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I bought my first bike last winter and boy did I jump in head first. 78 KZ1000 basket case. I took it out by the armload. I had a friend who said he would help me with the project so I went for it.The motor was a 1982-1000J.This made for some interesting wiring issues when it came to the guages and controls, but not that bad. I had some charging problems and a few other issues that I finally got worked out and I actually got to drive it for the past 3 weeks. I love this bike. I got new fork seals put in but they started leaking almost right away. the tubes are in great shape maybe the springs are getting weak? Or maybe I should go with original Kawasaki seals? Anyway that is pretty minor. What I was really wondering about was the swingarm swap that seems so popular. When I bought the bike a GS swingarm came with it!

Last winter I built it this winter tear it apart again?
I really like the way they look.

This is a great site!

Hey lowtorque,
It helps to use some vinyl electrical tape to cover the ends of the tubes when you put the new seals onto them. If the seals weren't damaged during assembly they are probably in upside down. Yep, that'll make em leak right off the bat.

The GS swing arm is longer and will help you keep the front wheel on the ground during drag races. If you're not planing any smoking launches stick with the stock setup. It'll handle much better.

Welcome to the site. Got any pics of your machine?
KZCSI

Welcome to KZR from a fellow CDN. Sounds like a nice bike. The J motors put out the most HP at the time if I'm not mistaken. And I second the request for pics. I'll check the Gallery.

Oh hell yes! Nothing like a basket case and doing it yourself. Any left over pieces .
Welcome to this great Z/KZ gathering. Yep pics would be nice.

Good to hear about another fellow KZ owner! Advice about the teardown this winter... well it's winter and you're not riding it anyway! That's the best time for a teardown even if you're not planning anything major. I'm doing one this winter to learn about the bike and figure out things that I'm going to need to change. In the spring, it'll emerge slightly faster, slightly nicer looking, and alot more fun. Good luck, hope to see you around.