1979 MKII

Hey all,

Joined the website as I am looking at getting a KZ myself. I had a couple of questions regarding the KZ 1000s specifically. For example, what determines whether the bike has a squarish tank or a more rounded one? What is the MKII designation? I am looking at a 1979 KZ 1000 MKII and was wondering what a fair price is in fair condition?

Jason

It's a matter of styling...models with squarish tanks:

1978/80 KZ1000D1/3 (Z1R)
1979-80 KZ1000A3-4 (MKII)
1979-80 KZ1000E1-2 (Shaft)
1981-82 KZ1100B1-2 (GPz)
1980 Z1000H1 (FI european model)
1983 KZ1000J3 (Canadian model)

The MKII designation has to do with changes in engine design (although there are many additional small changes that accompanied this design improvement). The 1980 KZ1000B4 (LTD) and 1980 KZ1000G (Z1 Classic) also came with a MKII motor. The A3/4 models have become highly desired and have really appreciated in value recently. It is possible to pay US$2,000 to $4,000 for a MKII in poor condition and up to US$8,000 in pristine condition. If you buy it...we demand photos:woohoo:

Post edited by: Mcdroid, at: 2006/05/23 16:57

Here is a pic of the bike....Any guesses on what I should offer?



Post edited by: kzrider, at: 2006/05/31 08:39

monkonmonk wrote:

Here is a pic of the bike....Any guesses on what I should offer?

We need more info...mileage, specifically:) And has the current owner made any noises on what he might entertain for it (is he/she knowledgeable regarding the value of these bike)?

Post edited by: Mcdroid, at: 2006/05/24 14:37

No, the owner is not really savvy in what they have. I think. Anyway, the mileage on the bike is just a shade over 16K. The bike is completely stock minus the exhaust. It just had the carbs rejetted and synch'd. It also has the factory airbox and tool set is complete. What is it worth and what should I not pay?

Thanks for the help.

Jason

On the open market, where all parties knew the complete story, you might expect the bike to go for as much as $5000 to $6000. So, if you could get it for less, or even much less, it could be quite the score. Keep us posted! Inquiring minds want to know.

I was also hoping someone could give me a little more info as to why the bikes are so rare other than the crank teeth and all that. What about actualy production numbers? Quantities that may actually still exist in stock form? things of that nature.

I would not being buying the bike for that reason, but it does make the deal that much sweeter.

Any help?

Thanks
Jason

The Mkll's are rare as they were only available in 1979 & 80 and are the evolutionary link of the Z1/KZseries to the J model introdudced in 1981.

The 79 MKll was the first change of the rounded style Z1/KZ bodywork to the square or slab sided style used from 1979 to 1985.Engine castings and covers reflect those changes too.

MKll's have the best KZ series crankshaft and crankcase.The MKll frame included double wall thickness front downtubes for addtional rigidity. The MKll had the first Kawasaki electronic ignition doing away with the points/condenser setup in a Z1/KZ previously.

The 79 pictured looks top be in very good condition and is extra desireable for low mileage and 99% stock,it appears.Find a set of stock pipes(lol),lose the case guards and that fugugly seat you've got real classic. If that was my bike I wouldn't sell it for less than $7500.00 US in that condition with the mileage as listed.Very hard to find bikes- I have owned one for 20 years now. Watch ebay for the prices of unmolested (stock) vintage Japanese bikes to see what I mean.

monkonmonk wrote:

What about actualy production numbers? Quantities that may actually still exist in stock form? things of that nature
Jason

Jason:

Actual production numbers were really quite small. There were approximately 4500 A3's produced and maybe as many A4's. So, maybe about 9500 MKII's total, for the entire planet. Most are gone...the number of unmolested MKII's remaining is probably impossible to know. Jack's post should let you know just how desireable this bike really is.

Looks to be in pretty decent shape, overall.

Seems those case protectors came in handy once or twice...

The centerstand is missing - any chance the owner has it lying around?

And it has that characteristic petrol pi$$-stain on the countershaft cover, indicative of a set of needles and seats and a float adjustment - and perhaps a new diaphram in the petcock.

I'm no expert in current market tarrif for these machines, but it'd be worth a shot offering him his asking price minus $500 - all he can say is no.

Waving cash under a prospective PO's nose can have a mesmerizing effect, and you might score big if some of the other *Antique Roadshow* estimates are correct..

Best of luck.

You guys mentioned removing the case guards and the seat. Was the case guard not OEM and where would I find a nicely conditioned seat that is OEM or at least nicer than the agreed ugly one?

Thanks for all the info too.

Jason

ive never been big fan of 79-80 kzs i prefer 79-80 ltd version.if your building a big inch bottle bomb or a turbo the mk2 crank and cases are nice to have but for a streetbike they dont have any real advantage i can think of over other kz motors.the upper fork tubes look rusty make sure they arent pitted.id say $1000.00-$1500.00 if it was me. goodluck,happy shopping.