1980 KZ1000 carb upgrade question

Hi I'm new here and just bought a 1980 KZ1000 for a song and dance from a customer of mine at shop. As far as I can tell engine is all stock. It came with no exhaust as he was starting a hotrod/cafe project. I plan on installing a V&H 4-1 exhaust and want to jet carbs with pods,but was wondering what carbs I could swap in for the stock ones as all my tuning/building experience has been with CV type carbs. I've found they're easier to build and tune over old style. Any suggestions or info would be appreciated. Thanks----Ken

26-28vm style carbs were standard on 900/1000 through 1980,as far as aftermarket carbs go 29mm keihen cr specials would be a perfect match for a stock motor

On my '80 1000 shaft, I have 26mm pumpers. I've been trying to find a specific part for my bike off of those carbs and have found them to be pretty rare. Because on that particular bike, Kawasaki made the throttle body slide have a 2.0 cutout. I've only seen one guy on ebay selling replacements, and I can't find them anywhere else. If I wasn't broke from not having a job, I would've gotten the part I need ages ago. So my un-asked for advise, you can put the carb assembly up for sale and probably pay for your bike, if they're in good condition.

wireman wrote: 26-28vm style carbs were standard on 900/1000 through 1980,as far as aftermarket carbs go 29mm keihen cr specials would be a perfect match for a stock motor

Thanks for info. I guess another way to put this is whats the most common donor bikes that guys are taking these CV carbs from that'll directly fit on the KZ1000(BTW mines also a shaft).I'll proly go looking for used sets to rebuild and jet.Just alot cheaper that way. Thanks

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Ken

I am going to list my 34's for sale here in a minute. I'll take $300.00 for them and the intake rubbers and pod filters. I installed the intake and pods new this year.

I have run this set up on stock engines with a non restrictive exhaust with no problem.

They are jetted 40/140. Roy

On my '80 1000 shaft, I have 26mm pumpers. I've been trying to find a specific part for my bike off of those carbs and have found them to be pretty rare. Because on that particular bike, Kawasaki made the throttle body slide have a 2.0 cutout. I've only seen one guy on ebay selling replacements, and I can't find them anywhere else. If I wasn't broke from not having a job, I would've gotten the part I need ages ago. So my un-asked for advise, you can put the carb assembly up for sale and probably pay for your bike, if they're in good condition What part are you looking for I have a lot of carbs!

I killed my throttle body slide by using straight degreaser when I tried to clean my carbs. I need to find one with the 2.0 cutout.

roy-b-boy-b wrote: I am going to list my 34's for sale here in a minute. I'll take $300.00 for them and the intake rubbers and pod filters. I installed the intake and pods new this year.

I have run this set up on stock engines with a non restrictive exhaust with no problem.

They are jetted 40/140. Roy

The 34's wouldn't be too much for a stock motor huh ? I'm ordering a 4-1 exh,and was gonna go with pods anyway,which means I'll have some stock stuff for sale. These carbs appear in very good shape,I just need to clean'm from it sittin for a little over a yr. Bike has been kept inside so nothings weathered.
So is there any particular bikes that have been known to be exact donors for a set of CV carbs ? If I can snag an ebay or forum set that would be ideal,then build and jet'm accordingly. Thanks---Ken

Ken,

I have several sets of 34 CV carbs from 81 to 85 Kawasaki 1000 and 1100's. Ill trade you straight up for the carbs that came on the 80 you have. Perfectly clean and new looking ready to go with stock jetting. I also have a brand new set of K&N pods but those are worth at least $100 to me. PM me and I give you my contact details.

Tom

The carbs I have came off a KZ1000 police bike. The boots will cost you 60 bucks. Roy

Hmmm trades staight up even and someone that wants to sell me a set. I just did some lookin around and found several sets of 26mm ones for around $100 and even found a set of 36mm off of a 1200 Zuki Bandit for same price. I also saw 3-4 sets of 28mm carbs that look exactly like the ones on my KZ1000E that are going for $400-500 . Now I'm no KZ guru but it seems like the ones I have on there are worth some nice $$$. My question(s) is should I try and work a trade and ask for cash for mine plus some CV's,or buy a cheap set of CV's to build/jet and sell mine for a premium ?? Are/would the 36mm be too much for a stock motor even though I'm jetting and adding 4-1 performance exhaust ?? Or would the 26mm be too little for open exhaust and pods ?? Ideas ?? Thanks======Ken

P.S.----also the question of intake boots and which ones to use ??

OK, i don't see the reason for going CV, especially wanting the Pods. You say the CV is easier to tune with pods? I'm pretty sure the Stock carbs are a better choice.
1st they're worth more, so the bike is worth more.
2nd you can get to tuning right away without extra expense, the needles would have the adjustment slots. not so with USA CV's.
3rd Easy to even get a different slide cut away. The CV well?
4th All the issues with signal strength and Pods on a CV carb.
I'll stop now, that's my .02