A Vintage 1980 KZ1000 Mark II Prepped for Dragstrip Glory
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
When the KZ1000 debuted in 1976, Kawasaki’s muscle bike was the fastest production motorcycle, thanks to a high-revving 1,015cc inline-four engine. A couple of years later, Reg Pridmore won the 1978 AMA Superbike Championship - opens in new window or tab. on a KZ1000. Kawasaki sealed the model’s legendary status in 1982 with the launch of the popular police version.
A stock 1980 KZ1000 is formidable, but it pales in comparison to the pro street job on this KZ1000 Mark II recently listed for sale on eBay.
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Modded for Max Power
This bike’s transformation to a KZ drag racer includes a completely overhauled engine, as well as the following modifications:
- The bore was increased from 69.4mm to 78mm, and the bike has been fitted with new 78mm MTC gas-ported pistons - opens in new window or tab..
- The compression ratio rose to 10.8:1, a big jump from the stock 8.7:1 ratio.
- Ported and polished heads benefit from the old-school street racing trick.
- The pro street KZ1000 has new stainless steel valves, valve springs, and high-performance cams.
- The four original 28mm Mikuni carbs - opens in new window or tab. were swapped out for fresh 36mm Mikuni black flat-side carbs - opens in new window or tab..
The exhaust note drumming out of the Vance & Hines Sidewinder will get any gearhead’s heart pounding faster. A welded Mark II crank, and a heavy-duty clutch basket with APE clutches handle the newfound power. This quarter-mile screamer puts a claimed 135 horsepower to the back wheel. This easily eclipses the 90 or so horses of the stock 1980 version.
Stretched and Swagged
The team of modders stretched this KZ1000 Mark II on both ends. First, Mr. Turbo - opens in new window or tab., the Houston-based maker of turbo systems for street, drag, and top-speed motorcycles, raked the front end. Next, they bent the neck up to kick the front end out a few degrees, a move best left to professionals. The rear is also kicked out, courtesy of an extended swingarm - opens in new window or tab.. Stretching a motorcycle’s wheelbase is common practice for drag bikes.
Other drag racing gear include a custom steering stabilizer to help quell fork vibrations, a custom racing tachometer with shift light, and custom chrome handlebars and controls.
The motorcycle sports 18-inch polished aluminum Performance Machine wheels - opens in new window or tab.; Performance Machine calipers boost braking power. The sexiness of the Kawasaki gas tank - opens in new window or tab. is accentuated by a custom pro street paint job. The leather seat’s custom stitching adds to the swagger.
Quarter-Mile 10s on Two Wheels
This KZ1000 Mark II isn’t for everybody. You need to appreciate a powerful motorcycle built for straight-line speed. There’s no rear suspension, and even with all the mods, it’s still a lot to handle in turns.
If you’re an experienced rider itching to hit the local drag strip on run-what-ya-brung night, and have visions of breaking into the 10s on two wheels in the quarter-mile, this pro street 1980 Kawasaki KZ1000 Mark II is just the ticket. Its combination of style and nostalgia makes it a sure-fire hit.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.