76 KZ900 in storage since 1985. The journey begins.

Hello,

This will be my second post to KZRider.

In 1985 I joined the military and put my 76 KZ900 in storage.  In the back of my mind I always thought that after a few postings I would get back to her.  A few postings turned into a lifelong career and here I am retired and that old girl is still buried in the back of a garage. 

I’m back in Ontario and will be going to take a look at her next week!  I’m hoping beyond hope that she is salvageable.

This seems like a great place to share the journey.

I have been away from motorcycles for a very long time, so expect some amateurish questions as I bring her back to life. 

The first being, where to start with a bike that’s been in storage 40 years? Is there a recommended procedure that will not cause any damage?

Any and all advice greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Jimbo

 

The “first” most nondestructive thing you can do is post pictures. I’m sure others, as I would, enjoy seeing the barn find, albeit in your our barn. First suggestion in my opinion would be to pull the tank off and de rust it. Apple cider vinegar, metal rescue, and and item suggested by a member but I have no experience is called Etch and Prep by Kleen-Strip. Remove the plugs and put about a tablespoon of Marvels Mystery Oil or ATF in each cylinder and let that soak while you’re working on other items, don’t attempt to turn the engine till it’s soaked a good while. More than likely the carbs will need a thorough breakdown and cleaning, Nessism, Zed1015 and myself can guide your there. Then brakes also need to be a priority. Can’t go if ya can’t stop. Lots of knowledgeable members with tons of talent are here and all give solid good advice, I’d trust any advice or direction you receive. Good luck. Oh yea, tires! Don’t do more than around the block slow speed runs till ya get good fresh rubber. Good luck and look forward to seeing your progress.

Yeah, what they said...and welcome to KZR from Texas.

Great advice, thank you, Sirs,

Definitely I want to document this and happy to share pics.

Not going to lie, when I found KZRider recently it was the story of your 76 900 that caught my eye and inspired me.

Presuming my 900 is salvageable after all this time, it begs the question what do I want the restoration endstate to be? A full original back to stock build? (Probably beyond my skillset, budget and timeline).  Something with the stock look, but a sprinkling of reproduction parts? (Is that frowned upon). Something that is not stock, with aftermarket accessories and tweaks that personalize it to me? (If the bike is too far gone this might be my best option).

First things first, let me get to it, take some pics, assess it and lean on the collective advice and expertise here, to move ahead.

Cheers,

Jimbo
 

Welcome to the fun Jimbo.  Don't be afraid to jump right in on your KZ900.  The guys here on KZrider really know their stuff and are happy to help.  I am finishing up "reviving" not restoring my 74 Z1, just have to sync the carbs and put new tires on it and I'll be riding it.  I put it away in the mid 90's and decided to get it going again after retiring.  A year and a half later it's ready to ride.(worked on it one day a week)  Couldn't have done it without answers from the members here.  Definitely start with Marvel Mystery in the cylinders as suggested above.
There are plenty of build threads you can look up for ideas and motivation.

Read Nessism's post  "New owner Things to Know"  for some good suggestions.

Doesn't matter how deep you want to go - from just getting it running to full restoration or anything in between- the important thing is you'll be riding again!  I had mildly hotrodded my Z1 back in the early 80's so that's the flavor I stuck with.

This is my Z1 after the wreck June 13 1986 on a Friday it has a salvage title So I might as well get all the goodies I wanted when it was new. Sure it's a Franken bike but it's mine and I wouldn't have it any other way. 
When asked if I would sell it the look on my face shuts them down PRONTO. 
In my retirement I'm "RIDING THE PISS OUT OF IT." 
Steve
 

Welcome to our little interwebs corner of motorcycle madness.

Looking forward to pics.

How many miles on it?

Suggest running & Ridin' it before delving deeply into the motor if possible; tuneup, carbs & valve lash.  You might be surprised how good it runs.

There's a lot to be said for doing a refurb vs a resto.  Get the critical  systems operational,  clean the original cosmetics while leaving the patina of age intact, and the end state may likely be very attractive,  reliable and mostly period-correct.  Fun on a (relative) budget. Once refurbished,  one can always proceed with a full-on restoration ($) or customization ($+) if desired.

Good Ridin',
slmjim & Z1BEBE

One thing to add to what Mikaw said.  The very first time you try to turn the engine over, turn it by hand very slowly using a 17mm wrench on the timing advancer nut (under the right side points cover), turning clockwise.  Turn the crank slowly at least two full revolutions making sure there is no resistance.  Don't force it if you feel resistance.

I picked up an engine where someone came along and gave it a test spin with the kick lever after it had sat for a while.  It turned out one of the valves was frozen in the valve guide, and that valve head broke right off.  Something to watch out for.

The condition and amount of work you're going to need to do really depends on how dry the storage place has been over the years.  If it was pretty dry, there is a good chance it would start right up if the engine turns over freely.  I know from experience that a KZ can sit unused for 10 years and fire right up.  At that point, what's another 30 right?

But I can also say that after 10 years the brake system will need to be rebuilt, and the tires should be replaced.  So that's probably a good place to start.

Oh, and the cross-head screws on the KZ look like Phillips but are actually JIS screws, and a standard Phillips head screwdriver can really messes up the screw head.  A good JIS screwdriver is required.  I really like this one:   www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W9KWF2?th=1

Some threads:
www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know
kzrider.com/forum/21-tools/615444-jis-vs...screwdrivers?start=0

DOHC wrote:

The very first time you try to turn the engine over, turn it by hand very slowly using a 17mm wrench on the timing advancer nut (under the right side points cover), turning clockwise.  Turn the crank slowly at least two full revolutions making sure there is no resistance.  Don't force it if you feel resistance.

With the spark plugs out makes it easier.

+1 on the JIS screwdrivers.  I also like the Vessel brand, and suggest both the #2 and #3 sizes.  They also offer their "impacta" versions which have an impact driver feature. 
And BTW make sure to use the 17mm nut on the crank end to turn the engine over, NOT the smaller bolt head, the bolt part breaks easily.  (Several of us have learned the hard way) 

there's a guy in London Ontario sells the JIS tools . Good quality.
www.gofastinnovations.com

Also , google "cvmg paris rally 2024".  Paris Ontario fairgrounds in June. Vintage bikes. Swap meet on the saturday, lots of interesting bikes, parts stuff people etc. The JIS guy from the link above is usually there.

 

JR wrote:

there's a guy in London Ontario sells the JIS tools . Good quality.
www.gofastinnovations.com

Also , google "cvmg paris rally 2024".  Paris Ontario fairgrounds in June. Vintage bikes. Swap meet on the saturday, lots of interesting bikes, parts stuff people etc. The JIS guy from the link above is usually there.


 

There is also a swap meet this coming Saturday at the same spot.

cvmg.ca/Kitchener-Swap-Meet