Jack Placement

Good evening. I got a 1982 KZ1100 Shaft to restore a couple of months ago. It is my first project, so maybe I was a little too ambitious. I've done what I can so far on its side stands, but I need to replace the oil pump, and the manual says that, in order to do that, it has to be on its center stand.I tried to get it on its center stand, but I had no luck. The tires are flat, the center stand itself is very rusty, and the spring doesn’t seem to be in good condition. I got a jack like the one in the picture; however, I’m not entirely sure where to place it. There seems to be a somewhat flat surface on the bottom, but I’m not sure if this is part of the exhaust system and whether I can place the bike’s entire weight on it.Any tips on the correct placement and how to get it aligned would be very helpful. 

OK, it's great that you have joined the fold but I think given your lack of knowledge there are a few things I would suggest -
Firstly - spend some time studying the workshop manual so that you can identify what the different components are (what is and isn't part of the exhaust etc)
When you say the stand is very rusty, does that mean it is rotten (the structural integrity is compromised) if not I would suggest getting it working correctly should be the first job (with a flat tyre you may need a friend to assist getting the bike on it) the spring only holds the stand up when not in use so won't effect it's operation in holding the bike.
Using the jack you have would be best with a couple of blocks of wood so you are lifting on the frame rails however, if you are doing the oil pump you need to remove the bottom of the engine so the jack will likely be in the way. If the main stand is no good you might be better with a "paddock stand"
Whichever route you choose the bike needs to be secure (this is  big bike and having it fall while you are lying under it would not be good)
Why do you want to replace the oil pump (this is not a common failure) how have you diagnosed it ?

Welcome.

First off: does the center stand move if you plant your foot on it? If not, soak down the pivot points with penetrating fluid (WD40, PB/Laster, or whatever) and let it soak for about 24 hours—which, as Wookie wisely suggested, will provide a good window of time for you to familiar yourself with the shop manual (NOT the Chilton's manual) while you wait. then, try again.

At this point, forgive me if I'm being pedantic. I'm assuming you're more or less new to this stuff.

There's a trick of leverage and body dynamics for getting a bike onto its center stand. Stand to the left side of the bike (like you're going to mount a horse) and grab the handle bars, as far outward as you can while still getting a good grip. then, with your right foot, stand on the peg protruding from the left side of the center stand. Your left foot should be completely off the ground. While you put your full weight on the center stand, pull backward on the handlebars, applying equal pressure on both sides, straight toward the back of the bike. Don't try to pull up on the bars, just pull back. If you're a smaller person, this might go a lot easier the first couple of times if you've got somebody pulling backward with you.

When you're ready to take the bike off the center stand, just grab the bars and push the bike forward.

With all that said, do the stuff Wookie said. And don't talk yourself out of the idea that you can do this. Wookie is the first of many people you've met here who have forgotten more about these machines than I will ever know. It's a brave new world for doing stuff like this; you've got access to real experts from around the world, and as long as you're patient and polite, they're totally willing to help.

And finally: pictures! We might, on average, be pretty old here at KZR, but we have shortened attention spans and we need some eye candy! Let's see this machine.

Welcome to the best place for KZ info.
+1 on the advice from Wookie and Buzz.   You should look up a post from Nessism  titled "New owner things to know" for some great tips getting started.
Get yourself a Kawasaki factory service manual, it's the most complete source for working on your motorcycle (available on ebay or you can access it here on KZR).
There are plenty of members here willing to help you through the jams you may get into (I know from experience!) so don't get discouraged - enjoy reviving your KZ. 
edit - And we love to see pictures!

Amazon offers bike lifts with a set of adjustable adapter for the lower bike frame tubes.

 

Scirocco wrote:

Amazon offers bike lifts with a set of adjustable adapter for the lower bike frame tubes.


 

Definitely a better option than wood blocks but probably still wouldn't give the access to remove the oil pan ? (maybe) OP is looking to replace the oil pump

Center stand is the best for your use. Don't use the pipes to support the bike. I bought a HF lift and made my own adapters to support the frame. 


       
 

Agree oil pump replacement has been mentioned. Which does require pan removal. A center stand working as intended would be a good starting point. I might suggest if not done so as of yet, attempt to air up the tires as it may make using the center stand easier as the bike does sort or roll backwards on to the stand and flat tires do not roll well.

You can put the bike lift under the main stand frame mount to remove the oil pan.
The rear lift in the pic only support the swing arm high (no shock) to secure the wheel in/out for the wheel aligment messurments.
The front wheel stand keep the bike in a safe riding position without any additional jacks.

 
 

gd4now wrote:

Agree oil pump replacement has been mentioned. Which does require pan removal. A center stand working as intended would be a good starting point. I might suggest if not done so as of yet, attempt to air up the tires as it may make using the center stand easier as the bike does sort or roll backwards on to the stand and flat tires do not roll well.
 

Agreed on inflating the tires to ease center stand deployment.

Another way to ease centerstand use is to place a spacer of some kind under the rear tire.  Doesn't have to be fancy, a short piece of 2x4 or, two short lengths of 2x4 nailed together, or something of like thickness, under the rear tire will ease center stand use a great deal.

  The rear shocks on Z1BEBE's Z1-B are 1/2" understock, and the rear wheel is a 16" Lester. Combined, those drop the chassis height enough to make the angle of the centerstand when it first touches the ground such that it's extremely difficult for one person to lift the bike onto the centerstand.  Placing a spacer under the rear tire solves that.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE