I had one exactly like that back in the day. When you started it and ran it all those sounds brought back a lot of memories. I used to race mine on the street, mainly against 750s. For some reason the 750s thought they could beat me. It was unusual because it had a drive shaft rather than a chain.
Right on! Kawasaki had been using that same design since 1973. I wonder how many KZs ended up with issues on those little seals? Otherwise, it's a pretty nice bike, though. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Second thing i did was ditch those damn coils,, just a set of coils off a ZZR1200 on it,, seemed a lot happier with them.
Though the second gen bikes can leak at the valve cover end caps, they have a bolt going through the rubber part - it can't go anywhere. I would recommend a little Permatex non-hardening gasket sealant on the edges if you do the job. I filmed myself doing this job (valve check and head retorque) on the CSR but the house lost power while I was working/filming. Had to finish with my phone light. Needless to say, it ruined the video.
I had one of these. It is a very heavy bike with tons of torque.
The KZ1000 Shaft is a smooth, sneaky-fast machine. But, you're right, it is a heavy beast. Cheers!
I had one exactly like that back in the day. When you started it and ran it all those sounds brought back a lot of memories. I used to race mine on the street, mainly against 750s. For some reason the 750s thought they could beat me. It was unusual because it had a drive shaft rather than a chain.
Nice! It's a sneaky-fast bike with the stock exhaust.
Also, later today I am releasing my first comparison video starting the KZ1000 shaft and Suzuki's GS1100G. It should be live at 3pm Eastern time.
brill vid jon. keep em rolling.
Thanks!
One of the first mods i did when i got my 1980 KZ1000,, those rubber plugs were not a good idea, don't know what Kawi was thinking on those,,,
Right on! Kawasaki had been using that same design since 1973. I wonder how many KZs ended up with issues on those little seals? Otherwise, it's a pretty nice bike, though. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Second thing i did was ditch those damn coils,, just a set of coils off a ZZR1200 on it,, seemed a lot happier with them.
Thanks Jon, quick question:
Would you say this is also an issue for gen2 kz1000s?
Thanks for the inspiration and keep on trucking!
Though the second gen bikes can leak at the valve cover end caps, they have a bolt going through the rubber part - it can't go anywhere. I would recommend a little Permatex non-hardening gasket sealant on the edges if you do the job.
I filmed myself doing this job (valve check and head retorque) on the CSR but the house lost power while I was working/filming. Had to finish with my phone light. Needless to say, it ruined the video.