Performance Upgrades And Startup Of My 1978 KZ1000

This is the result of my engine rebuild and performance upgrades to my 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000. I added a KZ900 crankshaft, bored the cylinders to an 1105cc, ported the head, oversized valves, and installed .418" lift Andrew's intake cam and an RC424 .419" lift exhaust cam, Mikuni RS34mm carbs, backcut trans gears and upgraded the suspension with YSS rear shock and Progessive fork springs. I also powdercoated the engine Alien Silver to add a little flair.

[@uan588]

Sound and looks of your Z Leader gets the Heart pounding.

[@KZRevival]

It really does. I think it's sounds even better with the baffle removed, but it is very loud.

[@steverobertson791]

That’s sound and looks spot on 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@KZRevival]

Thanks man. I love the sound of the KZ's as well.

[@SUNNofODIN]

Well worth the wait, even if only to hear the cams 🎉 I’ll dig into mine next year hopefully. It’s been parked since 2017 because of the tank, going to try yet another way to fix the pinhole leak issues.

[@KZRevival]

Thanks man. At some point, I would like to post a ride video on this bike. That may happen soon. Good luck with your tank issue. Hopefully, you're able to fix that hole.

[@796andy2]

beautiful , nice work

[@KZRevival]

Thanks man.

[@alanmiller366]

very nice, sounds cool to

[@KZRevival]

Thanks

[@geraldsgarage4100]

Nice!

[@KZRevival]

Thanks

[@pluto.876]

Sounds mean on the startup. Would love to hear it ripping around town

[@KZRevival]

My son says the same thing. He's offering to let me use his gopro, but I'd need to aquire a mount. It'll probably happen now that the bike is finished. Thanks for checking it out.

[@creed426]

Beautiful work you did, just beautiful any chance you would sale it ?

[@KZRevival]

Thanks for the compliment. Unfortunately, I love this bike, and it's unlikely I would ever sell it. After 32 years of ownership, I finally have it just the way I've always wanted it. Thanks for checking it out.

[@brandondavis4624]

When u put the new ebc disc on the front did u get a buzzing sound when driving around 40 mph? I upgraded and got that odd buzzing

[@KZRevival]

Definitely no buzzing or noise from the new rotors at any speed. Maybe your caliper isn't fully releasing. Are they hot to the touch if you don't use them but stop with the other brake? I don't know if you are referring to the front or back.

[@alvinclifton9032]

hey did you rake the neck on your bike?

[@KZRevival]

Yes, I did have the front end raked 30+ years ago.

[@kawythowy867]

Front end raked?

[@KZRevival]

Yes, the front end is raked. I had it done when I first bought the bike. I thought I might drag race it one day, but that never happened.

[@st-qd8wg]

Stock original runs much better i known this bike when was built there great bikes if you dont dig in to it too much.

[@KZRevival]

Yes, stock bikes run perfectly fine, but what's the fun in leaving it stock. These bikes are even better after you've dug into it. From my point of view, a hot rod is always going to grab my attention first. I have another nearly stock KZ1000 that is fun to ride, but this one gets the heart pounding.

[@st-qd8wg]

@KZRevival the fun part is enjoying bikes, not altered factory settings, and design I mentioned before. I know bike better anyone out here. I ride bike when It was brand new they do just fine without alterations Everything does not have to be exciting or thrilled, and get creative