Retro Z900

Not really sure where this belongs, but most of it will be chassis / bodywork, so here goes.

Buying an original Z900 in really good condition is getting silly expensive; I've seen them going for more than 15K Euros. Much more than I want to pay.
Kawasaki have obviously realised that there are a lot of people lusting after original Z900's, hence bikes like the new Z900 RS SE. Also 15k Euros. Personally, I think the new one is a truly beautiful looking bike, especially in black/yellow or black/green. But as with the original, I am not planning spending 15K Euros.

Of course the RS SE isn't a straight copy of the original - monoshock, upside down forks, watercooled etc - but despite all that, I still like the looks.  Others seem to like it too - they're sold out in Holland.

So here's a thought. Buy a GPZ900R (the Tom Cruise Top Gun bike). Fortunately, many of these have now been "customised" and turned into "scramblers" etc, having had money spent on them and mods made to the point where they are virtually worthless. Dead dogs have a higher resale value. Mechanically sould but pug ugly ones, often with no fairings can be found for under 1K Euros. You get a 16 valve watercooled 900 four that puts out 115BHP (more than the new RS SE), a steel frame so no alloy beam frame to mess the looks up. It was the fastest production bike in the world when it came out in 1984. The engine looks remarkably like that of the new retro.

Early (84/85) bikes had a camshaft oil feed problem, so pick something 1987 or later when it was fixed. Otherwise, it's a typical bulletproof Kawasaki mill.

Next, bring the bike up to more modern specs. The ZX6R seems to be a good donor bike for an upside down front end, 17" wheel, better brakes. Also a ZX6R rear fork & wheel. Been done plenty of times, lets you run modern rubber. Treat yourself to a decent rear shock (maybe a 400 Euros one, not an Ohlins, I'm not that good a rider). A bigger radiator would be a good idea, the originals seemed to run too hot - 150 Euros seems to get something from China that works. That's enough on the engine and chassis for now.

Then, how it looks. Purely guessing here (and if anyone knows better, please tell me), but it looks like an original Z900 tank will fit. The original tank certainly would have to go - ugly thing. Add an original Z900 ducktail, make up a saddle to fill the gap. You'll be modifying the bolt-on rear subframe anyway, so make it fit a pair of original Z900 side panels. You'd also need instruments and a headlight shell. Exhausts - 4-2's would suit the bike, just my opinion. Or a 4-1, as the RS SE has.

The cost? Well, a fair amount of time for starters, but it's a hobby, so I suppose that doesn't count. 1K Euros for the donor bike, all the ZX6R and other bits maybe another 1.5K Euros. What do paint jobs cost? 500 Euros maybe? Doesn't have to be too complicated, can even be home done. Only 2 colours.

So for 1/5 the cost of a restored original, or a brand new RS SE, you have a quick, good looking, very rideable bike.

Thoughts?

Ian

You mentioned euro a few times so i figure you are somewhere in mainland Europe? why not look for a Zr1100 Zephyr? a good looking bike in fact closer to the looks of the Rs than any other bike you have mentioned so far and there are a fair few project bikes in or around germany.
Edit. ah holland, sure you are only a few hours drive away from some of the Zr1100 i was looking at.

Iv always wanted one of these they are getting more and more rare and there are only a handful in Ireland.
suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?...91-fa05-97e2448069c5
 

I have bought a lot of ZX6R and GSXR600 parts for my 82 build, given that "super sport 600's" are the weapon of choice for many young inexperienced riders there is an absolute glut of parts out there which means I haven't paid the asking price for anything as there is always someone else prepared to have a deal 

I think you want a ZRX1100 or ZRX1200.  They use an evolution of that same 900 engine, but already have the styling you're looking for.  They are relatively common here is the US.  It looks like they go for around $3000 in Holland...

www.theparking-motorcycle.com/used-motor...100-netherlands.html

Starting with this bike would save you a huge amount of time and effort. If you still want to customize it you can always paint it however you like, maybe change the exhaust, put some big cams in it.  
 

Man the red 1100 is going for a good price, that would be an extra 1000 on that number here in Ireland.

Thanks all, some good ideas in there. This all started when I saw this delightful piece of motorcycle memorabilia for sale not too far from me:  www.marktplaats.nl/v/motoren/motoren-kaw...873-kawasaki-gpz900r
Under a thousand euros, some carb spares and only 25k Km. The good thing is, I wouldn't feel guilty getting rid of the "customised" bits!
I'd end up keeping the engine & frame, so why not buy just those? It's because you also end up needing lots of smaller bits - wiring harness, coils, levers etc and buying each one by one would get more expensive than a donor bike (I think). Plus, until I change the front & rear ends, the bike would be sorta rideable.
Ian