1981 Kawasaki KZ1000 frame....can I use 1977 tank/side covers/tail piece?

Hello all,

First post. Greetings from the Motor City.

AS I am a huge Mad Max / Road Warrior fan and grew up with Kawaski Kz's (I'm 53), I'm going to build a RestoMod KZ1000. I am in process of purchasing a 1981 KZ1000, that has allready had new rear swingarm setup. My question is: is there much of a frame difference between the 1981 and 1977-78 Kawasakis? I'm also looking at buying a 1977 parts bike with good tank/rear tail fin/side panels, and I'd like to install on the 1981 frame.....can anyone give me any feedback as to whether they will attach ok?

Direct swap, no. I don't have a 1000, but 70s style stuff is probably going to be different than an 81 KZ1000.
You can compare the diagram drawings at Partzilla. I have an 81 KZ650 & there isn't much from the earlier 650s that I can use.

www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motorcycle/1981/kz1000-j1

www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motor...977/kz1000-kz1000-a1

Welcome. Good to add another Michigander to the forum. I’m a downriver rat myself.
1977 to 1980 Kz 1000 stuff will all interchange with each other, tanks from the Z1 and Kz900 will also fit. 1981 is a model change for the Kz1000. It became the “J” model. Don’t think it’s a bolt on swap. But anything is workable if you can fabricate. Tail fins are completely different for the “J” and the ‘81 LTD had no tail fin. The ‘81 rear frame behind the seat is completed different than the ‘77 to ‘80. I think it’s wider and aslo cut short . Lots of fab work to hang the ‘77 to ‘80 body on an ‘81. It would be easier to brace the ‘77 frame and stick with oem body then transfer it to the ‘81.

EDIT, I’m 99% sure the J engine will fit the ‘77 frame aslo. Swing arm not a clue. What swing arm mod has been done to the ‘81?

Thanks Mikaw...I'm in the burbs just outside of Detroit...

MotorCityMN wrote: Thanks Mikaw...I'm in the burbs just outside of Detroit...

What Burb ??

Im on Zukey Lake / Pinckney area

MotorCityMN wrote: Thanks Mikaw...I'm in the burbs just outside of Detroit...

Your new so I just wanted to make you aware of a private message system that is available through this forum. I sent you one last night. As it states it’s private between you and the recipient. Look for a notification at the top right on the “Recent topics” page.