My friend has the 81 Ltd with engine problems, he thinks it might just need new rings and a battery but who knows until it's torn down.... then costs can skyrocket pretty quick.

How much demand would there be for the parts on this bike...it's in pretty good shape other than fouling out new plugs right away. I'm thinking he might best get back on the road by parting out the bike and buying another.

Any thoughts?

 

Tough to say. There is some demand since new parts are almost non existant. Maybe ebay the parts. But it also depends on what is actually wrong with it. If its cheap to fix then great. He could also get another KZ1000 and use the 81 as a parts bike.

 

fouling could be a few things.

is it oil fouling or gas?

gas will not be rings!! lol..

i'd do a wet and dry comp test and go from there.

thats about the only way (besides a leakdown test) to tell if the rings are toast.

honestly, i'd go to fueling right off the bat and after going VERY VERY well thru the carbs, start from sctratch after comp/leakdown analysis.

good luck, keep us posted, and welcome to KF!!

 

I'll pass the comp and carb thoughts along, thanks for the suggestions.

 

I had this problem back in 2001. The local shop put in "Accel" high output
coils and a "K&N" air filter. The plugs were re-gapped to 0.04".
The plugs still get slight oil fouling but no more
gas fouling unless it has been more than a year since the air filter was
washed/cleaned. The air filter needs to be kept clean.
Last time the plugs fouled I cleaned them with "simple green" all purpose
cleaner as follows.
Took a plastic spray can top and poured full strength "simple green" cleaner
into the outer ring. Stuck the tips of the spark plugs into the cleaner/outer
ring and let then sit for 3 days. The carbon just falls off easily afterwards.
Took the plugs out and brushed them with a steel brush.
Rinsed the plugs in the sink with water and then used the plastic spray
can top again to rinse the plug tips with 90% rubbing alcohol.
Filed the electrodes breifly with a metal "La Cross" nail file and checked gap.
70K miles and running good. Also changed sprockets and chain to KZ ratios
for better fuel economy/no more redline at 120mph.