Bad Seeds KZ1000

[Inline4]

WOW! been trying to find out more about the Bad Seeds CB1100 and came across their build of a 1978 KZ1000. Absolutely Beautiful!

[The ferret]

Serious oil cooler and lines!

[Randy B]

That's a pretty common mod on the KZ's. Especially when they do a big cc kit on them.

[Inline4]

I am and have always been a Honda guy. Having said that I do appreciate other makes and the other-worldly mods the owners implement to make the bike "their own".
Through the years I've seen a lot of modifications on many different badges;
some very tastefully and purposely accomplished................some leaving we thinking "WTH?"
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm surprised there have only 2 comments posted about this Kaw. I know there are varied opinions on the final product shown.
What are yours, pros or cons?
Jim

[The ferret]

Good..KZs are always cool

Bad: swingarm is too long, making the wheelbase too ong
tail piece doesn't match tank,
gold frame,
rear shocks are too long, jacking the back of the bike up
No mirrors or turn signals
No oil in crankcase

[Inline4]

No oil in crankcase?
Now THAT is a sharp eye!
I agree with the rear end too jacked up, but you have to admit over all it is a pretty cool rendition of what a modern day KZ1000 could look like.
If this thread really gets going, I'll post a few pics of some incredible KZ "streetfighters". That era of Kawasaki inline fours ( ) was and is one of the most heavily modified bikes of all time. Some good/some bad.

[Randy B]

If I could get my buddies KZ out of his cold dead hands I'd do it in a second.

[ChipBeck]

I think the exhaust system fits the bike poorly and looks like it was made for something else. It doesn't hug the frame and hangs down way too low. The tail piece is too high, long, and angled upward too much. The oil cooler and oil lines don't integrate too well. I love the way the tank is painted though. And I really like the Bad Seeds CB1100.

Chip

[Flynrider]

(08-10-2013 04:23 PM)Randy B Wrote:  If I could get my buddies KZ out of his cold dead hands I'd do it in a second.

That is a beautiful example of a classic KZ. Personally, I'm not a Honda snob. I've owned my share of KZs, GSs and XJs as well. One of the things that made UJMs "universal" was that in addition to similarities in style and configuration, they were also universally good bikes.

I couldn't help but notice the irony in the license plate that starts with "CB"

[Randy B]

He used to have a personalized plate that read MK II, but he gave it up for some reason.

That obviously is a custom paint job, but believe it or not it was done around 1985 or 86. It has really stood up well. It helps that he takes REALLY good care of it.