper version of the LTD.
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...w&catid=11&id=169462
If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them on my thread.

Hey bj, who said it was a cr? I think if I'm not mistaken he didn't say what year. Did I miss something?

If you are talking a 78-80 LTD and not a CSR then yes it would be so easy to change to look like the old style save the sidecovers. But saying that, unless you want the sidecovers to fit from the early z1 you would have to modify the mounts to work. I would do all but that.
The big tanks fit fine, the parts are almost all plug n play. Getting the pieces might be expensive as the earlier z1 stuff is hard to find sometimes.
I think the later kz before the j models are actually better than the original z1 bikes. The frames are better, the charging system. Well, there are many notable differences so if you have no nostalgic attachment other than you want the bike to look like an earlier bike then depending upon what exactly you wanna change. I wouldn't bother with too much more than the rear fender, tail light, tail fin and big tank. If you are talking about the newer models I would say just jack up your gas cap and ride a z1 under it.

Many women have this complex with self-image. They are beautiful in their own way yet they wanna look like what they think men wanna see or another that they admire. Don't let your kz get this complex. It's very ugly. Sure it starts out innoculous but becomes a full blown affliction.
If you were referring to the Jmodel then I'd say pull an Otto on it or go for the street fighter look. No one will cry if you chop the frame on those. Now if you did that to a z1 bike then you would have to be flogged, drawn and quartered for even thinking stupid thoughts like that.:woohoo: :woohoo: :kiss:

saxjonz wrote:

Hey bj, who said it was a cr? I think if I'm not mistaken he didn't say what year. Did I miss something?

If you are talking a 78-80 LTD and not a CSR then yes it would be so easy to change to look like the old style save the sidecovers. But saying that, unless you want the sidecovers to fit from the early z1 you would have to modify the mounts to work. I would do all but that.
The big tanks fit fine, the parts are almost all plug n play. Getting the pieces might be expensive as the earlier z1 stuff is hard to find sometimes.
I think the later kz before the j models are actually better than the original z1 bikes. The frames are better, the charging system. Well, there are many notable differences so if you have no nostalgic attachment other than you want the bike to look like an earlier bike then depending upon what exactly you wanna change. I wouldn't bother with too much more than the rear fender, tail light, tail fin and big tank. If you are talking about the newer models I would say just jack up your gas cap and ride a z1 under it.

Many women have this complex with self-image. They are beautiful in their own way yet they wanna look like what they think men wanna see or another that they admire. Don't let your kz get this complex. It's very ugly. Sure it starts out innoculous but becomes a full blown affliction.
If you were referring to the Jmodel then I'd say pull an Otto on it or go for the street fighter look. No one will cry if you chop the frame on those. Now if you did that to a z1 bike then you would have to be flogged, drawn and quartered for even thinking stupid thoughts like that.:woohoo: :woohoo: :kiss:

later kz better than a z1? blasphemy i say,blasphemy! :laugh:

cobura wrote:

So while browsing through ebay im always surprised how cheap LTD model KZ's are being sold for. Probably like many others, I prefer the more aggressive sporty look of the earlier kawasakis before the LTD model.

I was just curious, how different is an LTD frame from an earlier kz1000? Would it be difficult to modify parts such as the frame, tank, seat, and suspension etc. to mimic the style of the older bikes? Has anyone done this before? Pictures would be great!

Difficulty is a relative term But modifications to the LTD are unlimited. Personaly, I like the smaller tank look of the LTD vs the KZ.

The extra rake was the result of wheel sizes, not steering head mount angle.

This is my version of an LTD

This is my version of an LTD [/quote]

*drool....

wow thats very nice. I am inspired. So basically, to wrap up what everyone is saying, the frame on the LTD's are very similar to the earlier bikes, and modifying them is NOT that difficult? Sounds good to me, i think i will buy an LTD i have my eye on.

In response to what saxjonz wrote, I totally agree that the somewhat later KS's were the nicest. I like the MKII's and Z1-R's the best. What i dont like are the bikes that kawasaki started making in the 80's to look like choppers. Big sofa seats and lowered rears, not for me. I think i will buy this LTD and raise her up a few inches in the back and make a custom tail. I think i will try making my first custom fiberglass fender. I've been reading up on it, i think i can do it! :woohoo: