Spectre or not a Spectre??

Hey folks! New member here with my first project bike. I’ve been having a lot of trouble confirming which model KZ550 I truly have. According to the title I have a “KZLTD550” however the bike has a Spectre tank and side covers. VIN on title and frame states Mfg date 10/82 / Model KZ550M / VIN JKAKZFM1…which I believe means it is NOT a true Spectre. Other indications such as chrome where black paint should be and black mags vs gold mags lead me to believe someone merely switched out the tank and side covers in a past life in a feeble clone attempt . Any help would be appreciated as I am torn between perfecting the Spectre look or going back to original LTD as I move forward with my project. Thanks in advance! 
Sean

Here is a post with some info.

kzrider.com/forum/13-bike-related/418389-model-history#418431

 

KZ550M is a shaft drive LTD.

www.kzrider.com/filebase?task=download.s...id=1178&catid=64&m=0
 

I'd concur with Texas. Many differences at first glance - wrong shocks, chrome exhaust, wrong color footpeg brackets, wrong color carbs, et cetera. If you're going for the simplest route, I would go for the LTD look, as even if it were a Spectre it'd be a lot of work to get it looking right.

That being said, in the photos the bodywork and tank look pretty nice...maybe you could trade with someone, or sell those parts to finance another set?

Thanks guys, aligns with what I thought but I’m no expert. I like the idea of possibly trading someone for an equal condition LTD tank, side covers and fender; or selling to buy LTD parts (even though I really like that gold color scheme). I thought ‘83 was the only year for a 550 Spectre (if my research is correct) so I would think those parts would be desirable. Seems like it would hold more value in the long term if I take it back to original. Anyone know if an ‘83 LTD came in that same color so maybe I could just swap the side covers? Thanks again!

Sean

See page 67.

www.kzrider.com/modules/ServiceManuals/M...nition_1982-1985.pdf