Z250s - Fingers crossed

We've just bought our winter (maybe a little longer) project.

This will be our first rebuild and is going to be a great learning experience. Hopefully I wont bug you guys with too many questions.
We got hold of two Z250 (KZ250s)from a guy locally and in pretty crappy condition although one is better than the other.

We've almost stripped the worst one and will take a look at the better of the 2 next weekend.

Hers a couple of pics. they are both 1979 Z250s. Also came with boxes of spares so we chould have enough almost for two complete bikes. Althoug we might rat bike the second one. Fingers Crossed there wont be problem after problem.

As always you guys are a great source of info, encouragement and enthusiasm.

The worse of the 2

cool,i wouldnt mind building a little bike if i had to cheap parts.

The Z250 is way cooler than a KZ250 I have had two KZ250 a real pain to get the carb right ,, No parts avalible anymore ?

Yep, I prefer this style of Z250 over the KZ250 ltd...which is a little too cruiser looking for me.

SOme parts available from breakers and Ebay here in the Uk, so hopefully I can get at least one up and running over the winter.

Okay an update.

Been stripping the Z250 down when I get some time. Aint got a garage so I've brought it into the spare room/dining room. The Mrs dont mind too much, it keeps me out of trouble and off the streets. So she says.

So heres some pics......



Post edited by: Fourtoes, at: 2007/02/26 10:23

Started to strip it down....



Somebody used Blutac to fix to battery..yeeks



Points....


Engine....



electrickery...


Doesnt look to bad. I've ordered mostly what I think I need.
Only thing which is looking costly is the exhaust. I dont want to buy new and the old ones are well past it and rotten.

Any idea if any of the other z series exhausts will fit this bike?

Any thoughts or comments appreciated, as I'm not mechanically minded.
Using the maintenance manual, internet and good old common sense as an introduction into motorcycle mechanics and maintenance.

Post edited by: Fourtoes, at: 2007/02/26 10:30

Post edited by: N0NB, at: 2007/03/14 12:27

I wish those were available here! That thing looks very cool, almost like a mini GPZ.

PANTS!

Look what I've gone and done now.

Started at back of bike. Changed wheel bearings etc. Overhauled the rear brake. Put it back together and added some marzocchi shocks that came of the 650. Was adding some bungy bolts to the tops and oops it just snapped of....I wasnt putting too much pressure on it...honest I wasn't.

Now what? Any ideas?

Fixing that won't be easy. Best is probably finding a good welding shop to put on a new stud.

You were going to repaint the rear part of the frame, right?

Do you think if I removed the current fixings, drilled through and use an M10 bolt instead, would that be ok?

And yes I was going to paint the frame, but only in places. I'm on a limited budget and this is never going to be a mint/concours bike.

Just wanted to get another Z back on its feet...or wheels....you know what I mean.

Post edited by: Fourtoes, at: 2007/03/14 13:27

Fourtoes, I'm no expert, but that's exactly the way I would fix it. But then I'd also weld a bead around it on the outside and tack the head of the bolt in a couple places too.
the reason I suggest welding it in is because those shock bolts go through a lot of constant and varying stress loads. Loose fitting bolts have a tendency to get looser over time. And it would probably feel kind of funny when it fails.

Post edited by: riverroad, at: 2007/03/14 14:02

I think Riverroad has got a good solution and I think he's right about the stress load that mount is subject to.