TOPIC:

Can someone tell me what model carbs my 1980 KZ1000 LTD has? I want to rebuild them (the bike hasn't been run in 20 years, so getting it running again is my spring/summer project), and I want to get the correct rebuild kits.

For a 1980 ltd they should be Mikuni VM28SS slide carbs.
The engine should be a MK2 type with squared camcover.

You probably do not need kits. Most of these old carbs just need a thorough cleaning and replacement of soft parts like gaskets, seals, and orings. It is unusual to need hard parts like jets or needles, and many of the aftermarket jets and needles are much lower quality than the factory parts.

Agree on skipping the kits. cycleorings.com sells a kit for the VM26's but I think most O-ring parts are the same. If your carbs have accelerator pumps that will complicate the rebuild process and make sourcing the needed soft parts more of a challenge. I'm not an expert on the pump parts but I do know there have been lots of discussion here about what's involved.

These are the correct carbs for a 1980 KZ1000 B4


I bought them used and installing them on my 1978 KZ1000 B1

I’m just finishing up a rebuild on them with the help of members here specifically Zed1015.

I bought Keyster kits but only because the used carbs didnt have any main or pilot jets. It was the cheapest way for me to go. I was pleases to find out the Keyster kits have a rubber bowl gasket that seam very robust and should be a big asset when tuning. . I’m learning also that others here are correct to not buy “kits” to many variables and wrong parts.

One of the most overlooked points on carbs is the needle jet. It sits just above the emulsion tube in the main jet cavity. Over time it will wear on the downstream side from rubbing of the needle, so it should be replaced periodically to maintain proper fuel flow. Needle jets are included in the Keyster kits but not in any other kits I've seen.

I had those 28 mm pumper carbs on my B4 but right now they are sitting on the shelf. I'm using a set of 1976 VM 26's.

Where in the US can I order the Keyster kits from? Since the bike has 42,222 miles on it I'm thinking it's a safe bet the needles need replacing. Plus, according to my wife, her ex (who the bike last belonged to) was an indifferent mechanic at best (I've seen evidence to corroborate this...) so I'd prefer to just rebuild for peace of mind. It looks like I need Keyster kit FK-5394N, and I'm having a hard time finding it anywhere but their Japanese site, so far.

I've never seen a worn needle jet in the 100's of VM carbs I've rebuilt over the last 40 years. in fact I've only replaced one needle jet and that was because someone had used a steel punch to drive it out, doing so mushroomed the jet. I'm sure there is wear but not enough that you'd notice performance wise.
I have a set of VM24 with well over 150,000 miles on them. There is no noticeable wear in the needle jets. No where in the Kawasaki manual does it indicate to replace the needle jet as routine maintenance.

I am always amazed at folks wanting to replace needles, jets, etc. on the Kawasaki carbs. My KZ650 has more than 62,000 miles on it and the carbs work exactly as they did when I bought the bike new. Ed

I removed the Needle jet and inspected them and found no wear. These were a used set with unknown millage. but showed now signs of wear on either the needles or jets, I pulled one slide apart to verify they were the factory 5CN29 needles. I reinstalled them. I understand the theory of the air velocity pressing the needle against the jet and causing wear. I have only rebuilt 3 sets so far but I have had to replace one needle and jet on a set of VM 26's Its possible they wear but not the norm. I'm by far and expect but I have encountered the problem.

Rick. I have purchased thur the Keyster Japan site once with good results, Actually just placed a second order with them Just to get the rubber gaskets and the float needle and seat for future needs and will give me additional size mains I didn't have. Shipping was unexpectedly fast and the cost was comparable to Z1 Enterprises cost. If you use PayPal your covered for disputes if needed. I went with Japan as I had read one other post here a guy got 2 set from Z1 and 2 from Japan the Japan set was a better set i.e. the parts appeared to be of a higher finish quality.

Well, I found a seller ("retro-motorcycles") on Ebay whose listing SHOWED a Keyster carb kit, so I ordered 4 of them. Rotten S.O.B. cheated me, and sent SUDCO kits (#025-606) instead. I just sent him a message letting him know, in no uncertain terms, that I was NOT happy with his deceptive listing and that I had ordered with a reasonable expectation that I was getting Keyster carb kits.

I know him well. My experience with him have been excellent. I bought two tires off him a couple of months ago.

Full disclosure...he is also one of my Facebook friends.