In 1981, Kawasaki throughly upgraded the KZ1000G to the KZ1000J model with a better engine and chassis, though they did go down in one specific number: displacement. By decreasing the bore slightly, they were able to get displacement to 998cc, which is what they needed to compete in AMA Superbike racing. Despite the slight displacement decrease, Kawasaki was able to get an almost 25% horsepower bump from the G to the J bike (83 to 102) thanks to a lighter crankshaft, lighter flywheel, larger valves, bigger (and lighter) aluminum 34mm Mikuni carbs, and a higher compression ratio.
The chassis got stiffer but lighter and it was paired with bigger forks and steeper rake. It worked – Eddie Lawson won the 1981 AMA National Superbike Championship with a factory KZ1000J, and that led to the famous ELR (Eddie Lawson Replica).
Manufactured in January of 1982, this example is VIN: JKAKZCJ10CA12665.
During their ownership, the seller has covered roughly 10,000 kms. The bike is True Mileage Unknown.
The seller states: “The mileage that shows on the digital readout is only the miles accumulated with the Koso Tach/speedo. There hasn’t been a speedo drive on the bike since 1984 so exact mileage is unknown”. The odometer currently shows 4,974km, (3,090 miles).
The seller was the original owner – he purchased it new in 1983 from Custom Cycle in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, he was an employee there at the time. “I owned it for approximately 3-4 years after the initial purchase. Due to circumstances in my life I had to sell it. I lost track of the bike for a number of years and then a friend of mine purchased it. He owned it for about 15 years. One day out of the blue I decided to call him to see if he would sell it back to me. He said he would and i have owned it for about the last 15 years. I had always said when I got it back I would never sell it again. But things change. My wife likes to ride as a passenger with me and the “J” is not set up for two up riding. We purchased a R1200RT two years ago and I have only ridden “the green bike” twice in two years. I feel its now time for someone else to make some memories. The bike was built to be a “cool” daily rider and not a trailer queen. The bike is a blast to ride. I spent a lot of time jetting so it fuels really well at our altitude. I hope someone is able to enjoy multiple trips down memory lane.”
Maintenance:
“The head was replaced. New valve seals and lapped in all valves. Head gasket was replaced. A Cometic brand fiber gasket was used. The head work was done by the guy I worked for at Custom Cycle in the 80’s. We never thought we would have a friendship 50 years later. I purchased my first bike from him in 1976, a KH400, but I digress. The head was reinstalled by me. The original head had pulled all the cam cap bolts and we were able to source a used head from an 1100 Spectre with the correct cam caps.” The seller notes that a new battery will be provided with the bike.
Mechanical Issues:
“33 mm smoothbores can be finicky to temp changes for idle. These are no exception. I learned to carry a small screwdriver with me to adjust the air screws. It’s not something you have to fiddle with constantly. The bottom bolt below the sprocket on the clutch cover has been broken out, likely due to a broken chain in its previous life. The other bolts on the cover have been helicoiled and the clutch works perfectly. There is no ignition switch. It used two toggle switches, one on the dash that you see and a hidden one that cuts power to the coils.”
Modifications:
“The list of modifications to this bike is quite long:
Magnesium Dymag wheels repainted 4 years ago 4.5 inches on rear, 2.75 inches on front now 18 inch, 296mm front rotors with caliper spacers
Cal Fab aluminum swing arm, Kerker Superbike pipe
Koso tach and speedo
Carbon fiber dash
Wiseco 1075 pistons
Mikuni 33 mm smoothbores, jetted for altitude here which is about 1800 feet ASL
Dyna green ignition coils, wired through relay for full 13.6 volts to coil
ELR seat like new
530 chain conversion. Regina gold chain and custom rear sprocket from Rebel Gears.
ZX14 radial front master cylinder with Rizoma reservoir, CRG adjustable clutch and brake levers
Nitro Racing rearsets from Webike Japan. Nitro Racing rear pegs and weld on mounts (not installed).
Posh brand LED signal lights from Japan
Oxford heated grips
Front fender lowered to match tire
Marzocchi Strada shocks
Race Tech fork springs
Bar end mirrors
Paddock stand
Dual Hi/Low Fiamm horns
Nitro racing headlight mount from Japan
Aviation grade internal fuel tank coating
Bike cover
Decals are vinyl and done so they line up front to back. Clear coated.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact tires with date codes of 1923 and 4123.
The sale includes 1 ignition key, the service manual, and some spare parts.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“The frame paint is original so is showing 40 years of experience. The wheels have some chips. There is a chip in the tank on the bottom seam on the left side. There is a small bug in the clear coat on top of the fuel tank near the front. The header paint has experience as well. I always wanted to get it ceramic coated but never did. I have provided photos of the cosmetic faults.”
Currently located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Saskatchewan registration. Have any KZ1000 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
