New owner of a 1980 KZ1000 Z1 (with questions)

the z1 classic has never been sought after by collecters. It bassicly has an mk11 engine with differant head to allow injection. it can be made into a beast.

mopguy wrote: It is a 1980 KZ1000 Z1 Classic and the first EFI Kawasaki made. www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/kawasaki...asaki_z1-classic.htm .

Thank you for the clarification! This definitely helps.

peter1958 wrote: the z1 classic has never been sought after by collecters. It bassicly has an mk11 engine with differant head to allow injection. it can be made into a beast.

Then a beast it will be. I owe it to my friend.
Thank you.

peter1958 wrote: Nice bike. Send the engine here. www.cavanaughracing.com/

Perfect! I'll try contacting them soon. Appreciate it. Thank you.

Nice beast.
Steve

Just sentimental here, but don't cut that beauty up. R

Technically your bike is a KZ-1000 G1. If you're looking for parts, use that model. I was expecting a real rust heap. That bike is in better condition than anything I've ever started with.
The Classic wasn't a big seller, and they were the only EFI model of that time. Consequently, parts can be hard to find, specifically with the EFI. I recall some posts on converting to carbs due to bad ECU's and no replacements available.
Honestly, I'd start with a through cleaning and try to get it running as is. Those motors were pretty durable. Do a compression test and check the valve clearance. Ride it a while and then decide if the motor needs to be stronger. It's probably got all the power you need for its cruiser style handling ability. It's going to take major surgery to improve beyond that. That's a nice example of an original Classic. It's your bike, but it would be a shame to hack it up.
As mentioned above, your biggest challenge is going to be dealing with any EFI issues. I'm pretty sure I have the EFI manual supplement for the G1. PM me a direct e-mail address.

I agree. If the FI becomes a problem a carb switch is fairly easy. Maybe some better cams? Nice survivor.
Steve

Rust everywhere? Okay??? Any surface corrosion on the aluminum and chrome parts can be cleaned off with minimum effort and the rest should be fine 99% of old bike tanks are rusty inside, no big deal after a vinegar soak (or similar, research a bit) only 2,000 Z1 classics were made in total. Cafe bikes are a fad, uninspired, derivative and the kz lines aren't actually right for that "look" anyway.

The bike in my AV was just an engine I had laying around a frame boight from a friend and a few extra parts bought along the way. That would be the "proper start" on a cafe fighter thingy.

Thanks guys! I truly appreciate the insight and suggestions. It's all very helpful.

MDZ1rider wrote: Technically your bike is a KZ-1000 G1. If you're looking for parts, use that model. I was expecting a real rust heap. That bike is in better condition than anything I've ever started with.
The Classic wasn't a big seller, and they were the only EFI model of that time. Consequently, parts can be hard to find, specifically with the EFI. I recall some posts on converting to carbs due to bad ECU's and no replacements available.
Honestly, I'd start with a through cleaning and try to get it running as is. Those motors were pretty durable. Do a compression test and check the valve clearance. Ride it a while and then decide if the motor needs to be stronger. It's probably got all the power you need for its cruiser style handling ability. It's going to take major surgery to improve beyond that. That's a nice example of an original Classic. It's your bike, but it would be a shame to hack it up.
As mentioned above, your biggest challenge is going to be dealing with any EFI issues. I'm pretty sure I have the EFI manual supplement for the G1. PM me a direct e-mail address.

Thank you again!! PM sent.

PLEASE don't cut it, paint it. or otherwise change it from a sweet, scarce bike to just another ho hum bike. Ed