[SirReal187]

My bro in-law and I are going to look at a 1981 KZ1000 this weekend the guy is only asking $850 for it.

It will be my bro's first bike and for the price I think it will be good for him to learn on. He has never ridden before so I am sure he will dump it. He will be taking the MSF this spring but wants to give the bike a go in a empty parking lot before the class (his choice lol)

Has anyone ever owned this bike or know anything about it?

Thanks!

 

[SuaveNotion]

My dad had a '77 Z1 900 and he said it was the fasted bike that he had at the time. Horrible thing to work on since the cam is in the center of the engine and uses a points firing system. What's it look like for 850?

 

[SirReal187]

Body is fair some surface rust on the chrome some cracked paint etc...

I have only talked to the guy I will be looking at it and test driving it this weekend. The owner has put new tires,some wiring,exhaust,stage 3 jet and wheel bearings all within the last 2 seasons.

I don't expect much for $850 but my bro has got to start some where and he will pick up another bike when he's ready.

 

[wanabe]

Sort of big and heavy ... Still might be too fast as well for a new rider. But for the money he wont cry much when he drops it lol.

 

[SirReal187]

Sort of big and heavy ... Still might be too fast as well for a new rider. But for the money he wont cry much when he drops it lol.

That's what I figure he's a big guy like 250ish so the weight should be ok but when he drops he we can just pick it up and keep going...

 

[Longhair]

Sort of big and heavy ... Still might be too fast as well for a new rider. But for the money he wont cry much when he drops it lol.

+1
Big slow bike w/fast paint job.


And Suave, the '77 Kaw 900 was a KZ, the first year was the only Z-1. And when Suzuki introduced it's GS750 in '77, it trounced the KZ's seriously.

 

[SuaveNotion]

Guess you learn something new everyday???

 

[armountainridder]

California Highway Patrol used them for years, It was a police special with bigger altenator and heavier suspension, but same engine and pretty much bullet proof, but as said befor the cam chain is between #2 and #3 cylinder so a BIG pain to work on. You might be able to find an electronic ignition, I know they made an aftermarket kit.

 

[Columbanus]

I had a '78 KZ1000 for a few years after trading up from a KZ650. It was fast and heavy; the drivetrain was too much for the brakes and suspension. She was a great looking bike and there's no limit to mods that can be made to these bikes (except budget).
It could be overwhelming for a first-time rider. Since you're talking about a large rider with no basis for comparison, he might not notice.
Set my personal speed record on that one: ~140.
The SV was my next bike after the KZ1000. What a difference! I could whiz through the mountains and putt through the parking lots now with ease. I don't miss the brute force of the 1000 too often.

 

[Longhair]

You might be able to find an electronic ignition,

Cheap!

 

[Paladin]

Back in the day my Z1R/KZ1000 clocked low 13's in the quarter mile, so in reality it should be less "fast" than riding an SV650. When I was in the service lots of "young and dumb" guys bought and crashed their KZ's, usually while wheelying into parked cars. The weight is why I have had my '78 KZ1000 rat/fighter project on hold for the last few years.

Paladin

 

[SirReal187]

Back in the day my Z1R/KZ1000 clocked low 13's in the quarter mile, so in reality it should be less "fast" than riding an SV650. When I was in the service lots of "young and dumb" guys bought and crashed their KZ's, usually while wheelying into parked cars. The weight is why I have had my '78 KZ1000 rat/fighter project on hold for the last few years.

Paladin

I read an article that stated the KZ was almost banned in the US because the reported accidents on them were such high numbers...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kz1000