It may already be too late for JT. He's showing unmistakable, early signs of being infected with The Dreaded Z-Bug.
It affects the mind.
There is no known cure.
Those infected are involuntarily compelled by The Dreaded Z-Bug in a futile attempt to self-medicate by applying more & more Z-Bike stuff; documentation, parts and yes, even whole Z-Bikes. It's a survival mechanism of The Dreaded Z-Bug, which can never be completely satisfied.
The Dreaded Z-Bug was accidentally created (unbeknownst to Mama Kaw) when development of what was to become the Z1 was still in the earliest New York Steak phase. The true means of how The Dreaded Z-Bug first came to life is forever lost in the mists of time, as it lay dormant & did not manifest for a few decades, too late to trace back.
Seems most any bike from Mama Kaw that has a 'Z' in it's model designation carries The Dreaded Z-Bug. The Z1 was only the first & perhaps the most virulent.
Anecdotal evidence is that The Dreaded Z-Bug can live on hard surfaces for an indefinite period of time. Empirical evidence indicates at least 50+ years.
Science is at a loss; mysteriously, it can't be seen, tasted, smelled, felt or detected by any means known to Man. Even dogs. It's existence can only be postulated by the subtle(?) changes in behavior of those so inflicted as they surround themselves with Z-Bike stuff, and begin speaking arcane words & phrases, such as 'White Manual', 'hollow cams' and, yes, 'New York Steak'.
JT's friend might have dodged a bullet when he divested himself of the Z1 motor. Maybe he never touched the bare metal. Or, he might be one of the rare individuals with unexplained natural immunity.
Seems that once JT handled the motor, he's been hopelessly infected. The Dreaded Z-Bug contamination on the motor has apparently compelled him to buy a frame for comfortable housing of the motor. Next may be wheels for mobility or, a fuel tank & carbs for sustenance. Perhaps a wiring harness for increased energy. It's unlikely to end any time soon...
JT, the typical Standard Citizen will never understand, but the membership of this forum does. We all speak Z-Bike fluently. We'll be here to support you during your new journey through life as host to The Dreaded Z-Bug any way we can.
Welcome to The aZylum.
In all seriousness though (really), what are the first three digits of the frame after the Z1F- and, the first three digits of the motor after the Z1E? A '72 build motor is a rarity, as are '72 build-numbered frames. To find a correctly-numbered '72 frame & motor set individually would be quite the unicorn and a project worthy of one's best efforts.
Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE
A biker looks at your engine and chrome.
A Rider looks at your odometer and tags.
1973 ('72 builds) Z1 x2
1974 Z1-A x2
1975 Z1-B x2
1993 CB 750 Nighthawk x2
2009 ST1300A
www.kawasaki-z-classik.com
A Forum tightly focused on all things Z1 and Z2.
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