Chain/shock problem

If the brake disk lines up, then it's probably not the swing arm. As already suggested, it's probably the sprocket carrier. The earlier part is quite a bit deeper. see eebbaayy pics. .

81 1000

77 1000

I agree. Both have the sloped piece but the older one sticks out and has that cylindrical piece which is probably 3/4" wider if i had to guess. I just wanted to be sure before i spend 40$ and then they be the same. Thank you martin. You have helped me so much man! On multiple issues. And yes all the brake components line up exactly as they should which is what makes me also think it isnt the swingarm. Everything is straight and mounted as it should. Im going to order a cushdrive and go from there

I saw a couple of others on eb for around $30. more searches will probably yield more results.
From the cross-reference at Partzilla for the 1981 KZ1000-K1 Ltd. 42033-1024 COUPLING-ASSY (sprocket carrier)

1981 KZ1000-J1 REAR WHEEL-HUB-CHAIN
1982 KZ1000-J2 REAR WHEEL-HUB-CHAIN
1983 KZ1000-J3 REAR WHEEL-HUB-CHAIN

1981 KZ1000-K1 LTD REAR WHEEL-HUB-CHAIN
1982 KZ1000-K2 LTD REAR WHEEL-HUB-CHAIN
1981 KZ1000-M1 CSR REAR HUB-CHAIN
1982 KZ1000-M2 CSR REAR HUB-CHAIN

1981 KZ1100-B1 GPz REAR WHEEL-HUB-CHAIN
1982 KZ1100-B2 GPz REAR WHEEL-HUB-CHAIN

1982 KZ1000-P1 Police 1000 REAR WHEEL-HUB-CHAIN
thru
2005 KZ1000-P24 Police 1000 REAR WHEEL-CHAIN
(82-2005 KZ1000-P1 thru -P24).

Yeah i ordered one that was apparently off of a 1999 police bike. It was super clean looking and the sprocket was in pretty good shape. Its was 50$ with the price of shipping

Sounds good. I prefer getting clean looking parts too. no more junk for me. hee.

Yeah me too. My father has completely restored his 76 900 and it is immaculate. I would love to restore mine as in powdercoat the frame, get the engine painted, completely redo the wiring harness and delete the bullshit and fix my oil leaks. My dad thinks it isnt worth it. Haha i do

I have $250 into the bike so what i spend to restore it and get it painted i would still be ahead of the game IMO