Ebay parts (Z1-R)

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationI just brang home a 1978 Z1-R that will need a ton on TLC (and probably parts)...
For now, what are missing and the LH triangular side cover, the "KZ1000/Z1-R" logo and the small plastic strip located above the side cover and under the seat ("seat rail" maybe??).

I found those parts on Ebay (links below) but they are aftermarket units. Someone knows if those parts are worth buying or if OEM parts are a must?

These guys have good quality stuff and are very fast at shipping.

www.doremi-usa.com/cart.php?m=product_li...tIds=&venID=&stream=

Ditto for this place.

japan.webike.net/ps/z1r/#!search&p.ref=p....p=2&p.sk=0&p.c=1110

Those two links looks great; thanks!! They are now un my favorites!

I'm curious anyway about those Ebay parts I posted the links. They are noticeably less expensive than on the links you posted and the side cover's mounting tabs mimics OEM's. I'm curious to know how they are worthwhile quality wise.

(Note to myself: Geez those parts are expensive!!!)

The Z1R was a relatively limited production bike, so not a large market for aftermarket parts as there is for Z1 or KZ parts. That probably drives costs.

I don't know if the sidecovers you found are good or not. I've never owned one and so never bought Z1R stuff. If it's coming from Z1 Parts they are probably good. I bought a complete set from them once and found the quality to be top notch. There are some sellers on ebay I would not buy from, and some who I trust to not screw the buyer. Who is selling those? Edited to add..I checked the site...don't know the seller but he seems to have a good rep.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configuration

Claude. wrote: I just brang home a 1978 Z1-R that will need a ton on TLC (and probably parts)...

Sweet! How about some pictures?

Claude. wrote: I found those parts on Ebay. Someone knows if those parts are worth buying or if OEM parts are a must?

I don't have experience with these parts, but based on the phots I would say that the seat rails are probably just fine. Those are small and tucked under the seat. I doubt anyone would know the difference. The original parts are pretty simple, and somewhat rare. I'd go with these reproductions.

For the emblems, you can get reproductions. A few years ago they still had them at the dealer, but I think those are gone.

www.diablocycle.com/Kawasaki-KZ1000-Z1-R...ide-Panel-Badge.html
japan.webike.net/products/23958399.html

The side covers look like a decent reproduction. They have real mounting tabs. But the shape isn't exactly the same, and the detail lines don't look very sharp. If you can find a set of original side covers, they would probably look better.

You may have to wait a while before they show up on Ebay, but they will show up. Original side covers often sell for about the same cost as those reproductions. If you have time to wait, I think you'll be able to find them. The 1978 and 1980 side covers are the same shape, just a different color. You're unlikely to find side covers with original paint, so plan to paint them in any case.

For example:

Once again, great infos guys; many thanks!
The Z1-R I got is not in very good condition (my humble opinion and maybe because I’m used to much newer bikes). I’ll try to post pics soon. The paint is very faded and the bike need a complete repainting for sure (so a black cover is not a problem). I’ll probably stick to reproductions for missing items like turn signals and mirrors; is this ok or it’s a line "forbidden" to cross?

I would also like to replace both handlebar switch housings as they are pretty bad. However, I think they possibly are not the original units (ie: from another model). Could you please post close-up pictures of the OEM units ? There’s a junkyard close to me with 4 boxes full of those and I would like to dig the right ones.

I found the link below for a LH unit; is it the OEM one?
www.z1enterprises.com/switch-block44-lh-...Z1000-D1+Z1-R%2F1978

Reproduction handlebar switches are readily available. Z1E is a great source with quality parts. They often sell OEM but that switch isn't OEM....probably not available any longer. Z1E puts the OEM part number into the information if the part is indeed OEM. That's how I distinguish OEM from reproduction on their site.

You may want to visit the Partzilla site when looking for OEM parts. Unfortunately they are not selling outside the USA right now due to covid.

www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motor...e/1978/z1r-kz1000-d1

Are you putting the 750 build on hold or are you going to be a wild man and build both simultaneously?

Posting up some pictures of your current hand controls would be easier. You might have the correct items. I have restored a set and it’s pretty simple. Might be a better option than unknown history of junkyard parts.

You asked if it is ok to use reproduction parts. The answer depends on your goal. If you want a concourse restoration that will bring top dollar when you sell, then date and model specific oem is the only choice. Be prepared to use a great deal of time and money for this.
If you are more concerned with faithfully resurrecting the bike for your riding pleasure and maybe a local show or two, then high quality reproduction parts are perfectly acceptable, especially for parts no longer sold by Kawasaki.
If your goal is to create a cafe bobber chopper, then be prepared for a great deal of flaming from the faithful here.

Their is a alternate to stock if you want to make a bold statement
Click on link at bottom of each page here on KZRider for 1/2 evil , one of our vendors
Dave

hardrockminer wrote: Reproduction handlebar switches are readily available. Z1E is a great source with quality parts. They often sell OEM but that switch isn't OEM....probably not available any longer. Z1E puts the OEM part number into the information if the part is indeed OEM. That's how I distinguish OEM from reproduction on their site.
You may want to visit the Partzilla site when looking for OEM parts. Unfortunately they are not selling outside the USA right now due to covid.
www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motor...e/1978/z1r-kz1000-d1

I see your point; the parts are a reproduction of OEM if Kawasaki's OEM part number is written under the description. As you wrote, it's not the case for this LH switch housing. I looked at the Partzilla link and both switch housings (and mirrors) are not available anymore.
Do you know where reproductions are available?

Mikaw wrote: Are you putting the 750 build on hold or are you going to be a wild man and build both simultaneously?

Posting up some pictures of your current hand controls would be easier. You might have the correct items. I have restored a set and it’s pretty simple. Might be a better option than unknown history of junkyard parts.

Oh NO!! I will only start one project at a time. I know myself and I'll get mixed up if I start two projects.
Good idea of posting pictures of my switch housings; you can see them below. The LH unit seem to have the moveable levers broken off...