Kawasaki KZ1000 CSR Review - Wolf in Sheep's Clothing!

In this fun classic motorcycle review, we'll be looking at Kawasaki's 1981-1982 KZ1000CSR. Based heavily on the KZ1000LTD, the CSR featured spoked wheels vs. the LTD's mags and a few other minor changes. Kawasaki's KZ1000 motor was all new for 1981 as was the rest of the CSR. The changes dropped around 100 lb off the bike, making the CSR lighter than the 750cc cruisers from Honda and Suzuki at the time. As you can imagine, light weight and more motor makes for an entertaining ride! What's the KZ1000 CSR like to ride? Let's find out together!

[@dene1196]

Where do you find these classic motorcycles in great condition? I am interested in buying one.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Finding nice ones is always the difficult part. Patience and persistent searching are key. If I decide to sell this one, I'll post a video on this channel. Cheers!

[@wdhewson]

Pennsylvania sure is sylvan........... The big KZs always amuse when unleashed !!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I agree.

[@johnnydanger57]

I looked for years for an 82 1100 Ltd. I'm an old club road racer and was very impressed when these guys came out in 81. Compared to the earlier LTDs (which I had a 77) it was light years ahead in every respect. I finally found an 82 Spectre 1100 a couple of years ago that only needed minor work. It is my "2 up" rider and a shaftie for low maintenance, I did the same with getting rid of the horrid "bucko bars", which was a great improvement as you found. As you probably know, it was the "top O the line" model and came with air shocks which still work very well. You can really rock these bikes in the curves and the 1100 had 108 hp which makes for a fun ride...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I had a 1982 KZ1100 shaft at one point, and it was a great bike. Fast, smooth, and fun. Cheers!

[@straightchad8059]

I can't help but think the CSR is the faster and more nimble version of Harley's XL Sporter .

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Good point, Chad! They competed on the sales floor. The Sportster was more expensive at that time. Cheers!

[@rolandwheeler4842]

Sounds and runs great! The end of the "round, chrome era". Next few years saw the "rectangular. plastic" era bikes from almost every Japanese manufacturer. Also interesting how spoked wheels were a downgrade back then, and an upgrade today! I love my 1980 CB650, but had to swap the bars for CB750 bars to make it even rideable. The rider triangle still isn't perfect, but good enough.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Roland! I'll never understand the pull-back cruiser bars. They just don't work (not for me, at least). Cheers!

[@henryhawk978]

Very nice ride Jon. Is the valve adjustment shim and bucket? Enjoyed the video and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Henry! Yes, it's shim-type adjustment. Cheers!

[@wdhewson]

Close up image shows front engine rubber mounts similar to those on my 2003 ZR7s.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks for the confirmation.

[@propdoctor21564]

Great video as always... As much as I love the KZ 1000 LTD I never cared for the CSR model because of it missing the rear tail piece behind the seat. It just somehow looks chopped off and missing something which technically it is. 😁😁. Also looks much better with the shorter handlebars which is the same thing I put on both of the LTD 1000s that I had owned in the past.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I don't know why Kawasaki got rid of the duck tail on the LTD and CSR in 1981. But it was the trend. And I agree, the bars do improve the looks. Cheers!

[@ricardoberterame5950]

Hola Jhon. Muy interesante la CSR 1000. Conocia por mis pagos unas pocas 650. No sabia que era una version "economica" de oa LTD,pero con el paso del tiempo y la vuelta a lo retro la CSR se la ve muy linda con esas llantas a rayos y el manubrio mas el escape 4a1. Excelente prueba .un abrazo .

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hola Ricardo. Fue un vídeo divertido de filmar y disfruto conduciendo el CSR. ¡Ten un excelente fin de semana!

[@shinethelight01]

I love the sound of the Delkevic pipe! I am definitely impressed with the second series KZ1000 motors too. Of course there's that neglected GPz1100 in the back of your garage lol!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I know, I know. It stares at me every day. It's on the list this summer. Hopefully, I'll get it finished up soon. Cheers!

[@daniellargey8430]

I was fortunate to run into a deal back in 83 as I bought an 81 leftover, traded a Rainbow computer from DEC, along with a big old printer I was working at Digital Equipment Corp back then, My brother has a 1979 ltd 1000 and he insulted my bike by calling it a cheap sucky replacement, I put a set of clubman bars on it, his criticism was refuted when I blew his LTD off the road. I thought I was king of the hill 23 years old with not one big Kawasaki but two.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Daniel!

[@guyk2260]

Nice review as ever Jon , but I'll stick with my '79 GS1000 L for now - It's me that needs to drop 100lbs not the bike !

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, the GS1000L is a great bike as well. Cheers!

[@RogerCullum-ps1gz]

I've owned a Z1000 ltd from new bought in March 28th 1981 fantastic bike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool!

[@johnackerman9277]

Jon, I’m looking to build a classic track bike. I’m 6’7”, I know you’re tall also and you like the big old yami’s. Can you recommend a good bije?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

That's a great question, John! I've never taken a bike to the track, so I can't speak from experience there. What type of racing are you looking to do? Is there a specific class you're interested in?

[@cronos68]

You seemed to really enjoy this one.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

That I did. Cheers!

[@hankkauffman6612]

Sweet sounding machine! Nice set up with the replacement bars. I was surprised how relatively light this bike is when you mentioned the wet weight.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I agree. The light weight is apparent as soon as you sit on it. Cheers!

[@danielkeel9265]

Have to say I'm one of those people who loves the Kwaka ducktail!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, me too. I may get another seat for this bike and modify it to look more cafe racer-ish. But I'll always love the style of the original KZ! Cheers!

[@danielkeel9265]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yeah, best I could afford is my old Zephyr 750. Just spent $10K(AUD) rebuilding the engine at 102K miles.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@danielkeel9265 Wow, you definitely got your use out of the 750!

[@64faffi]

Cast wheels was the hot item back then, and they could command higher prices for bikes with them. The fun part is that cast wheels is and was far cheaper to make than wire wheels, yet the low priced bikes had wire wheels. One can only speculate that the manufacturers expected buyers to buy more bikes with cast wheels, and as such they would make more money, despite a relative loss on the wire wheels bikes.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I think you're probably right. Cheers!

[@jeffshootsstuff]

Sounds amazing. My brother had an LTD 1000 and I lusted after it.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@356cruzer4]

Reminds me of my old KZ650. I love the old school muscle bikes! Great video as always 👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, thanks!

[@dwheeler016]

Love t he KZ

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@skylershank9309]

I had one but it was an LTD. It came with Goodyear tires which was a hard compound and dangerous tire. Loved the bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Newer tires really improve the handling on the classic bikes. Cheers!

[@skylershank9309]

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 they were a dangerous tire. After that bike I got a kawasaki 1100 Spectre with Dunlop touring elites

[@terrybarton8388]

We had the LTD 1000 here in the UK but not the CSR for some reason. Although there are quite a few here now having been imported over the years. Strangely they don’t tend to fetch much money unlike the earlier Z1000 despite that, as you say they are actually great bikes. Incidentally we were told the CSR stood for ‘Custom Street Racer’ ?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@terrybarton8388 I think it stood for 'Cruiser with Spoked Rims'? There were no racing intentions with the CSR lineup. Cheers!

[@terrybarton8388]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Jon, we’ll have to agree to disagree on that I think. The reason I say that is we did have a 650 called the SR 650 D1/D2 1979/80 (I actually own one) and were told the SR stood for ‘ Street Racer’ then I presume progressing onto CSR ‘Custom Street Racer? In our case the SR couldn’t have meant ‘Spoke Rims’ as they all came out with Comstar style Cast wheels. Cheers, Terry

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@terrybarton8388 I honestly don't know.

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

Good morning Jon ☕️. Nice ride and review. Your CSR sounds amazing. I like the looks of the bike except for the transition of seat to rear fender. The duck tail that you showed on the other model was cool. I miss the characteristics and personality of a higher revving inline four and plan to get something at some point to have the option. ...and just wanted to share something about my cruiser. My VTX1800C has a stock, cut and modified rear fender into a short duck tail with a tucked crescent LED taillight and bullet turnsignals mounted to the rear fender strut bolt position. I have a Corbin "Young guns" seat that has a short rear that tapers flat to the fender and coincides with the short tail really nicely. I still can run a stock sissy bar with modified bracket that bypasses over the rear signals. I also have another cut short, modified bracket set that allows me to attach the sissy bar more forward coming vertical from the center bolt. (Back support) Some really unique (unfinished mods) include a longer pointed sissy bar made from 1" square steel channel tubing that matches the same rake angle as the front forks. (when attached with the forward bracket set it still exposes the short ducktail and comes up in front of the rear signals and extends the rear without being too ("easy rider extreme") The VTX has thick front forks with a wide 5.25" spread. (as opposed to more common 3.5") This allows full 2" steel pipe risers, with 1.5" bars and 11" rise. The handle bar position will be similar to stock except about 5" higher.(the look of high drag bars, but swept back with no forward lean.) The long thick straight risers give the illusion of extended forks and the headlight will be raised 4" to match. It will somewhat look like it had raked forks that ran into a brick wall. 😆 My vision is sort of that of a massive modern day bobber, that has the stance and aestitic more like a Buffalo opposed to more common (long and low) I have spare stock shocks, but not satisfied with my stock, cutdown shocks. (Too much form over function with poor suspension...looking to get progressives) Eric in NC

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Eric! I like the VTX1800 (especially the C and F models). It sounds like you have some cool mods planned. Have a great weekend!

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I think that I'm trying to use psychology on myself, to get inspired to rekindle, and actually finish my abandoned project. I will share some pics, when it's finished. (all steel parts are finished and ready for powder coat)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@user-sh5dy5tr9d Very cool, I would love to see the pictures when you're done.

[@robertjanicki3036]

Dear John, could go on about how I enjoy everything about all your vids. But I'll just say thank you so much... I'm absolutely going back to a bike something along the lines of this kwaka ( if / when I sort out a license issue😢.) Modern bikes barely need the rider any more what with all the rider aids... boring. That burble when U roll off the throttle... aahhhh!! So sweet a sound... Thanks for the ride.. Cheers mate.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Robert! I really appreciate the feedback. I agree with you on the classics vs. modern bikes. With the modern bikes, I know that I am the weak link. I feel like the classics take a bit more skill to ride quickly and I really like that. Plus, the classic bikes can be vastly improved with relatively simple upgrades. Cheers!

[@ClassicD1]

I'm from the UK and have an '82 CSR imported from the USA, I'm thinking of getting a 4 into 1 Delkevic exhaust, it says no carb jetting is required, but you say you have re jetted? What size jets have you used?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I went 2 up on pilots and 1 or two up on mains over the stock sizes. You can try it without rejetting to get a baseline and go from there. Cheers!

[@michaelpullen6812]

I had an 82 model. It still had the stock Buckhorn bars on it. I hated them. The rest of the Bike was awesome. I should’ve kept it. Great review Jon!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@michaelpullen6812 Thanks, Michael! I agree. The bars were the first thing to go on this bike. Cheers!

[@danpos1971]

Awesome bike! It sounds great. Here is a tip for you. You likely already know this. Do a couple push ups, have someone mark the floor where the outside of your palms are. Measure that distance. Then add a couple inches, or whatever the amount your type of grips need beyond your hands. Cut your handlebars to match. You will find that the most comfortable place for your hands. You will have the best control over your bike and your hands won't go numb as quick. You can only do this with certain styles of bars. Some guys like to use that measurement, then add a few inches.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks! That's a great tip on bar width. I'm tall and fairly wide shouldered, so the Emgo Magna Wide handlebar fits me great. I use it on at least 6 of my current bikes. Cheers!

[@VaughnVeltmeyer-zr1xw]

Got csr1000 it's a great bike,I'm in Australia.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@VaughnVeltmeyer-zr1xw Right on. Cheers, mate!

[@AndyPat239]

nice ride!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Andy!

[@highviscosity749]

You got some of the nicest bikes on yt. Brutal sound.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you!

[@robertrodriguez8167]

You need to find a Spectra1100. No i don't have one, i did, long gone.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I'll gladly feature one if/when I get the chance. Cheers!

[@broc2727]

It's Spectre, I had a 1982 1100, black and maroon. Traded it in for an 88 750R Ninja.

[@dundeedeek]

The Kawasaki big four soundtrack is just awesome, they have such a distinctive sound. Like you I'm not a cruiser fan, but this is a handsome machine. The bar upgrade was a sound decision.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@johnnyhall7065]

They are a sports cruiser!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@johnnyhall7065 Right on!

[@robertrodriguez8167]

Sounds assume!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Robert!

[@johnnyhall7065]

Nice machine!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@johnnyhall7065 Thanks!

[@GoUSA68]

I remember seeing these back in the day. Excellent review- thank you!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks!