New Guy 1978 Z1R Project

When I was a kid, my Dad bought a brand new 1973 KZ900, and the bikes have always been a love of mine. I have known of a friend that had a failed 1978 Z1R project for quite sometime, and I finally went ahead and picked it up. The story of the bike is pretty interesting. Young picked up a stock Z1R in the late 80's, and rode it for a while. After getting spanked by a modern sport bike in the early 90's he decided to upgrade. He purchased a big race cam, springs, exhaust, jets, etc, and tore the engine apart with just 15K miles on the clock. Fast forward 16 years, the young guy is now middle-aged, wife does not like bikes, and it needs to be moved out of the garage ASAP. The bike has all the stock parts, dyna-S ignition in the motor, two sets of carbs, and the K435 race cams and springs are new in the box. I paid $400 for all of it, which I was pretty happy with!

My plan is just to get it back to riding condition. No crazy cam upgrades The head needs put back together, but I have the stock cams. The guy actually labeled everything quite clearly and it should all be there. I need to repaint the body pieces, and the chrome is a bit pitted. I do have a bit of experience with hot rod car projects, and have dabbled with motor cycles, and I think I can save this old street warrior.

I am already learning on the forums, and look forward to updating as I progress. I have a Camaro project that is wrapping up, and once it is done, the Z1R is top priority!

looks like you have a very complete bike. should be a nice project. you are definitely in the right place to ask questions and get good advise.il give you 500 hundred right now.ha,ha

welcome,awesome project!

can't have to many z1r's around. :lol:

keep us posted on your progress,

leon

Thanks all! Sadly, the paint can not be saved, which is too bad. It is the original paint. The tank has some pitted surface rust from sitting, and the front fender too. I could prob save the fairing and side cover, but easy to reshoot it silver/blue. I like the retro mod look, best to keep it factory looking IMHO.

I tossed the cam and the springs on E-bay today. I need to get the shop manual for this beast, and start sorting it out. Getting the head together and on the motor is my top priority.

So far i need:
shop manuals
key set (or take the cylinder to a lock smith?)

i believe that kzrider member rstnick can help you out with the key problem.you might send him a pm and see.


leon

Hot dang another one saved. Buzz around the site and you'll find many stock to resto modded Z1R's. I'm wishing I had time to get back to mine but new home has priority. Good luck and keep us posted. Many people here have a soft spot for the Z1R.
Oh, welcome!

oh shit....you did fine son...awesome score.....


you got all the makings of a real nice bike tricked out or just close to back new again it will be a winner....do this one right and you scored major

i am waiting on one of these to come through the peep hole

oh and if your like me you'll have 1000's $$$ into it... when you are all done spending and wrenching :woohoo:


but who could let that deal go by

Dang Z1-R's are popping out of the woodwork these days. $400! Yeah you got a score. Heck, a trip to the grocery store costs $400 in Hawaii doesn't it? Congrats, it should make a good project. You have all the major pieces.

Hey ya'll..

Wondering if anyone can assist me on where I can source for parts for my 78' KZ1000D-Z1R.

I had a tank that was so badly corroded through, I think it's retired and would better on a shelf, since the paint job is still new.

Apart from a tank, my carbs are better off replaced as you can see from the pics...the condition

I've been through so many website and I'm stumped!

Really appreciate some good advise

I have seen carbs on E-bay a lot, and I do have the spare set with mine if you are interested. Tanks I have no clue on.

I ordered the manual from E-bay, and first step for me will be getting the head together and go from there!

Thanks!

I've seen some stuff on kzzone.com/carbs that looks pretty awesome...but the price tag is just far out for the whole set

Don't mind looking at options..care to show some pics on your spare set? Is it fully working or does it need to have parts replaced?

Bottom line is, without the tank/gauge/tap...the bike is as good as a white elephant in the corner of my mechanic's workshop

By the way I just put a new topic out..."78' Z1R...so close yet so far away."...hope to get more advise there..