What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

retterath
Topic Author
Offline
User
Posts: 99
Thanks: 9

What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

09 May 2015 22:30 - 09 May 2015 22:35

Picked up a 1980 KZ1000(?) LTD from a co-worker, I'm having nothing but trouble getting this thing running, but only because I'm not even sure what it is. It seems to be a between generations mishmash of parts. I can't find the vin in any of the decoders. Not even Kawasaki recognizes it. Help me please!

Attachments:

Last edit: 09 May 2015 22:35 by retterath. Reason: added pics

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

floivanus
Offline
User
Posts: 1055
Thanks: 116

Re: What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

09 May 2015 22:42

#671323

1980 kz1000 ltd, has stock kawasaki cdi system, accel wires and Z1 carbs.

It's your basic, "throw whatever you have on it, and keep it running" kz. Not being able to get it running has 't really got a thing with knowi g what year it is, clean the carbs, check for spark, get new plugs in it and it should run, 90% of the time that's what you gotta do and you should be going

my bikes; 80kz1000(project), 77 gl1000, 74 h2 (project)
Past; 78 kz1000, 83 kz550
Andrew

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

retterath
Topic Author
Offline
User
Posts: 99
Thanks: 9

Re: What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

09 May 2015 22:52

#671326

I'm trying to find an accurate wiring diagram. Accel coils are no longer, and there is a relay wired in to kill ignition for power shifting. (was drag raced back in the day) Trying to get back to zero, if you know what I mean.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Mcdroid
Offline
User
Gone Kwackers
Posts: 6672
Thanks: 338

Re: What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

10 May 2015 04:30

#671338

Zedder.com puts that as a 1980 KZ1000B4. The leading '5' on the numeric portion of the VIN merely indictates that the motorcycle was assembled in Nebraska. Kawasaki never produced a wiring diagram in color for your motorcycle. They did produce a black and white diagram which was only included in the /Service Supplement (Kawasaki part number 99963-0034-01)...often offered on eBay.

Michael
Victoria, Texas

1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

etbike3135
Offline
User
Posts: 381
Thanks: 50

Re: What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

10 May 2015 05:43 - 10 May 2015 05:45

#671341

Those are Mikuni RS Flatslide carbs.Very nice, but they look like they need a good cleaning inside and out. I would find someone with an ultrasonic to clean them. Also has a standard electronic ignition (stock), not a CDI ignition.

1973 Kawasaki Z1
18 years in dragbikes

Last edit: 10 May 2015 05:45 by etbike3135.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

retterath
Topic Author
Offline
User
Posts: 99
Thanks: 9

Re: What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

10 May 2015 08:29

#671364

Great info on the wiring diagram! Thanks.

The carbs were pristine inside. As was the gas tank. It looks a little rough from all the barn swallow poo, but is cleaning up nicely.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

bluezbike
Offline
Sustaining Member
Posts: 593
Thanks: 104

Re: What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

10 May 2015 09:52

#671374

If Mikuni flatslides were put on your bike chances are very good that some other speed mods were added as well especially if it was dragged. One easy way to see what's what is to take off the cam cover and see if you have hotter cams than stock. You would have to do that anyway to check for valve clearances. Looks/feels like a "sleeper" to me, nice score, keep us posted.

79 KZ 1000 LTD
77 KZ 1000 B1 LTD (awaiting electrical resurrection)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

retterath
Topic Author
Offline
User
Posts: 99
Thanks: 9

Re: What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

10 May 2015 10:15

#671376

I know it's 1130cc's, stock cams, Campbell (or Murray) X-pipes. Was parked due to a bad coil, then house fire, kids, life. Now I'm trying to bring it back to life. I really need to stop bringing home strays!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

retterath
Topic Author
Offline
User
Posts: 99
Thanks: 9

Re: What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

13 Nov 2015 16:40 - 13 Nov 2015 17:13

#698549

It is now running. New coils and ignitor. Dad wanted to paint, so let him at it. Found out it has Andrews 3x cams. Did the electro rust removal on the Murray x pipe. Updated pic.

Attachments:

Last edit: 13 Nov 2015 17:13 by retterath. Reason: pics.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

floivanus
Offline
User
Posts: 1055
Thanks: 116

Re: What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

13 Nov 2015 17:15

#698554

Nice, what's the kanji say?

my bikes; 80kz1000(project), 77 gl1000, 74 h2 (project)
Past; 78 kz1000, 83 kz550
Andrew

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

retterath
Topic Author
Offline
User
Posts: 99
Thanks: 9

Re: What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

13 Nov 2015 21:27

#698576

Kawasaki.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

ed spangler
Offline
User
Tennessee Z
Posts: 512
Thanks: 29

Re: What _is_ this? VIN decoding help needed

14 Nov 2015 01:47

#698584

1130 CC?
Wonder how "Streetable" that will be? Does it have an Oil Cooler?
Nice Find!
Ed

Have 1975 Kawasaki Z1-B & 2003 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic
Had Hondas, Harleys and many ,many Z Series Kaws both Std. & LTD's

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.