Resurrecting my '79 KZ1300 from a 28-year nap

My 79 A1 consumes about half a litre every 1000 miles which is pretty similar - oil consumption seems to be a recurring theme for a number of 1300 owners... I replaced all of my valve stem seals without any impact and have decided that a re-hone/re-bore/fit new liners or any other major surgery is not worth the effort and not guaranteed to solve the problem. Adding some oil every couple of hundred miles is irritating but not really a significant issue.

My 79 burned a lot of oil from new and never really stopped. Ring and or Piston design changed in later model years which resolved the problem.

Thanks guys, that eases my mind a bit. I was a little concerned, but what I'm seeing is pretty much in line with what y'all are experiencing. Still on the hunt for a deep sump to swap on, but I'll just continue keeping a close eye on the oil level. I even cut a little decal at work to remind me every time I get on the bike.



I kinda figured Saturday would be my riding for the weekend, but my wife came home from work Sunday afternoon and said "It sure is nice out there...you should take the bike out for a bit!"

Love that woman...

I still think there's no better place to live as a motorcycle enthusiast than Western NC.

On a trip many years ago, I had to stop half way up a mountain pass to lower the needle height, to keep the bike running.

Scotch, same once for me too. Continental Divide, about 10,000 feet up... Had to have girlfriend get off the bike to get the kz up to the peak. A nice couple gave her a ride in their car..

Beautiful Pic there Propav8r !!!

Sounds like a few of you could make use of a altitude compensating turbo.

So what about our friends over in Europe?? We never hear them squealing about power related issues. How come??

One of these days I'm going to buy or build a turbo bike. My GL1000 would be a great candidate for a little whistle, but what I'd really like is CX650 Turbo (or any of the other Japanese factory turbo bikes, really)