Source: Bike Bound
150-bhp Zed from Atlanta Motorcycle Works…
When the original 903cc Kawasaki Z1 hit showrooms in 1972, it was the first large-capacity four-cylinder Japanese production bike to boast a DOHC design, outstripping the CB750 as the ultimate superbike from the Land of the Rising Sun. The Zed immediately won hearts, minds, races, and awards all over the world.
“With one stunning model scooped up all the prizes for speed and power and muscle and status, while the former kings muttered about only 750cc or only two cylinders.” –Cycle World
That same engine would evolve and enlarge over the years, finding its way into the mighty 90-hp KZ1000 / Z1000, which claimed the title as the fastest production motorcycle ever unleashed on the world at the time.
By the early 1980s, however, the Japanese manufacturers were trying to compete in the lucrative cruiser market that Harley-Davidson dominated. This helped birth a style trend in which the classic UJM models received “custom” makeovers that included raked forks, stepped seats, smaller rear wheels, and other such details that defined their American counterparts.
In the case of the big Zed, this translated into the KZ1000 LTD, a cruiser-styled machine with a 16-inch rear wheel, pullback bars, dual-level seat, and a good bit of flash. Unfortunately, these changes undercut the bike’s performance for questionable aesthetic gains:
“As for the LTD, Kawasaki are dead right. It’s limited.” –Bike magazine
Fortunately, there are workshops with the vision, expertise, and skills to breathe new life into such outdated factory “customs,” unleashing their inner superbike. That was the mission handed to our friends at Atlanta Motorcycle Works by one of their customers, Serop Garabedian, owner of an ’82 LTD.
“Serop trusted Atlanta Motorcycle Works to transform his 1982 Kawasaki KZ1000K2 LTD from a bone-stock LTD frame into a completely overhauled and modified, 150 brake horsepower road weapon.” -AMW
This would be no bolt-on project. To the contrary, the team at Atlanta Motorcycle Works started by completely reworking the chassis: de-raking the neck, reinforcing every major frame joint, and installing a Z1 subframe to achieve a geometry more in line with modern standards.
To this newly rebuilt frame, the AMW crew added Kawasaki ZRX1100 inverted forks and a braced swingarm, 17-inch wheels with modern rubber, Öhlins rear shocks, six-piston ZRX brakes, a rewired electrical system with an NWT Cycletronic control unit, new bodywork with custom mounting brackets, and much more.
Then came the engine. The goal here was a high-performance street build, and the motor now boasts 1075cc pistons, a balanced and lightened crank, ported cylinder head, Web cams, nine-rail oil cooler, Keihin carbs, Nitron titanium exhaust, and much more:
“The result is impressive: 125 rear wheel horsepower, with 61 ft/lbs of torque at 4,500 rpm and 80 ft/lbs at 8,500 rpm, all the way up to a 10,000 rpm redline.”
The transformation from bone-stock boulevard boulder to high-performance street, strip, and show weapon is staggering. There’s no doubt that Mr. Garabedian is one lucky man to have this machine in his garage.
Below, the crew at AMW gives us the full nitty-gritty details of the build in their own words, along with plenty of a photographs and a full build sheet on this resto-modded road weapon.
In the Builder’s Words…
Starting from Scratch:
Serop brought this motorcycle to AMW with three things in mind: speed, maneuverability, and style. Once the project cleared the engineering and design phase and was approved by Serop, the build concept was moved to the tear-down and mock-up phase. Recognizing the original frame wasn’t suitable for the ambitious modifications he envisioned, we began by focusing on the chassis before moving onto the engine.
We started by removing the original subframe, dedicating substantial hours under various torches to prepare the frame for its complete overhaul. The frame was de-raked by 2 degrees and completely gusseted and reinforced, bringing it up to modern specifications. This reinforcement included triangular gusseting at every major joint to reduce chassis twist and enhance stability.
With the subframe removed, we fitted a donor Z1 subframe, allowing us to properly install the seat, fender, and side covers. The ZRX1100 swingarm was customized to fit seamlessly into the chassis, setting the stage for improved handling and suspension performance.
Fabrication and Customization:
Next, we tackled the gas tank. The original tank was cut at the seams and modified with a low-profile but lower-capacity underside, ensuring proper fitment over the frame tubes and maintaining sleek body lines. This meticulous work allowed for a seamless integration of form and function.
With major fabrication coming to an end, we fitted the wheels and began sorting out the front end. Custom triple clamps were crafted to accommodate 43mm ZRX front forks with new tubes and internal valve upgrades. This setup significantly improved the bike’s front-end stability and responsiveness. We added ABM custom clamp-on adjustable handlebars for precise control tailored to the rider’s preference.
To enhance the bike’s aesthetic and aerodynamic profile, we installed a custom American Dream front fairing, mounted using four in-house custom-made fairing brackets. Koso custom carbon mirrors completed the front-end transformation, adding a modern touch to the classic silhouette.
Chassis and Suspension:
The bike now rolls on 17-inch wheels, featuring a 120/70-17 front tire and a 170/60-17 rear tire, providing modern grip and handling characteristics. Ohlins Blackline rear shocks were installed to complement the front suspension upgrades, delivering exceptional ride quality and stability.
Braking System:
To ensure stopping power matched the bike’s performance, we equipped it with Galfer rotors and rebuilt 6-piston ZRX calipers fitted with stainless steel pistons. These are controlled by a Nissin radial master cylinder, connected via Spiegler stainless steel black brake hoses for precise and responsive braking.
Engine Performance and Longevity:
With the chassis sorted, we turned our attention to the heart of the machine. Serop wanted power, and we delivered with a complete high-performance street engine build.
• The crankshaft was rebuilt, lightened, knife-edged, polished, welded, and balanced, ensuring it could handle increased power output.
• A heavy-duty cam chain was installed, along with a rebuilt, cryogenically treated, and undercut transmission featuring heavy-duty APE shift fork shafts for improved durability and shifting precision.
• The engine received heavy-duty APE cylinder studs and nuts, and we installed a 1075cc Wiseco big bore kit with torque plate-honed cylinders for optimal alignment and sealing.
• The cylinder head was completely rebuilt, featuring bronze guides and stainless steel oversized, back-cut valves with a five-angle valve job. Kibblewhite heavy-duty valve springs and stage 3 cylinder head porting maximized airflow and performance. Web cams were degreed in for peak performance, optimizing power delivery throughout the rev range.
To keep the engine running cool and prolong its life, we installed Grumpy’s custom 9-rail oil cooler with stainless steel hoses. Engine components were completely powder-coated, and a low-profile oil filter cover was fitted for exhaust clearance. A custom titanium Nitro Racing 4-into-1 exhaust with heat polished headers and our in-house custom competition baffle enhanced both performance and sound.
The result is impressive: 125 rear wheel horsepower, with 61 ft/lbs of torque at 4,500 rpm and 80 ft/lbs at 8,500 rpm, all the way up to a 10,000 rpm redline.
Fuel and Ignition Systems:
Fuel delivery is handled by Keihin CR31 carburetors with velocity stacks and custom filters, ensuring the engine breathes freely. An electronic fuel petcock was installed for a reliable key-on fuel flow. Ignition is managed by a DYNA S electronic ignition system with high-output coils and wires, providing a strong and consistent spark.
Electrical and Instrumentation:
We designed a complete custom NWT Electrical control system, powering an 8-inch LED headlight, LED sequential turn signals, and an R1 tail light for modern visibility. An aluminum throttle assembly offers precise control.
A custom meter housing was crafted to hold analog-appearing Z1 digital gauges with a GPS speedometer, blending classic aesthetics with modern functionality.
Final Touches:
The frame was treated with a metallic powder-coated finish for durability and a striking appearance. A show-quality custom paint job was applied, and a custom-covered gel foam performance seat was added for comfort.
To ensure optimal power transmission, we installed JT sprockets with a custom spacer offset and an EK O-ring race chain with a 530 conversion. Custom rearset foot controls were fitted to Serop’s exact specifications.
Conclusion:
From a bone-stock LTD to a fully customized, high-performance machine, every aspect of this build was carefully planned and executed to meet Serop’s vision for speed, maneuverability, and style. This 1982 Kawasaki KZ1000K1 stands as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, expertise, and a passion for excellence — a true road weapon ready to dominate both the streets and the shows.
Parts List / Build sheet
1982 Kawasaki KZ1000K2 LTD Custom Build
Chassis Modifications
• Frame Enhancements
• De-raked by 2 degrees
• Completely gusseted and reinforced frame
• Totally redesigned rear frame to 2021 specifications
Front End Upgrades
• Custom triple clamps
• 43mm ZRX front forks with new tubes and internal valve upgrades
• ABM custom clamp-on adjustable handlebars
• Custom American Dream front fairing
• Four in-house custom-made fairing brackets
• Koso custom carbon mirrors
Fuel Tank
• Customized Z1 fuel tank to fit over frame tubes
• Electronic fuel petcock
Rear Suspension and Controls
• ZRX1100 swingarm customized to fit the chassis
• Ohlins Blackline rear shocks
• Custom rearset foot controls fitted to rider preference
Wheels and Tires
• Front tire: 120/70-17
• Rear tire: 170/60-17
Braking System
• Galfer rotors
• Rebuilt ZRX calipers with stainless steel pistons
• Nissin radial master cylinder
• Spiegler stainless steel black brake hoses
Additional Features
• Custom aluminum complete inner rear fender
• Aluminum throttle assembly
• JT sprockets with custom spacer offset
• EK O-ring race chain with 530 conversion
Electrical System
• Custom NWT Electrical Control System
• 8” LED headlight
• LED sequential turn signals
• R1 tail light
• Custom meter housing with analog-appearing digital gauges
• GPS speedometer
Aesthetics
• Frame and Bodywork
• Metallic powder-coated frame
• Show-quality custom paint job
• Custom-covered gel foam performance seat
Fuel and Air Intake
• Carburetion
• Keihin CR31 carburetors with velocity stacks
• Custom air filters
Ignition System
• Upgrades
• DYNA S electronic ignition
• High-output coils and wires
Engine Longevity Enhancements
• Cooling and Durability
• Grumpy’s custom 9-rail oil cooler with stainless steel hoses
• Powder-coated engine components
• Low-profile oil filter cover for exhaust pipe clearance
• Custom Nitro Racing 4-into-1 exhaust pipe
• Polished exhaust headers
• In-house custom competition baffle
Engine Performance Specifications
• Performance Metrics
• 125 rear wheel horsepower
• 61 ft/lbs of torque at 4,500 rpm
• 80 ft/lbs of torque at 8,500 rpm
• Redline at 10,000 rpm
Engine Build Details
• Complete high-performance street engine build
• Crankshaft: Rebuilt, lightened, knife-edged, polished, welded, and balanced
• Transmission: Rebuilt, cryo-treated, and undercut, eavy-duty APE shift fork shafts
• Cam Chain: Heavy-duty cam chain installed
• Cylinder Assembly: Heavy-duty APE cylinder studs and nuts, 1075cc Wiseco big bore kit, torque plate-honed cylinders
• Cylinder Head: Completely rebuilt with bronze guides, stainless steel oversized, back-cut valves with a 5-angle valve job, Kibblewhite heavy-duty valve springs, Stage 3 cylinder head porting
• Camshafts: Web cams degreed in for maximum performance
Follow the Builder
Web: atlantamotorcycleworks.com
Instagram: @atlantamotorcycleworksllc
Facebook: Atlanta Motorcycle Works
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