1978 Kawasaki KZ

1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD Absolutely Pristine Museum-Quality Survivor Original Paint, Original Chrome & Only 3,439 Miles Feast your eyes on what is quite simply the cleanest, most original 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD We have ever seen. This is not a restoration. This is a time-capsule survivor. Original paint, original chrome, original exhaust, original saddle, original grips, original mirrors, original bars, original hardware. Everything you see is exactly how Kawasaki delivered it in 1978, with the exception of normal consumables (tires, chain, fluids, battery), which we Just replaced during our comprehensive preservation service. Finding one this original, this clean, with this level of documentation is one-in-a-million. Truly a unicorn, This is the finest example for sale in the U.S.A. Highlights at a Glance

Original paint throughout with beautiful, honest patina

All original chrome — including the exhaust (no re-chroming)

Original & Matching numbers

Only ~3,439 miles

Two-owner bike

Never dropped, abused, or weathered

Stored indoors its entire life

Runs and rides like a brand-new motorcycle

If you punch “Kawasaki LTD 1000” into YouTube, you'll see dozens of these we've handled over the years—barn finds, frame-up restorations, rough riders. This one stands above them all. You'd need to find one new in a crate to do better. Unmatched Provenance & Documentation.
This bike comes with an extraordinary paper trail that simply does not exist on most survivors:

Original owner's manual

Early registration paperwork

Clean title

Original 1978 retail pink slip / purchase contract showing a cash price of $3,675

Original 500-mile service record

Original 2,200-mile service record

Recent 3,400-mile service documentation

Those early services weren't pencil-whipped either—they included valve checks, cam chain adjustment, carb synchronization, throttle cable adjustment, swingarm lubrication, oil and filter changes, ignition checks, and New York State inspection. This bike was cared for meticulously & correctly from day one. Recent Preservation Service (50 Hours Total)We performed a museum-grade preservation service, investing 50 hours of professional Shop labor (38 hours service + 12 hours detail):Mechanical Work

New battery with tender lead

Refreshed the entire brake system;

Rebuilt both front brake calipers

Rebuilt rear brake caliper

Rebuilt front brake master cylinder

Fresh DOT 4 brake fluid throughout

Brand-new Bridgestone Battlax BT46 tires, wheels balanced

Complete fuel system service:

Carbs removed, rack split, ultrasonically cleaned, reassembled, synchronized

New intake manifolds

Original air filter cleaned and retained (still mint)

Airbox snorkel removed, scrubbed, reinstalled

Tank cleaned, new petcock installed

New fuel lines and filters

Added 2 gallons of VP94 ethanol-free fuel

New NGK spark plugs

Oil and filter change with Spectro 10W-40

New 630 gold X-ring chain (yes—we couldn't resist)

Exhaust removed, cleaned, polished, and reinstalled with new gaskets

Detail Work

Full rotisserie-level detail

Steam-cleaned, hand-washed

Every aluminum surface polished

Every chrome surface polished

Paint buffed, polished, and waxed

Every nut, bolt, nook, and cranny cleaned or polished

This bike looks like it rolled off the showroom floor in 1978.Condition Description

Front end: Original brake discs, calipers, forks, fender—absolutely pristine

Gauges: Crystal clear, like new

Tank: Original paint, gorgeous inside and out

Engine: Dry, clean, showroom-level cases

Exhaust: Original LTD system with no bluing—top and bottom equally beautiful

Seat: Original 46-year-old saddle in remarkable condition

Frame tags & hardware: As clean as it gets—proof of careful storage

This was Kawasaki's factory custom hot rod: mag wheels, chrome chain guard, stepped seat, custom bars, factory-spec aftermarket exhaust, and performance shocks. This is the top of the line. Investment-Grade Collectible Early Z-series Kawasakis are climbing fast. Early '70s Z1s are bringing north of $50,000 at auction. The LTD 1000 had a short production run and represents a pivotal moment in Kawasaki history. As a museum curator, I'll say this plainly:
I would rather own this untouched, preserved original than any frame-up restoration. You cannot recreate factory paint, factory chrome, factory assembly, and honest patina once it's gone.
This Bike Cost Roughly $4,000 in year one of ownership in 1978, Adjusted for Inflation that is $20,329 in 2025.
Add 50 hours of shop labor @$150 per Hour is $7,500, Plus $781 in New Parts = $8,381 We Just Invested Into it; That is a $28,720 Value Plus Curating and Caretaking and Storing it for 48 years, What is the total value?
Originals Like this Will always Maintain The Highest Value.

SHIPPING: SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS! We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service. International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts. We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.
PICKUP: We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST. We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.