- Posts: 185
- Thank you received: 66
I need serious help!
- TheTrout
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
Less
More
13 Oct 2023 07:44 #890423
by TheTrout
1978 KZ1000B2
I need serious help! was created by TheTrout
I'm thinking about moving to the dark side......selling my KZ and buying a Harley. I know I will be sick if I do it, but I'm wondering if now is finally the time. Who here has done it? This was prompted by getting an invite to ride to Sturgis next year....I've never been. These guys all ride full dressed Harleys. I don't think they'd be too happy stopping every 90 miles so I can fill up my baby tank. What's my KZ worth? I have about $5k in cash to spend. I could buy an older HD for $5k or sell my KZ and up what I can spend. Dumb idea? I still love riding the KZ and I've been saying all year that my KZ has never looked or run this good ever in the 30 years I've owned it. Long rides are very tiring. I am not even sure I could make the 1600+ mile ride to Strugis on the KZ. Options? For $5k I can probably get a sportster 1200 or vrod, maybe an older road king. I am only 5'7" so a smaller bike doesn't bother me, but a slow one sure would!
1978 KZ1000B2
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Street Fighter LTD
- Offline
- Moderator
- TURBO, Its Better to be Blown than Injected
Less
More
- Posts: 4951
- Thank you received: 2073
13 Oct 2023 07:56 - 13 Oct 2023 08:02 #890424
by Street Fighter LTD
Original owner 78 1000 LTD
Mr Turbo Race Kit, MTC 1075 Turbo pistons by PitStop Performance , Falicon Ultra Lite Super Crank, APE everything. Les Holt @ PDM's Billet Goodies . Frame by Chuck Kurzawa @ Logghe Chassis . Deep sump 5qt oil pan. RIP Bill Hahn
Replied by Street Fighter LTD on topic I need serious help!
Stop !!!!
Hand in your Kaw man card , and get drunk ...
All kidding aside a KZ is rough for a trip like that.
A used Elecrtaglide would be way better for touring / long distance riding
Sportsters can be rough too , but if you can try one it would be wise to try first.
I was spoiled having both a HD Glide and my Kaw LTD so didnt have to choose.
A 2003 or so HD would be in your price range without selling the Kaw
Things to check are the cam chain guides are plastic and wear out
Make sure that has been done as that is the biggest failure point in a twin cam HD model
Good Luck
Dave
This was my HD
Hand in your Kaw man card , and get drunk ...
All kidding aside a KZ is rough for a trip like that.
A used Elecrtaglide would be way better for touring / long distance riding
Sportsters can be rough too , but if you can try one it would be wise to try first.
I was spoiled having both a HD Glide and my Kaw LTD so didnt have to choose.
A 2003 or so HD would be in your price range without selling the Kaw
Things to check are the cam chain guides are plastic and wear out
Make sure that has been done as that is the biggest failure point in a twin cam HD model
Good Luck
Dave
This was my HD
Original owner 78 1000 LTD
Mr Turbo Race Kit, MTC 1075 Turbo pistons by PitStop Performance , Falicon Ultra Lite Super Crank, APE everything. Les Holt @ PDM's Billet Goodies . Frame by Chuck Kurzawa @ Logghe Chassis . Deep sump 5qt oil pan. RIP Bill Hahn
Last edit: 13 Oct 2023 08:02 by Street Fighter LTD.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Kelly E
- Offline
- User
- Never Give Up. Never Surrender
Less
More
- Posts: 462
- Thank you received: 343
13 Oct 2023 08:12 - 13 Oct 2023 08:15 #890425
by Kelly E
The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda Sabre 700
1984 Honda Interceptor 1000
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000
1994 Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours
And more
Replied by Kelly E on topic I need serious help!
For long distance riding I have a 94' Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours. The best ones are 94' to 05', they were built to run. It will run circles around the Harley's and with the 7.5 gallon gas tank you'll be waiting on them to fuel up. I bought mine for $1800 with 24k miles on it. You can get a nice one for less than $5000. In 2019 I rode mine to Deadwood SD in two days from western Washington. The best part is that you can keep your KZ!
The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda Sabre 700
1984 Honda Interceptor 1000
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000
1994 Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours
And more
Last edit: 13 Oct 2023 08:15 by Kelly E.
The following user(s) said Thank You: ThatGPzGuy, Wookie58
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- TheTrout
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
Less
More
- Posts: 185
- Thank you received: 66
13 Oct 2023 11:21 #890430
by TheTrout
1978 KZ1000B2
Replied by TheTrout on topic I need serious help!
I should have put in my original post that I have also looked at concours. Those look quick and comfortable.
1978 KZ1000B2
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Street Fighter LTD
- Offline
- Moderator
- TURBO, Its Better to be Blown than Injected
Less
More
- Posts: 4951
- Thank you received: 2073
13 Oct 2023 13:11 #890435
by Street Fighter LTD
Original owner 78 1000 LTD
Mr Turbo Race Kit, MTC 1075 Turbo pistons by PitStop Performance , Falicon Ultra Lite Super Crank, APE everything. Les Holt @ PDM's Billet Goodies . Frame by Chuck Kurzawa @ Logghe Chassis . Deep sump 5qt oil pan. RIP Bill Hahn
Replied by Street Fighter LTD on topic I need serious help!
BMW is a good choice as well and can be had cheap
Original owner 78 1000 LTD
Mr Turbo Race Kit, MTC 1075 Turbo pistons by PitStop Performance , Falicon Ultra Lite Super Crank, APE everything. Les Holt @ PDM's Billet Goodies . Frame by Chuck Kurzawa @ Logghe Chassis . Deep sump 5qt oil pan. RIP Bill Hahn
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Kelly E
- Offline
- User
- Never Give Up. Never Surrender
Less
More
- Posts: 462
- Thank you received: 343
13 Oct 2023 14:10 #890436
by Kelly E
The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda Sabre 700
1984 Honda Interceptor 1000
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000
1994 Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours
And more
Replied by Kelly E on topic I need serious help!
I've had my Concours since 2017. Sounds like you are a little guy like me. The stock seat is comfortable and with a 30" inseam and my boots on I can flatfoot it. They are a little top heavy with the tank full but once rolling the weight disappears and the bike thinks it's a Ninja.
The bikes can be had for between $2000 and $3000 for a nice one. Try to buy one from a COG(Concours Owners Group) member, they know all the good mods. I've replaced fork springs, added a fork brace, installed a ZZR 1200 rear shock, a Clearview windscreen with a Goldwing vent and the best mod was a set of Shouldabeen Eng. torque cams.
It will run circles around Harleys and Goldwings.
Another great sport touring bike is an FJR, my buddy got his 04' FJR for $4000.
The bikes can be had for between $2000 and $3000 for a nice one. Try to buy one from a COG(Concours Owners Group) member, they know all the good mods. I've replaced fork springs, added a fork brace, installed a ZZR 1200 rear shock, a Clearview windscreen with a Goldwing vent and the best mod was a set of Shouldabeen Eng. torque cams.
It will run circles around Harleys and Goldwings.
Another great sport touring bike is an FJR, my buddy got his 04' FJR for $4000.
The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda Sabre 700
1984 Honda Interceptor 1000
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000
1994 Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours
And more
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Wheelhop
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
Less
More
- Posts: 614
- Thank you received: 319
13 Oct 2023 14:30 #890437
by Wheelhop
1978 KZ 1000B (73 tribute)
1977 KZ1000 project
1976 KZ 900
1976 KV 75
1976 Honda Elsinore MT250
1974 Z1 900 project
1971 Honda CT70
Replied by Wheelhop on topic I need serious help!
Mr The Trout,
Nothing wrong with having a couple bikes in your garage! Keep the KZ they are not making anymore of them.
There are deals to be had out there for Harleys, Councourses or whatever else suits your fancy.
Come to Michigan on the 28th and we will convince you!
Wheelhop
Nothing wrong with having a couple bikes in your garage! Keep the KZ they are not making anymore of them.
There are deals to be had out there for Harleys, Councourses or whatever else suits your fancy.
Come to Michigan on the 28th and we will convince you!
Wheelhop
1978 KZ 1000B (73 tribute)
1977 KZ1000 project
1976 KZ 900
1976 KV 75
1976 Honda Elsinore MT250
1974 Z1 900 project
1971 Honda CT70
The following user(s) said Thank You: Street Fighter LTD, Kelly E
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- blipco
- Offline
- User
- 2002 KZ1000P
Less
More
- Posts: 584
- Thank you received: 223
13 Oct 2023 15:01 #890440
by blipco
"Swim against the current, even a dead fish can go with the flow"-somebody (I forget Who)
Replied by blipco on topic I need serious help!
I took my ZRX1200 cross country with just a 52 liter top box. 10,700 miles in one trip. Piece of cake.
As long as you keep it under 85 mph indicated, wind is not a factor. Over that, it’s up to you. I rode 140 mph indicated across the Oklahoma Panhandle. Ok, I had a stiff neck the next day.
Another option is a ZZR1200. That one’s a real mile muncher still fast even by today’s standards.
As long as you keep it under 85 mph indicated, wind is not a factor. Over that, it’s up to you. I rode 140 mph indicated across the Oklahoma Panhandle. Ok, I had a stiff neck the next day.
Another option is a ZZR1200. That one’s a real mile muncher still fast even by today’s standards.
"Swim against the current, even a dead fish can go with the flow"-somebody (I forget Who)
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Wheelhop
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
Less
More
- Posts: 614
- Thank you received: 319
13 Oct 2023 16:58 #890444
by Wheelhop
1978 KZ 1000B (73 tribute)
1977 KZ1000 project
1976 KZ 900
1976 KV 75
1976 Honda Elsinore MT250
1974 Z1 900 project
1971 Honda CT70
Replied by Wheelhop on topic I need serious help!
Good choices, I myself have been looking for a ZRX1100/1200 and you can get a nice one between 3 and 5K.I took my ZRX1200 cross country with just a 52 liter top box. 10,700 miles in one trip. Piece of cake.
As long as you keep it under 85 mph indicated, wind is not a factor. Over that, it’s up to you. I rode 140 mph indicated across the Oklahoma Panhandle. Ok, I had a stiff neck the next day.
Another option is a ZZR1200. That one’s a real mile muncher still fast even by today’s standards.
1978 KZ 1000B (73 tribute)
1977 KZ1000 project
1976 KZ 900
1976 KV 75
1976 Honda Elsinore MT250
1974 Z1 900 project
1971 Honda CT70
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- blipco
- Offline
- User
- 2002 KZ1000P
Less
More
- Posts: 584
- Thank you received: 223
14 Oct 2023 08:08 #890473
by blipco
"Swim against the current, even a dead fish can go with the flow"-somebody (I forget Who)
Replied by blipco on topic I need serious help!
The ZRX1200 is preferable over the 1100 for several reasons but both are fine bikes. I just missed a low mile 1100 near me for something like $1000 bucks. A divorced woman was selling off her husbands stuff. It was gone almost immediately.
"Swim against the current, even a dead fish can go with the flow"-somebody (I forget Who)
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- TexasKZ
- Offline
- Platinum Member
Less
More
- Posts: 7591
- Thank you received: 2241
14 Oct 2023 08:21 #890475
by TexasKZ
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
Replied by TexasKZ on topic I need serious help!
The ZRX 1100 handles better.
However, if the HD folks are going to give you grief over riding a KZ, then all of the fine Japanese and European options mentioned above are not going to change that.
However, if the HD folks are going to give you grief over riding a KZ, then all of the fine Japanese and European options mentioned above are not going to change that.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Cra-z1
- Offline
- User
Less
More
- Posts: 192
- Thank you received: 124
14 Oct 2023 09:12 - 14 Oct 2023 09:16 #890476
by Cra-z1
Replied by Cra-z1 on topic I need serious help!
Last edit: 14 Oct 2023 09:16 by Cra-z1.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.