73 Z1 900

Hey guys,

It's been a while since my last post (life gets in the way). I have some questions for you 900 gurus. I have come across a package of three Z's for sale as a package. One is a really nice 77 KZ 1000, one is a 78 KZ 1000 LTD parts bike, and one is a 73 Z1 900 that is probably just a parts bike. I already have a really nice 76 KZ 900 and a really nice 77 KZ1000. So of the bikes in the package for sale, the only one I'm interested in is the Z1 as a restoration project.

I haven't gone back to speak with the fellow again, (I live in Vancouver BC and the bikes are on Vancouver Island) so I'm not sure what pieces of the Z1 are missing. For sure I know the bike has not moved in over 10 years. The head, jugs, and exhaust are not on the bike, and I'm not sure if he has them.

Putting all of that aside, what parts are absolutely not available? What parts are prohibitively expensive? I know that reproduction exhausts are available, but are they acceptable for a restoration? What about gauges, side covers, engine cases, engine parts, transmission parts? At what point would you say "This bike is not worth restoring?"

I could probably get my money out of the deal by selling the 77 KZ 1000, and parting out the 78 KZ1000 and Z1, but the effort would probably not be worth it. And storage of three more bikes is an issue. "But", and it's a big "But", it would all be worth it if I could come out with a restored 73 Z1.

It's a lot of questions, I know, and it all "depends". But I'd really appreciate your thoughts and comments.

Cheers,
Ross

heads ,jugs,exhaust ... shouldnt be a big deal the rest ???? ... check it out and let us know, i got some parts for one

Yep- there's quite a few people with those parts. You didn't say it was missing its engine case- but you'll want this for sure if it's a real Z1 for VIN "matching" (yeah they don't exactly match serial numbers) purposes.

Good Day Galactica! To answer your question about availability...on the Z1, it depends on how early the motor/frame VIN series is. Using the frame number 2200, there are many differences (albeit subtle) between pre-2200 and post-2200 bikes. The pre-2200 bikes are difficult to get some of these parts for and for a purist, aftermarket reproduction parts just won't do. However, if you have a later post-2200 Z1, then there is nothing that is not available for a total rebuild/restoration. Some of the more pricey items are repaints/body kits and pipes. The stock pipes were manufactured by Doremi...and they still make them...and if you purchased them through a reputable vendor (like Z1Enterprises) quality is guaranteed. I would have no fear of diving into a restoration project on a Z1...

Here is a group of the best bolt counters in the world. And a great bunch of riders.

There is no crap allowed on this site just motorcycle riders and builders at thier best. Roy


z1oc.com/index/

For the most part, there isn't much you can't find for the Z1's. Much depends if you plan on creating a perfect restoration (museum piece) that you will never ride, or a bike that's got some aftermarket parts on it that you'll ride occasionally.

thanks Roy i dont remember ever seeing that site...gonna surf the pics when i get home.....1973 original Z-1....seems like the plan to let the other bike stay flowing for funds and keeping the Z1 to restore some....also...as you know...a part might not be exactly correct,and still work and look great....later the right peaces to the puzzle show up...folks p.m with sweet deals and help out....go for it....then you can shelf iit annd restore when you are ready....

roy-b-boy-b wrote: Here is a group of the best bolt counters in the world. And a great bunch of riders.

There is no crap allowed on this site just motorcycle riders and builders at thier best. Roy


z1oc.com/index/

Should I get this 73 Z1, my intent would be to get is as near to show room condition as I can. However, it would not languish in the garage. I see no point in going to all of the time, effort, and expense just to "have" it. My feeling is "Don't hide it, ride it." If it lost value because I put some miles on it, Oh Well...

As and aside to this thread, and bear in mind that I'm in Canada where bikes fetch a higher price, what would a not restored but really nice 76 KZ900 or 77 KZ1000 sell for? And what would a restored 73 Z1 sell for? I haven't sold a motorcycle in 13 years.

Cheers,
Ross

the answer lies in EBAY, check it out and yes go for it, the pure originals go for 20 grand and the restoreds 10 grand and up, DO IT

Now I am in a dilema. The 73 Z1 appears to have 76 engine cases. Lot's of the 73 bits are there although in very rough shape. Like the carbs, front shocks (may be too rust pitted), tank, side covers, duck tail, gauges, foot pegs, tail light (the signal lights are gone), air box.

I'm not sure it's worth restoring without the Z1 cases. Any thoughts guys?

Thanks,
Ross

Galactica wrote: Now I am in a dilema. The 73 Z1 appears to have 76 engine cases. Lot's of the 73 bits are there although in very rough shape. Like the carbs, front shocks (may be too rust pitted), tank, side covers, duck tail, gauges, foot pegs, tail light (the signal lights are gone), air box.

I'm not sure it's worth restoring without the Z1 cases. Any thoughts guys?

Thanks,
Ross

What's the engine serial number?

Good Fortune!