75 Z1

I thought I posted already but can't find it.

Here I go again

My friend bought a Z1 new in 75. has 13k on it now, been in storage 25 years not running. never down. I think its worth around 5k now, 2k to get it up and running 13 or so after that. Unrestored original condition.
He said it still has the factory spark plugs in it.

What do you think?

Buy it if you haven't already
Or let one of us
Dave

That Z1B in Maroon was my first brand new bike. Sold it 2 years later (get this) to get a XLH Sportster. Brilliant! The 1000 cafe racer was in the showroom then and nobody wanted it. Now if least I had bought that I would feel a little better. Any Z1 in original condition is a gem.

Take a look at our July Bike of the Month for some great pictures of a perfect 75 Z-1 in Blue
Dave

How realistic am I on the numbers? Value, fix it cost and value in running condition.

I assume it will need the tank cleaned, carbs gone through, valves checked, brakes at a minimum. Is it blue? Last time I saw it was like 82. and not sure by the pic.

Thank you
Tim

Two Thousand is very realistic to get it up and running. Not a full restore. But it depends on what you are defining as a restore. Back to OEM or just restored with time period modifications. If it was stored out of the elments you are way ahead of the game. If it has the original exhaust, then you are a lucky man. That alone can be worth a lot of money. But without even knowing anything about the bike, here is a quick run down of what you will most likey need with cost, if you most of the work yourself.

$200 to $300 Set of tires (mounted)
$150 Brake M/C and caliper rebuilt kits with front pads and rear shoes. Another $65if you replace the lines with SS lines.
$100 Set of four carbuertor rebuild kids
$170 New Chain/Sprocket/Lock Washers/Lube
$20 Valve adjust shims
$15 Valve cover gasket
$10 Petcock rebuilt kit
$10 Spark Plugs
$80 New Battery (AGM)
$10 to $100 Tank rehab (anywhere from vinger to a liner)
$200+ New title, registration and tags. This varies of course. I know some states have back fees which have to be paid.

This assumes the engine doesn't need anything other than maintence

This may get you to the point where it is rideable.

But I would also:
$15 + $35 Front and rear wheel bearing kits (modern AllBalls brand)
$25 New fork seals and fork fluid
$60 New steering head bearings (modern)
$120 Swing arm bering kit (modern)

For full restore OEM or other

$300 to $800 Paint: anywhere from basic one color to OEM paint job.

If it needs a new exchaust; anywhere from $350.00 for a low end 4 to 1 to $1200 for a four into four OEM exhaust.

Then lots of other nickel and dime stuff like SS bolts and nuts, replacing broken / missing items, etc, etc ...

Good luck

Not sure how realistic $5000.00 in its current condition would be. I guess it could be worth that if it's in exceptional condition. Thirteen thousand for a restored 75, even to OEM seems high to me. I would say 8k to 10k at most. But prices keep going up I guess.

Here is some refrerence:

www.kijiji.ca/v-street-cruisers-choppers...hNavigationFlag=true
In Canadian money

www.cycletrader.com/listing/1975-Kawasaki-Z1-900-121142822
Already road worthy machine.

Are you asking us what color it is ?
I think your purchase number is good and you should be able to have on the road for less then $2k . Tires chain sprockets battery etc $6-$800 in the wind. If you can clean the tank and your carbs yourself that is a plus. I've had carbs that were so bad from sitting I just pawned them off on fleabay and grab a nice set off the shelf
A $13k resale price the bike better be a spot on perfect example

depending on condition If the bike was near me @5k it would be in my truck

Tires, tubes, cables, oil and filters, carb kits, battery, plugs, clean/lube advancer, fork oil, brake fluid (rebuild if needed), clean electrical connectors, regrease steering and swingarm bearings, and fresh gas is all you should need.

Do not reapaint or throw anything away.

Then you get into the engine.
Steve

Looking to meet up and get some pics this week. Will post ASAP

Thanks a lot really appreciate it.

Tim

Hi Tim,
There are date codes on most major components. A knowledgeable buyer will be looking at those. If it's in good condition, complete, original & unmolested, original paint with little/no sun fade, owners manual in GC,, complete original tool kit, and any other period items like the Kawasaki-branded polishing cloth, $12K isn't unreasonable in most markets.

If above describes the bike, we'd just give it a good detailing and leave it in unrestored original condition, especially if it's going to be a rider.

If you decide to sell it, please post it here first. Too many Z-bikes are being shipped overseas. Makes things difficult & expensive for U.S. hobbyists.

Good luck!

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

EDIT: We realize the above description is quite specific. However, considering a one-owner bike its not unrealistic.