1983 KZ1000R2 Project

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Re: 1983 KZ1000R2 Project

20 Dec 2025 17:39
#919955
I had a look at the side cover badges today.
They are aftermarket, looking different than stock.
The covers are GPz, so it wasn't a surprise to me that the holes in the side covers, and posts on the badges, didn't line up.
I had to drill a new hole and file the other, on both side covers.
I'm waiting on speed nuts, they will be straightened, and attached, bottom.

 

 
Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
1978 KZ1000 project
1983 KZ1000R2 Project

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  • Formula264
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Re: 1983 KZ1000R2 Project

22 Dec 2025 14:46
#919984
Looking awesome, good job!

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Re: 1983 KZ1000R2 Project

27 Dec 2025 15:48
#920097
The GPz tank got a cleaning with Vinegar.
It's better, but not clean enough.
Since the original tank got a restore and looks great inside and out, I will be using it.
Tank badgfes back on, and pieces test fitted.

 
 

 
 
Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
1978 KZ1000 project
1983 KZ1000R2 Project
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  • KZQ
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Re: 1983 KZ1000R2 Project

28 Dec 2025 07:39
#920114
Thanks Rob,
Your R2 looks great but your shop is as interesting. I also have to share my space, mine with wood working. The dust can be a real challenge.
Regards
Bill
www.KZ1300.com
Riders:
1968 BSA 441 Shooting Star, 1970 BSA 650 Lightning, 1974 W3, 1976 KZ900, 1979 KZ750 Twin, 1979 KZ750 Twin Trike, 1981 KZ1300, 1982 KZ1100 Spectre, 2000 Valkyrie, 2009 Yamaha Roadliner S. 1983 GL 1100
Projects:
1985 ZN1300

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Re: 1983 KZ1000R2 Project

28 Dec 2025 15:50
#920130
My Workshop is also my work office Bill.
I'm self employed.
A Locksmith.
Used to have two store locations and 5 of us (family) working.
Now it's mainly me, and my Son I am training.
Some keys are hanging on the wall, and lots of others in boxes, including 100s of Skeleton keys.
I've got a number of key machines and equipment, from two stores and service vehicles.


The house has three women and three Grandkids, so I spend a lot of time in the Workshop.
I can listen to music, and either do my work or tinker on the bikes.
It is a little crowded.
I built another storage shed, 8x20, but it is getting full too. 

 
 
 

 
Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
1978 KZ1000 project
1983 KZ1000R2 Project

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Re: 1983 KZ1000R2 Project

28 Dec 2025 16:05 - 28 Dec 2025 16:08
#920131
You being a wood worker Bill, maybe you could give me some tips on a project.
I need to build a work station for my new service van.
Basically a work bench, with some storage underneith.
And premade desk or benches seem to be too tall.
I need something a little lower, working in a mini van.

My current Dodge set up, a little messy and disorganized, but you can see how I've got a work bench.
The metal cabinet has had the bottom cut on an angle, as the floor is sloped. Then a piece of wood attached on top.



 

I bought a new KIa Carnival.
So it's a clean slate.
A 4x8 piece of plywood fits in the back:

 
 

:



 
Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
1978 KZ1000 project
1983 KZ1000R2 Project
Last edit: 28 Dec 2025 16:08 by rstnick.

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  • Nessism
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Re: 1983 KZ1000R2 Project

28 Dec 2025 16:27
#920132
This derusting sauce looks promising.  Cheap, too.  Worth a try...

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Re: 1983 KZ1000R2 Project

28 Dec 2025 17:04
#920135
Rob you may want to think about framing with alloy box section or angle. People often forget about the weight they are adding when fitting out vans and campers. If you aren’t careful you will exceed the axle weight before you put any kit in there.
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Re: 1983 KZ1000R2 Project

28 Dec 2025 19:24 - 29 Dec 2025 05:26
#920140
Hi Rob,
Check your PMs.
I realize that you are a locksmith beyond that I know you to be a genuine member of this motorcycle community. If you are still in the business of helping KZ'ers in need of bike keys we could make you a Vendor so that you can advertise your services on this site, free of charge.
Think about it and Good on Ya !
Bill
Later: I'll pull this little side track out of your project thread and put it in Chat after it's run it's course.
Bill
www.KZ1300.com
Riders:
1968 BSA 441 Shooting Star, 1970 BSA 650 Lightning, 1974 W3, 1976 KZ900, 1979 KZ750 Twin, 1979 KZ750 Twin Trike, 1981 KZ1300, 1982 KZ1100 Spectre, 2000 Valkyrie, 2009 Yamaha Roadliner S. 1983 GL 1100
Projects:
1985 ZN1300
Last edit: 29 Dec 2025 05:26 by KZQ.
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Re: 1983 KZ1000R2 Project

Yesterday 15:19
#920189
I pulled the carbs off today so I can replace the stock cam chain tensioner.
I did not like how it intsalled, so bought an APE manual tensioner.
I need to read the installation instructions again...

 
 
 



 
Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
1978 KZ1000 project
1983 KZ1000R2 Project

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