TOPIC:

Good morning everyone. I am new to the kz world. I have owned many bikes throughout my years of riding but have always wanted to restore and ride an old kz. I just recently purchased a 1979 kz1000 Ltd. She needs work but I think it’ll be an amazing bike when complete. I look forward to speaking with all of you about this rebuild. Because I’m sure I’ll have questions. 

Steve

Welcome to KZRider
Dave

Welcome from the UK, would love to see pics of your new toy

Welcome from Idaho

Welcome to the fun!  When you can post a pic or 2, as we all like to see what you are working on.

Welcome from central Massachusetts
And we love pictures

1979 kz1000 Ltd. 

You indicated it needs work, I know one can not tell much from a pic but it looks good from here. What all does it need?  Is that a sidewinder exhaust? 

The first thing I need to do is something about the smoking. From all the research I’ve done it seems like the valve seals are bad or needs a valve job. 
The second thing I’d like to do is figure out the valve cover breather tubes. So on my bike they have the hose run from one to the other but I’m not sure it’s supposed to be like that? Either way one side of the house is sealed shut with sealant. I’ve attached pictures
The third thing is the side winder exhaust lol. I do not like the brake pedal going under the exhaust. In my mind it doesn’t look right but does sound really good. I’ve been searching looking for a kerker or anything that is 4-1. 
I’m sure I’ll have a ton of questions and I thank all of you for your input and welcoming. 

Welcome to the site!  I have a 1980 LTD but I put a head from a '78 on it to get rid of the smog ports.  They really aren't needed and there are a couple of options to get rid of them.  You can buy blank covers or you can buy an older style valve cover without the ports.   With those pods you won't be able to restore them because they ran back to the OEM air intake.

Overall the bike looks pretty good.  

Thanks for the info. I like the block of plate idea. While the valve cover is off I thought about polishing it. Any recommendations on that process? While I’m asking…I saw something about Eagle one mag wheel cleaner to help with the oxidation on the engine to help polish it up but they don’t make that any longer. Any tips on cleaning polishing the engine? I’m not trying to get showroom finish just yet but would like to get it super clean. Thanks in advance to all the tips and tricks!!

The ultimate way to clean the engine is to vapour blast it but you will need to completely disassemble it to blast it.  Any attempts to do it with cleaners will require many hours of patient brushing.