Hello from Oregon

Hey there,

Somewhat new here. I was around back in 2009 and 2011-ish, as the younger more snotty version of me. Only posted a few times.

I'm in the Portland Metro area now. I have a 1976 KZ900A4 with 6,617 miles on it. My dad bought it back in 78' and I've still got all the original paperwork, including dealer papers and silly stuff like that. The bike hasn't been ridden since 88'.

Back in 07'ish I tried to get the bike running, but had some hiccups. The bike sat for another 14 years or so and I've recently picked the project back up. Much more dedicated and knowledgage now. The goal is to get my dad to ride it, or at least see it run, again before his time is up. I picked up a manual which has been fairly helpful. Overall the bike is in really good condition.

A couple things I could use help with.
I've been searching for years and need to find a Right Hand Side Cover, in the original green paint. Anyone have one?

Regards,

Erik

 

Welcome for SE Michigan. You have my attention!

Welcome! I’m just over the river from you in Vancouver. 

Welcome from GA. I wish my Dad had done cool stuff like that...
Where are the pics? 

Welcome Erik!
It sounds like you and I are on the same motorcycle repair program!

When we get them road worthy we'll have to meet up...I say that dive Asian bar/restaurant in Hood River!

Hello Erik,
I have the same bike here in Bend.
Welcome to KZR
Bill

Welcome Erik.
Did someone mention pictures?

 

Wow, it's awesome to see that there are already a handful of other KZ enthusiasts within reasonable distance of me!

I will get some photos up. I'm also likely to start a project thread, because there are certainly some things I could use advice on.
I currently have the cylinder and head off the bike. I had 4 bent exhaust valves from incorrect timing from 14 years ago. I recently got the head back from the shop with all new valves, and I've got the cylinder off to double check the ring orientations. Back in the ~07' days I wasn't aware of the ring orientation, so I figured while it have the head off I'd pull the cylinder and double check the rings are installed correct. Then I will need to source some valve shims once it's back together, because those were all incorrect as well (anyone know a good place to source shims?).

The bike has been unmodified since the late 70's/early 80's, but my dad did modify it slightly back in the day, so it's not an all-original bike. It has a 4-1 exhaust, some aftermarket rear suspension (B&W if I'm recalling correct? it's dual spring, black and blue) The blinkers were removed back in the day, because they were ugly, right? But nowadays I wish they were still there!

It's missing a right side cover, and is overall very dirty from 30+ years of sitting, but should all shine up well. My wife and I are in the process of lots of cleaning and scrubbing. There are some rust spots on the chrome, like the front fender and rims, I want to have them replated because I don't know if I can get the rust off? Anyways, enough babble here, I'll get a project thread going sometime soon.

Hope to meet up with some people eventually. Thanks for the warm welcome!

Regards,

Erik