1978 KZ1000 - Kerker Exhaust Sound

[@richardmorris6365]

I bought a new 80 LTD 1000 w/ a kerker. I had 2 baffles 1 mild 1 wild. Loved that bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I have since bought a 1978 LTD 1000 that was a basket case, but I'm nearing completion now.

[@The9meister]

All Kawasaki's of this era are the best.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Beautiful bikes!

[@cjsteele9594]

Loved mine till i lost my spleen on it, summer of 84.

[@deborahchesser7375]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 they usually leak around the tach drive so don’t panic if it weeps a little. I hope you got that bike and kept it, they are only going up, way up.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@deborahchesser7375 Hi Deborah, well, I didn't get this one but I did pick up another 1978 and I'm restoring it. There are lots of videos of that bike on my channel.

[@deborahchesser7375]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 that’s great, you’ll learn a lot, shim under bucket valve adjustment is good one, measure the shims etc. Maybe throw Andrews cams in it ? I need to build a few more before I hit 60 lol good luck buddy. ✌️🇺🇸

[@keithwaite5026]

70’s Z series are stunning, with a cult following ❤️👊

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I didn't buy this one but I did pick up a 1977 and a 1978 recently. kzbin.info/aero/PL0gjN9hf6pSqp2hb8NbXRXkVYv185cA5y

[@sachsgs2509]

Omg my 1978!! Mine was red with a black Kerker. A beast and a dream bike from a little kid. You take me back. Love the video👌👌👌

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The green one was a bike I looked at previously but didn't buy. The 1978 I just picked up is a red LTD with a black head pipe and chrome tip. It came with a KZ1000 tank as well so I'll probably put that on it and have the bodywork painted like a 1973 Z1 or like the green 1978 in the picture. I have to get it back together first!

[@sachsgs2509]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 its going to be great I'm sure.

[@rokkimason4199]

Thank you for this video. I have always been a big fan of the KZ's. My 1984 KZ 650 D is in need of some attention and watching all these videos are giving me a certain itch to get my baby running again!!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome! If you haven't already, feel free to subscribe to this channel. I have lots of content on restoring and riding classic KZs and other 1970's and 1980's bikes. Cheers!

[@aeror115]

Nice machine I would buy one just for its legendary background Great bike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It was a beautiful machine!

[@Voyager-077]

Oh man What a treasure, I had the exact same one z1000 1979 in orange red, I just never ever forgot that bike mate!!!! Awesome bikes, thanks for sharing this video!!! Great job !!!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you! Have you checked out some of the other bikes on the channel? Lots of classic bike content that you might enjoy.

[@Voyager-077]

Yes I'll, thanks a lot for your awesome videos

[@berttompkins9096]

The new ones are even better. Kawasakis "ZERO HUMAN ERROR" Policy has delivered such high quality machines. Why buy euro?. My 2022 Z900 50th anniversary RS is perfect incredible. Smooth on the road and smooth to the touch. Flawless. Ive been w Kawi since 1972 KE100 AT 16. But my sisters boyfriend had a 69 Mach 3.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hi Bert, I agree the new machines are fantastic and I love the performance and ease of use on the new bikes. I also love riding the classics.

[@archiewatson1970]

I have one exactly like that one and I love it

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It's on my bucket list to own one some day.

[@michaeldargan6723]

Old Kaws are some of the most beautiful bikes built. I had a Z1R in 1980, now I own my former enemy a Suzuki GS1100.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I agree, the Kaws are beautiful. What model GS1100 do you have E, G, or L?

[@michaeldargan6723]

E

[@michaeldargan6723]

You can truly see how Suzuki did their homework to build a bike a little better than the Kawasaki 1000. I still Love Kaws more.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@michaeldargan6723 If only the Suzuki's looked as good...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@michaeldargan6723 The E was the best of the big bikes back then!

[@bennyrobles9194]

Thats a beautiful piece of history you have there sir.! I had a 650 myself in 1989.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Benny! I didn't end up buying this one, but I picked up another 1978 KZ1000 later that I'm working on. It is also on this channel.

[@bennyrobles9194]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I’ll check it out. You are welcome sir.! Good luck with the projects.!!

[@marshallcollins8634]

Thanks for the video. I have a 77 kz650C when I bought the bike it had Dunstall exhaust but I wanted the look of the Yash pipe(in the late70's&80's. I put a stainless steel Delkevick and I love it. Looks just like the old Yash'z .

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I love the Delkevic classic exhausts and have one on three of my classic bikes.

[@petersoderberg8444]

Still have my 1981 LTD 1000

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool Peter!

[@als4621]

Did you ever find one and buy it? I own one myself, 78 Z1R bought it used 40 years ago and just refreshed it after sitting for 25 years. I'm glad I kept it, love riding it once again.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice! I found two basket case KZ1000s. I have gone through the process of getting the 1978 KZ1000 LTD back on the road. You can see the process here: kzbin.info/aero/PL0gjN9hf6pSqp2hb8NbXRXkVYv185cA5y

[@garyspracticalworkshop357]

I would have gone for this , really nice bike to own and a great restore project.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Essentially, they were asking a finish line price for a starting point bike. I bought 2 basket case KZ1000s for less than a third of the price of this one. The first of those is nearly complete. I was working on it this week. You can check out the progress on this channel. Cheers! kzbin.info/aero/PL0gjN9hf6pSqp2hb8NbXRXkVYv185cA5y&si=FAuUJT5ZkiWxrMVm

[@garyspracticalworkshop357]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Look forward to seeing the finished project. Cheers Gary

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@garyspracticalworkshop357 Me too! If the weather would cooperate a little more... Cheers!

[@sveneklund6775]

Sounds nice and smooth.. beautiful KayZee....🥰

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@chriscollins7604]

love the old school kawasakis.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@MVP527]

Gorgeous bike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

No doubt!

[@dco956]

I have the same taste as you..,...love the gpzs & KZs ...also like the Suzuki gs models.....I've had them all but sold them.... that header sound alot better without baffle

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

For sure! I would prefer a race baffle, the one on it was way too quiet.

[@wilfredocaban9886]

My first bike love them wish I could find one.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Me too. They are hard to find in nice condition at a reasonable price.

[@davidanderson4500]

great vid jon. hope you get one of these bikes soon and show us it on here.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks David! I did pick up two project bikes lately - so stay tuned!

[@davidanderson4500]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 great very interesting jon.

[@kennethray6408]

Bought my 1978 KZ1000 brand new in 1978, sold it in 1985, one of the biggest mistakes i ever made.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I can relate! I have had some nice ones over the years that I let go. I just found and bought a 1978 KZ1000 LTD as a rolling chassis with the motor out of the frame. It was an unfinished restoration project. I am currently working on that project and posting in-process videos if you want to check those out.

[@k.i.i.3699]

Why aren't you a fan of coating the gas tank? Does it decrease the value of the motorcycle?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

That's a great question! The coating tends to come off over time. It can also get into the fuel system, carbs, engine, etc until it fully cures. Additionally, it is very difficult to see inside the tank to make sure you've achieved 100% coverage with the coating. A clean gas tank is always preferred. Cheers!

[@joelbyrd7958]

Show the freaking bike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Sorry for the long intro! Here's a recent video with more classic bike action: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4G5gIiwrpeAkJI&si=f3CDVbyvXW9SjfJF

[@johnmullen4948]

Those are not original wheels. The frame issue would have scared me too. The bike appeared to be all there, to find one with original paint is pretty near impossible. It's kinda late now but may be worth reconsidering. What was he asking for the bike? Most of the cosmetic things you mentioned were pretty insignificant considering the bike is closing in on 50 years old. If you were to find one in the shape you seem to be looking for be prepared $$$ wise because it will probably be considerably more expensive. I bought a 1977 A1 brand new June 77 and also watch pretty closely for these too.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

He was asking $7500 for a bike with frame damage that needed all new chromework, new fork legs and shocks, and a paint job. Basically, it needed a frame off restoration. To me, it was overpriced. I did buy a 1978 KZ1000 later, and I'm making a clone of this bike. There are lots of videos of the new bike on the channel. Cheers!

[@notmyname3883]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahah! He's probably still got it!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@notmyname3883 Surprisingly, I think he sold it shortly after I looked at it! Cheers!

[@vicsponjr]

Hey how about a quick question for a KZ novice. What is the difference between the 1000?cc bikes and 1100cc's? Shaft drive?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Great question! Unfortunately, there's not a quick answer to that question. Kawasaki made many versions of the KZ1000 every year it was produced. This went on after the next generation of air-cooled KZ1000s came out in 1981 with completely new bikes (motor, frame, etc). Kawasaki also made shaft-drive KZ1000s and KZ1100s. It is a fun research project if you're interested.

[@JohnBoonBeanDutchman]

I have one with chrome parts, block, and chrome front suspension, with decorative paintwork, I still have the original exhausts, only the swingarm is not original chrome rectangular, but so it can fit an extra wide tire, was actually curious what the price of this motor was, I think here it would probably be around € 7k since it is not too neat, for a like new one is sometimes asked around € 15K or more, so I was curious about the prices there

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The prices are similar here but in dollars. About $7k in this condition and $15k+ for a nicer one. That difference in price spends quickly and I probably would have ended up with too much money in it for it to be a solid investment. But who knows, I may kick myself in 5 years for not getting it!

[@marus02cadi]

I had that exact bike and trying to find another One any suggestions?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@marus02cadi I liked this bike so much that I'm currently making a clone of this bike out of a 1978 KZ1000 LTD. It is difficult to find them in nice condition for a reasonable price. Good luck in your search!

[@GhostRider-ms1ep]

ITS BEEN 2 YEARS , ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A BIKE OR YOU BOUGHT ONE. PLS LET ME KNOW. AND IF YOU BOUGHT ONE I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE VIDEO

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Well, I'm always looking for my next project. Since looking at this one, I bought a pair of basket-case KZ1000s (and about six other project bikes - all of which are featured on the channel). You can check out my latest video review (Yamaha's 1986 FJ1200) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4G5gIiwrpeAkJIsi=YRjzA2tK-PUROmbp The most recent KZ1000 video I have is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH-Yapipr9dneZYsi=md3Bns8N52bUONov Out of curiosity, are you selling a classic bike? Cheers!

[@anthonyjennings8108]

What was his asking price, if you don't mind

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

$7500

[@ericaichinger4768]

Kerker has to have the Comp Baffle i owned like 5 of those bikes

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

No disagreement here, that one was much quieter than I had expected. It didn't sound bad, just quiet.

[@ericaichinger4768]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 The competition Baffle is large gives a very deep note all the way through RPM Range

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@ericaichinger4768 I ran a Kerker on a 1978 GS1000 and remember it sounding much more aggressive. It must have had the competition baffle in it.

[@danamuise4117]

competition baffle = no baffle

[@auburnsherrod6470]

Anybody got a kz1000 for sale.

[@lowprofile2412]

Hi Jon, I found you here while looking to replace the exhaust on my 78 KZ 1000. I’m the original owner and she has around 12,000 original miles in black and gold. The pipes are in good condition, but the tips are a little rotted out and need replacement. I’m thinking I should just bite the bullet and invest in a Kerker four into one. I’d appreciate your thoughts. Ps. I’m looking to make this a winter project and then sell her in the spring as an injury has put an unfortunate end to my riding career. (You can see a short video on my channel after taking her out of hibernation a while back here in Massachusetts)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The Kerker pipes are OK. I have run Kerker pipes on several bikes without issue. However the Kerker on this KZ had quality issues with the chrome and it was almost new. I won't buy a Vance and Hines for any of my classic bikes since the chrome blues instantly and I lost significant low end and mid range power the last time I put one on a bike (oddly, they do make nice V-twin cruiser pipes). For my money, I would run a Delkevic full stainless exhaust (not the black one). I have that pipe on two Suzuki GS1100s and love it.

[@lowprofile2412]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Jon, thanks for the great advice. I found the pipes on Amazon of all places for $356.00 with free shipping. The site says re-jetting isn’t required.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@lowprofile2412 You're welcome.

[@garywalters3007]

when i hear that pull on the throttle, all i can think of is CHiPs.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Agreed!

[@paulscountry456]

The 750 was better, Kerker has almost a whistle on those and the sound is fantastic.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice! This Kerker has the "quiet" baffle. I now have a 1978 KZ1000 with the "loud" baffle that sounds much better.

[@andrefrank8270]

Bought 23 z900 rs recommend same

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I really want to ride one of those!

[@stevencorbo1220]

It is funny all Kawasaki's have a similar sound

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@kriskaylor6679]

You can't go back as much as you want

[@dobermanguy9437]

I guess you didn't want the bike bed enough because you would have purchased it money's not everything if you want something bad enough

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I want a nice Z1, KZ900, or KZ1000. This one was close to what I wanted. But, even if I had paid the asking price, I would have had to invest much more time and money to make it right.

[@dobermanguy9437]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 anytime you buy a used bike especially one that's that old there's going to be a few things you got to do which really is pretty common but all in all that bike seem pretty nice I liked it just my opinion those motorcycles like that are getting harder and harder to find that one was actually pretty clean I thought I used to have a rd400 back in the day two-stroke I paid $350 bucks for it it was immaculate I could kick myself in the ass for selling it today they are going for a lot of money

[@martinfarrell5778]

Rear disc bakes...

[@matthewtaylor1697]

pull that baffle out and it screams middle finger

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I bought a KZ1000 later, and it has a much more open baffle. It sounds awesome!

[@berttompkins9096]

His clutch is slipping though.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Not on this bike when I rode it.

[@martinquevillon828]

La ferme et laisse la moto resonner

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I would have but it wasn't mine. I am working on a KZ1000 with a Kerker exhaust now. Soon you will hear it sing!

[@dannyfeinberg3579]

sounds great!

[@norwajjohnson8726]

z1000 kz1000 different??🤔

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The Z1000 is a newer motorcycle.