TOPIC:

I just picked up a running LTD 1100 off of Facebook marketplace, and it's in good shape overall, but is definitely a project bike. The fuel tank is my current hurdle to getting the thing running and on the roads agains. The previous owner hacked up the original tank in an attempt to clean out the rust inside of the tank, and it's currently beyond saving (As far as I can tell).

So I'm on the hunt for a fresh (or lightly used) fuel tank. I've combed through the first page of so of google and eBay, with mixed results. I haven't been able to find a direct year/model match for a used tank, and I am little unsure of what I am looking at on some of the OEM parts websites I've found. As far as I can tell, the part number seems to be 51001, but I'm a bit confused by the diagrams I've been seeing. I've been looking on Chaparrall Motorsports, OEM Motorparts, and Partzilla, please let me know if these are good places to find bike parts or if I am barking up the wrong tree. I've got a strong background in wrenching on cars, but bikes are new to me so any and all advice would be welcomed.

You could try getting the kawasaki part number from the partzilla exploded view and list, then google the kawasaki number .  Might be tough to find a tank that way, though.  Works for most replacement maintenance parts.
If you're new to wrenching motorcycles, we all recommend getting a set of JIS (japanese industrial standard) screwdrivers as regular phillips drivers will ruin the screws. 
Vessel tools has some quality ones.  
Also, take a look at Nessism's post "New Owner Things To Know" for some good advice.

Scotty

This may serve as a good used replacement.  Search ebay item:  275915552019



 

He number you listed above is just the prefix and it covers a host of models and years. To get exactly what you need, you must use he entire part number.

51001BTANK-COMP-FUEL,L.M.RE 
51001-5247-E2 
Ships in 3 to 4 days Sign in to see price  

51001CTANK-COMP-FUEL,EBONY 
51001-5247-H8 
Ships in 3 to 4 days Sign in to see price

These are for the 1983 LTD 1100. 
The first set of numbers (51001) indicate a family of fuel tanks. The second and third sets of numbers (5247-E2 and 5247-H8) are for the 1983 1100LTD, red and black respectively. Keep in mind that Kawasaki frequently changed colors and stripe styles, necessitating different part numbers.

Partzilla is a popular choice for OEM parts. I have no experience with the other two you mentioned. Z1Enterprises, a sponsor of KZRider, is also good choice for some OEM and a host of aftermarket parts.

Post some pictures of your tank. You might be surprised at what can be saved with a bit of creativity, skill and determination.

You were right - haha, with some welding and POR-15 tank sealant I got the thing to hold gas again.
I think I accidentally made a new thread, for this bike, I'll link it here for anyone who's seeing this. I'm currently having carburetor issues (I think haha), so any and all advice would be welcome. I'll be sure to upload a few pics once I get her back in roadgoing shape. 

kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/619358-ltd-1100-project