1977 KZ1000 Ltd

Hello,
Thank you for letting me join, I have a 1977 KZ1000 Ltd which I am gradually recommissioning after many years off the road. I have rebuilt the brakes, front and rear. Cleaned and relined the tank....cleaned out the carbs, which were minging...and now have it running on all four. Number one cylinder was reluctant to join the party but is working now. 

The top end sounds a bit loud....not sure if I have a sticky valve (or valves)

Any thoughts?

Many Thanks

Peter
 

Welcome from the UK Peter, where in the world are you ?

My first thought would be to check cam chain tension.  Check your oil for any residue that may have come from a disintegrating cam chain guide.  Next, check valve clearance and timing.

Hello, I'm In SE London

pjw1960 wrote:

Hello, I'm In SE London

I’m in Leicestershire:) Warren’s not a million miles away in Kent

I’ll do the oil and filter this weekend and see what I find.
Also if you don’t mind, another question….it only has a side stand…which is a bit of a pain. Is there a reason to not have a centre stand?
cheers
p

Welcome also from germany.
( If the original mounting-bosses are still weldet under the frame, you just have to search for the original centerstand...?)

If memory is correct the LTD version came without a centerstand, but one can be installed.  You will need the stand and hardware.  Just be aware that the LTD is a little lower to the ground because of the 16 inch rear wheel so it's harder to put the bike on the center stand.  I have the 1980 LTD.  I added the sidestand.

I once had a 1977 KZ1000 LTD that I converted slightly into a cafe racer. This frame had centerstand mounts and a centerstand. But of course, I can't guarantee that it was factory-installed like that...





 

hardrockminer wrote:

If memory is correct the LTD version came without a centerstand, but one can be installed.  You will need the stand and hardware.  Just be aware that the LTD is a little lower to the ground because of the 16 inch rear wheel so it's harder to put the bike on the center stand.  I have the 1980 LTD.  I added the sidestand.

Does the exhaust have the required clearance or does it need a little "mod" ?

hardrockminer wrote:

My first thought would be to check cam chain tension.  Check your oil for any residue that may have come from a disintegrating cam chain guide.  Next, check valve clearance and timing.

Yes, pay attention to the rubber bits on the inside of the motor.  If this bike has been off the road for a number of years, the previous owner may never have attended to the factory recall of 1977 KZ1000 models for replacement of internal rubber cam chain adjusters.  I had a new 1977 KZ1000A1 and it would never stay in tune until a Kawasaki mechanic noted the recall and replaced the necessary bits.

LTDs did not come from the factory with a center stand.
The frame does have the required mounts for one 
I purchased a center stand and use it just for service
Dave