New to motorcycles, new to KZ's

Hi All,

I recently purchased a 1981 KZ1000 CSR that I want to restore and customize ever so slightly and tastefully.  I am going to need all the help I can get, because, despite being mechanically inclined, I have never owned a motorcycle nor worked on one.  I have always been a huge fan of the Eddie Lawson bikes and will definitely be incorporating some of those styling cues in my build.  Wish me luck and please feel free to share the knowledge, I sure will share whatever I learn!

Cheers

Welcome. We love pics!

Welcome from the UK, you could look at Davido's CSR build thread for some ideas. I am currently building an 82Ltd which is in essence the same bike. Let's see some pictures of your bike

Welcome! 

I'm quite partial to anything "Lawson"! Looking forward to seeing what you "create".

Pics please!

H.

Welcome. 

Welcome aboard. Looking forward to the build.

Hi,

when I went to collect the CSR, the previous owner had an LTD as well, on which he already did the brakes and carburettors, he upsold me, I willingly obliged.

This is what she looked like when I brought her home.

 

Update:  

I originally wanted to go with a full Eddie Lawson replica build but quickly realized that this will not only be very challenging but also RATHER pricey.  I have always been a bit of a streetfighter nerd so I went with the dove tail rear cowling/ fender (whatever the correct terminology is).  Now I am on the lookout for a seat that might work with the current setup.  I have a welder and minor fabricating tools so I should be able to alter a seat that "almost" fits.  The OEM sofa does not at all, the rear part needing to be shaved significantly.  I don't want to cut up the original seat, that is still in great condition, and neither do I want to alter the frame.  I have read somewhere that the late 70s model KZ seats are a similar fit to the 82 one, but appropriately recessed for the dovetail.  If anyone can offer some advice or drop knowledge, I would greatly appreciate it.  I know Corbin makes a seat but it's both expensive and not really to my taste.  I have attached a photo of the initial fitment of the rear dovetail fender as well as a picture of another bike with a seat that I quite like. 

Your bike looks like an Japan, Euro or Canadian, non smog valve cover model. The seat is a PMC repo.

www.z-power.co.uk/seat-custom-z1
z-fever.de/shop/de/product_info.php?info...--mit-riemen-z1.html

 

Welcome and enjoy the refresh on your new to you bike!  Great resources here.  

Nice find.  Welcome!

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

Lookin’ sharp, keep up the good work.