Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1982 Kawasaki KZ1000 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE BALANCE WEIGHTS WHICH ARE ATTACHED TO THE FRONT WHEEL OF THE MOTORCYCLE MAY CAUSE THE FRONT TIRE TO LEAK AIR SLOWLY. IF THE AIR PRESSURE GETS LOW ENOUGH, THE TIRE MAY SHIFT ON THE RIM AND DEFLATE RAPIDLY.
Remedy
EXISTING WEIGHTS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW WEIGHTS THAT WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH THE SEALING PROPERTIES OF THE TIRE.
Defect
THE BOLT WHICH SECURES THE DRIVE CHAIN SPROCKET TO THE TRANSMISSION OUTPUT SHAFT MAY LOOSEN DURING NORMAL OPERATION. IF THIS BOLT COMES LOOSE, THE SPROCKET MAY SEPARATE FROM THE SHAFT, RESULTING IN LOCK-UP OF REAR WHEEL.
Remedy
DEALER WILL ENSURE THAT THE PROPER TORQUE (58 FT. LB.) IS APPLIED TO THE BOLT AND A SYSTEM OF INTERLOCKING WASHERS WILL BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT THE BOLT FROM LOOSENING. THIS WILL BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1982 Kawasaki KZ1000. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.