1979 Kawasaki KZ1000 ST Vs 1981 Kawasaki KZ1000 CSR - Not all KZ1000s Were Created Equal!

Kawasaki's legendary KZ1000 came in many forms. Today we'll be looking at two classic KZ1000 superbikes and riding them back to back. We'll talk about the specs, the power, the acceleration, and the top speed of each bike. We'll also discuss 1/4 mile times and I'll be doing a timed 40-80mph top-gear roll-on acceleration test for each machine. Though these two bikes are Kawasaki KZ1000s, they feel completely different from the saddle. What are they like to ride? Let's find out together!

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

2 fabulous bikes. I'm a confirmed Kawasaki fan, and the best of the many I have owned was a 1979 Z1300. I really miss that bike. "The Beast"....

[@marcalampi5036]

I drove the kz1300 also and I loved that bike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I briefly owned a very nice 1979 KZ1300, and my dad owned one when I was seventeen (which he let me ride). Super smooth, and what a sound! Mine had a 6-into-1 exhaust on it. It truly was a beast. Cheers!

[@BobtheYob-up9sv]

Love these two, owned both, and in such original usable condition. The CSR is the LTD with wire wheels, Harley at the time were charging extra for optional mag wheels, so Kawasaki just made two bikes, one with mag wheels and one with wire wheels and then just put a different badge on the side panels . Americans don't realise how lucky they are to be able to find and buy such good and bad examples so often for peanuts, I'm so jealous, good and bad ones in the UK cost a fortune and most are bad after 40 years. Got a 900 76 ltd , 80 ltd 1000 and 82 ltd 1000 . Love all the bikes you've featured and shared here, my favourite era for sure, cheers

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Bob! We are blessed to be able to find the classics in nice shape. Sounds like you have some nice bikes! Cheers!

[@andystewart2426]

I bought my z1000st new in July 1980 and still have it. Definitely “Let’s the good times roll” . Just love it . From Uk

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Andy! I purchased this one from the original owner, who kept it in amazing shape. Cheers!

[@donaldwayne4219]

It was about that time that I saw an ST new at the shop. Thought it was such a cool looking bike, great choice. Amazing that you still have it 👍. Cheers from 🇦🇺

[@flexjay87]

You had a little Evil laugh, soon after getting on the CSR. I believe that is grounds for the Judge to tack on another $ 25 dollars to a speeding ticket ! Lol

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

For sure 😉!

[@alanreilly9056]

Hi Jon, I live in Australia and I subscribe to you channel, a few days back I sent you a reply when you did a review on the Suzuki GS1000, as I bought a brand new one in 1980 myself. I also purchased ( in about 1981 ) a Kawasaki Z1000 ST model in exactly the same colour as the one in your video ( albeit, it wasn't a brand new bike but had about 5000 klms on the clock ) it also was a great bike and I even rode it down to Tasmania. Here in Australia, is was just the Kawasaki Z1000 ST and not the KZ1000 ST, but of course exactly the same bike!. I have never heard of the Kawasaki KZ1000 CSR, where they a U.S import only? I don't think I have never seen one here in Australia!. Another great bike here in Australia from the 70' s and early 80's was the Yamaha XS1100 ( also a shaft drive model ) the bike was nicknamed the "HEADMASTER" Anyhow, another great video and I really enjoyed watching it

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Alan! Here, the CSR stood for Cruiser Spoked Rims, and it's just an LTD with spokes instead of mag wheels. I have an XS1100 Special currently. I feature it in quite a few videos on the channel as well. Cheers!

[@tynitty772000]

That CSR is still my fav between the two. I'm on it if you ever decide to sell. Thanks for great content.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I may take you up on that sometime soon if you're seriously interested. I am running out of room for new projects (sadly). If you're seriously interested, you can send me your contact information at: [e-mail] Cheers!

[@jaycounts4717]

Good video , I didn't even know K made a shaft drive kz in the 70s, I bought a used 82 ltd 1000 in 85 and I rode until I went down on some wet grass in 2001 and damaged the steering stem bearing and it stayed parked until I fixed it in 2014 , checked the compression on all 4 cyls and all within 5 pounds... rode it until I lost compression in # 4 cyl in 2017, trying to decide to have the head rebuilt or just get a new bike....btw, I checked the valve clearance when I lost compression and one valve was .002 out of tolerance....not bad for a bike that was ridden over 20 years, amazing how long these bikes last if you take care of them.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yep, they are nice, robust bikes with enough performance to be entertaining! Cheers!

[@psychologixselfmastery]

I knew a guy many years ago who used to have a KZ1000 shaft and he had it tuned. Performance was easily as good or better than the famous 150mph GPZ900. Probably not possible to change the gearing as it was a shaft so hence heavily undergeared. Straight into the redline in each gear, tremendously fast and no fairing! It just goes to show the potential of these old fours. In standard trim, these bikes are heavily under-tuned and they have an amazing potential for tuning. Threliableat tuned bike was actually very relaibel by the way!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

For sure, the first-generation KZ1000 motors are robust and respond well to performance mods. And there are lots of performance parts available. I would recommend spending money on the chassis, suspension, and brakes as well - these areas are only adequate in stock form. Cheers!

[@TheLoathsomeCowboy]

I bought a Z1000ST brand new in 1980. It was a great bike - all the power a sensible person needed, comfortable and reliable. It wasn’t the most agile thing on two wheels, but once you and the bike came to an understanding about its handling limitations, things were fine. I stuck a pair of air shocks on the back to help with two-up touring and did many multi-day rides. Compared to today’s touring offerings, it was a very crude machine, but its relative simplicity was one of its strengths.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on. I agree with all those points. It's key to come to an understanding with the bike you own and ride it within the scope of its performance envelope. That makes for years of enjoyable ownership. Cheers!

[@anubis1100]

im currently restoring the same year csr1000 i picked up for $500. the one i got didnt come with a tank, seat or side covers, but a guy i know had some parts like tank and side covers, and i found a police seat on ebay for a really good price. got the bike to good starting point for riding, but still need new fork seals, fork oil, brake pads, brake lines, front and rear, and probably a brake caliper rebuild and brake master rebuilds as well, and new tires. love the videos.

[@straightchad8059]

Sounds like you need another similar model donor bike to complete your project , all the best .

[@marcalampi5036]

Yes he needs another half of the bike however the price was good

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Sounds like you're making good progress! I recommend the Spiegler brake lines while you're at it. I have a CSR playlist on the channel if that would be helpful. Cheers!

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

Enjoyed the ride along first thing this morning. ☕️ Beautiful bikes. Eric in NC

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Eric!

[@bigmanmoto9897]

In love with that ST!!!!! Gorgeous.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, the ST is just a beautiful bike, IMHO. Cheers!

[@flexjay87]

There is something about the look of the ST that i really like.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Me too, she's a beauty!

[@HoschtonBoy]

I come from the back roads of Maine and I really enjoyed the scenery on your rides.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you! Lancaster County, PA is a nice place to ride. Cheers!

[@mcfuller5020]

I had a 1978 1000cc Honda Goldwing for sixteen years; it could not be beat till I bought the Honda Valkryie. Today I own the Honda Goldwing F6B Custom after 45 years of riding. My point is simple, nothing compares to a HONDA.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I have owned many Hondas over the years and have two in the garage currently (among others). Honda makes some great bikes. As do the other the other manufacturers. Cheers!

[@donaldwayne4219]

Always liked the way the ST was put together. Only saw 1 of these but bought something very similair in many ways, a Z1300. It was big by feel but not so much when you rode it. It would move out when you screw the throttle on. It was really nice how it stood up under power with the shaft drive and would pour on the torque with that big smooth 6. I would imagine getting the same feeling from todays Rocket GT3 or R versions, just guessing 😁

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@donaldwayne4219 Very cool, Donald! I previously owned a KZ1300, and my father owned one as well. I also just got to ride the new Rocket GT3. The Rocket isn't as top-heavy at a stop. It is very long but not unmanageable. Throttle response depends on what mode the bike is in, but an aggressive shift at higher rpm feels like getting hit in the back with a 2x4 - lots of torque! Cheers!

[@daniellargey8430]

Well. it is now obvious better to have one or two of each model, I will be sure to let my wife know... I used to have a fleet well that consisted of a 1979 sr 650, 81 csr 1000 kz 1300 best not to forget a 73 rd60 in the early 80's, I then added to it in 1985 with the Eliminator 900, then an Eliminator 1000 87, I thought I was cool until discovered the 86 Voyager 1300 sitting so lonely in the showroom of Performance Cycle in Shrewsbury MA 1300, the voyager is still in the stable as I sold off the rest to fund a used car lot in 1989, the big eighties were good in the memory department. I bought most from Performance Cycles and a lot of them were all leftovers, I traded off a computer with support as I was working at Digital +

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks for sharing the memories, Daniel! Cheers!

[@jasonkristunas9427]

Just bought a z1000ltd to rebuild after I finish my zed 650 a 1979 example with me being 60 this will probably be my last bike rebuild but I still feel like a teenager when I get the spanners out!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Jason! I'm currently working on a 1978 KZ1000 LTD project. It's so satisfying to rescue the classics. If you're interested, here's a link to my 1978 KZ1000 playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL0gjN9hf6pSqp2hb8NbXRXkVYv185cA5y&si=sc3hzeUMsAOTFskI

[@henryhawk978]

Enjoyed the video Jon. 2 very nice bikes. Would really enjoy owning either one but would prefer the red one. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks, Henry. Cheers!

[@jerryshepherd6528]

Really informative thanks, just restoring a Mk2, handy to know some of the differences for future purchases.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice! The Mk2 is a cool bike. Cheers!

[@jeroen.portier]

In my understanding do shaft bikes lose about 15% - 25% power because of the weight and rotational mass of the shaft. thats why all the sportbikes use chains to mitegate the loss in power.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yes, chain-drive losses are about 15% and shaft-drive losses are roughly 20% from motor to rear wheel. The sprung weight of the rear-end is also a factor for the hard-core sportbikes. Cheers!

[@BiGDeE3]

miss my csr dearly . it was truely a great ujm

[@marcalampi5036]

Yes they were great bikes.

[@BiGDeE3]

@@marcalampi5036 indeed .

[@ricardoberterame5950]

Hola Jon. Muy buena tu prueba. Se vio en el video que el CSR tiene más fuerza que el Shaft aunque mi corazón está con ella ya que tenia una igual a la tuya nada más que tenia un escape VANCE & HINES. Me acuerdo que el peso le jugaba en contra ..había que empujar con las piernas en curvas para ir rápido pero el confort es excelente. Por último la mia era modelo 80 por li que me acuerdo las barras delanteras eran del mismo grosor que el kz1300(no el 81) .Muchas gracias por tu video a sido muy interesante. Saludos jon

[@straightchad8059]

The CSR looks like a cruiser but seems to outhandle the ST , perhaps Jon was riding more aggressively on the CSR ?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Looks can be deceiving. The CSR handles much better, allowing me to confidently ride it very quickly in the corners. I simply can't ride the ST in a similar manner safely. Cheers!

[@STP-bc5cy]

Back in the 80s, I had a '77 KZ1000 and my friend '81 CSR, both stock. He would walk all over me ... easily.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! When Kawasaki went to the new motor and frame in 1981, it was a game changer. Cheers!

[@aussiebloke609]

I would assume the KZ1000ST is slower because, while the power figures are very close, shaft drive will suck a good chunk of power (enough that the Suzuki GS had to increase capacity from 750 to 850 just to maintain a rough performance parity to the outgoing GS750 model). And back then I'm pretty sure Japanese manufacturers quoted crankshaft power, not at the wheel. If I"m wrong, I'm sure someone will correct me - hopefully with links to their data. 👍 But that's how I heard it, back in the day.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You are correct in everything you said 🙂. The CSR has the advantages of lighter weight and chain-drive, but the engine is smaller (996cc vs 1024). Taking that into consideration, the KZ1000 still feels sluggish in comparison. It may just be the additional flywheel weight that causes the KZ to rev more slowly. To add one more bike into the mix, Yamaha's XS1100 Special is much better performing than the KZ with very similar posted power figures, weight, and shaft-drive. Cheers!

[@lend8947]

I have a 1982 LTD 750 with the same seat as your CSR. After a few miles I find the seat uncomfortable as you do. I am thinking about adding extra foam to it. Do you have any suggestions?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'm not sure if Corbin ever made a seat for it. Maybe talk to a good motorcycle seat upholstery shop. They should be able to help. If you can't find one, try contacting the local Harley dealer. I think they could refer you to someone. Cheers!

[@empanada7]

you should make a video comparing the bandit vs Kawasaki zrx

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

That would be a great video! However, I don't have either bike in the garage currently 😒. I've owned every version of Bandit and ZRX previously and will probably pick up others along the way. Cheers!

[@davidanderson4500]

good vid jon. old kaws

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, David!

[@tsc3576]

The difference in power between the 2 is with the lighter weight of the CSR & the shaft drive you loose ~ 10% performance due to it being shaft driven.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very true. Additionally, the CSR1000 has a much lighter flywheel and spools up much faster. Cheers!

[@dwheeler016]

Being 6'4" I would change out the seat on the CSR so I was not trapped in place,.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

There isn't another stock seat that fits the CSR and offers a better position. So, I would need to get another LTD/CSR seat and have it modified. It's not currently a big issue because I have more comfortable bikes if I want to go on a longer ride. Cheers!

[@dwheeler016]

That is a shame. On my Harley Road King, I was able to get what they call the "tall boy" seat and that put me back a few inches. It made all the difference.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@dwheeler016 That's a great benefit to the Harleys. You have so many options for seats, tins, windshields, and controls right through the dealership. The Japanese manufacturers could learn from that. Cheers!

[@markbrandsen1674]

Frame is different between csr and j model but only where rear fender bolts on

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yes, the rear fender mounts are different. However, the steering stem angle is also different, changing the geometry. This has a slight impact on handling (though both bikes handle very nicely). Cheers!

[@wdhewson]

I think for shaft drive, power goes through 2 pairs of right angle gearing on the Kawasaki, and such gearing is inefficient and soaks up power.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very true. However, the similarly rated (weight, hp and torque), shaft-drive 1980 Yamaha XS1100 Special simply eats the KZ1000 ST for lunch in any straight-line speed contest. It also bests the CSR in roll-on performance by over a second 40-80 mph. My testing numbers reflect the magazine tests of the time. Somewhere, somebody was either boosting numbers or sandbagging. Cheers!

[@grahamhensman2981]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Have you ever thought of dyno testing your bikes to compare with manufacturer quoted figures? Might be interesting...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@grahamhensman2981 If I were building a race motor, I would have it dyno tuned. I've owned and ridden enough bikes to know when one is down on power compared to what it should run like. I research the published performance figures as well to get an idea of what the bikes should run like in comparison to one another. The timed 40-80 mph test is a good health check as well - similar to a dyno run. Amazingly, only one of my bikes, my Suzuki GS1100L, isn't performing up to spec currently. But I already knew it had jetting issues that needed to be resolved. I will retest it once the jetting is corrected to confirm the fix. Cheers!

[@Mannix2023]

It look to me the CSR bike have shorter radio gears than the ST

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It is geared slightly shorter than the ST. Cheers!

[@RogerDiotte]

K Z'ed .... K Zee doesn't sound as intimidating! K'Zed for the WIN! Maybe I'm Canadian also?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@RogerDiotte Hahaha 😆!

[@ransey895]

Very very nice both bikes

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks!