Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1980 Kawasaki KZ1300.
In a period review, Cycle World called Kawasaki’s KZ1300 “an incredible hulk”, saying, “There are motorcycles with more speed, but not with the same combination of power, strength, comfort and handling…the sophistication is incredible, the size is enormous.” Displacement-wise, it was the biggest of the classic six-cylinder motors like the Benelli Sei and the Honda CBX. Like the competition, the KZ wasn’t a commercial success but collectors now appreciate the audacity of a bike that screamed excess from the weight to the price.
Built for 10 years, the 1,286cc engine produced a hefty 120 horsepower. Top speed was similarly significant with magazine tests showing that it was capable of hitting 140 mph. But the 710 pound wet weight meant it was thirsty, with a fuel economy of approximately 30mpg. For more information, check out this ‘six-cylinder’ comparison from Motorcycle Classics.
This example is VIN: KZT30A009308. The seller purchased the bike one year ago through an Iconic auction.
True mileage unknown. The odometer shows 40,815 kilometers (25,361 miles) and the seller notes, “The speedometer was not working correctly when I received the bike and also the housing was badly scuffed so I found one on eBay and replaced it.”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: RUST INSIDE TANK
Engine Oil Level: LOW
Engine Oil Quality: DARK
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok, <150mV
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok, 1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Cable
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: N/A
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 16/24
Tire Date Code Rear: 12/24
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 32 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 34 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.8V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.6v
Running Condition: Runs on bench, poorly
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Tires Installed:
-Front: 110/90-18
-Rear: 130/90-17
Compression Check (Spec: 119-171 PSI):
-Cylinder 1: 150PSI
-Cylinder 2: 155PSI
-Cylinder 3: 150PSI
-Cylinder 4: 150PSI
-Cylinder 5: 145PSI
-Cylinder 6: 145PSI
Notes:
-Engine oil is dark, level is low
-Fuel tank has oxidation inside
-Smokes when running – blue hue
-Oil leaking from exhaust
-Air injection is blocked off, seeps oil
-Good spark at all 6 cylinders
-Poor running carbs
-Ignition pulsar replaced, bike needs to idle to set timing
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-Engine oil and service
-Professional tank clean
-Carbs
Modifications:
6 into 2 Delkevic exhaust.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop D404 tires with date codes of 1224 and 1624.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Arizona title. Have any KZ1300 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
