73 Z1 900

You know as far as numbers go. If you are looking to sell it then I see the point but if you like the older looking model the frames on the earlier ones were not as good as the newer ones. In fact I love the older looking tail, side covers and tank but if I were to do a complete resto and it were be to keep the bike and not sell it then I would certainly consider using newer stuff and making it look as if it were older stuff. Just my opinion and everyone has them.
I know that people who bought these new did many internal mods right away to make the bike perform. It's a performance bike so why not make it the way many would have done to it when the bike was new. Unless you owned one brand new and were looking to relive your past what seriously would be the point. It's not a big deal the stink so many make over the "correctness of the bike" "the numbers" I don't care. If I bought a vette and the numbers didn't match yet the resto was pristine who would know or care cept some Nazi that wouldn't drive it anyway? Don't get too caught up in the analness of most geeks who don't even ride their bikes unless you wish to have them part with a sizable chunk of cash. But then you will spend a sizable chunk of cash so where did you get with that thought? A greatly restored Z1 can easily get up in the the five digits, so what; you gonna sell a bike MAYBE for a little bit more or EASILY less than what it cost to fix it up? That's just nuts.

your doing better than i am no matter what you start on

The bike has good bones. I love the look of the older tanks and tails. As far as numbers matching, I really don't care that much. And as far as engine mods go, I really don't care that much either. A good, stock, rebuilt, 900 motor is enough for me. I'm not a power fiend.

First I have to thin the herd. I'm dismantling the 78 kz1000 LTD parts bike. Might save the head. Any advantage to grafting it onto a 900 cylinder block? The cams on the 900 engine in the z1 look toasted. I'm thinking, check the 900 jugs, perhaps one size over bore, with the 1000 head, stock carbs/air box, and stock pipes. This should be fairly cost effective assuming the parts are all serviceable after being checked and cleaned.

My stable of two 77 kz1000s and a 76 kz900 will go up for sale in about a month or so. When I'm down to one bike left, that's the one I'll ride until the z1 is finished.

Cheers,
Ross

I'm not sure where this build is going to go yet. The two bikes I already had were a mess when I got them. But when all is said and done they were resurrections, not full on restorations. This 73 is a different kettle of fish for me. I have enough knowledge to get me into trouble and make money for my local shop fixing my mistakes.

I don't want to take things for granted, but I hope I can get lots of advice from you guys. If I ask stupid questions, please forgive my ignorance. This will be a long process for me, and due to life, I won't even be able to start until some time in October. I hope to have it done by some time next winter or next spring.

I'll post some pictures of the bike in October.

Cheers,
Ross

I recently returned from holiday and was able to begin dismantling the Z1. Unsure where to begin. I know for sure that I'll need a motor. I've found a 74 Z1 engine with no head and stuck pistons. I can pick it up for $100 bucks. I may yet find something cheaper. I do have a 77 KZ900 LTD engine (minus the head) and a complete 78 KZ1000 LTD engine.

Assuming that the engines I have check out, what do you guys think about using the Z1 cases, the KZ900 jugs, the KZ1000 head, and either the KZ900 or the KZ1000 guts? Sort of mix and match but using the Z1 cases.

Any issues, advantages, or disadvantages with using the 1000 head on the 900 jugs?

Any issues with using the KZ 900 or 1000 internals with the Z1 cases?

I took a look inside the carb float bowls and all look quite clean. Even the pilot jets look good inside. So they should be fairly easy to get tuned after refurbishment. I plan on trying soda blasting.

I'll have many questions as I go, so please bear with me.

Cheers,
Ross

The KZ1000 head is a direct replacement for the Z1 head. The only difference being the exhaust studs are 8mm rather than 6mm - so you'll need a different set of exhaust flanges.

If you use the KZ1000 top idler assembly, you mush use the KZ1000 valve cover to match. Kawasaki changed the casting to accomodate a top idler change. You can use the Z1 valve cover if you use the earlier style top idler assembly.

Most times KZ1000 cylinders will not fit in the Z1 cases without some machining - the larger sleeves hit the case casting.

You have to use a transmission cover that matches the shift return spring - Kawasaki changed from a 3-coil spring to a 4-coil spring during the KZ900 production run - if you mismatch them you'll have problems shifting.

trianglelaguna wrote: your doing better than i am no matter what you start on

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That bike is hot.

Thanks Jeff,

I Know another guy who had the same questions. So here is my plan then for the motor.

I'll use the 74 cases, the 900 jugs, the 1000 head, and either the 900 or 1000 crank/trans. This all depends on how they all check out.

I lost my camera while on vacation in Italy. Got a new one today. I'll try to start posting some pics soon.

Thanks again Jeff.

Cheers,
Ross

Not sure if you have made a decision on your frame. I am new to the board here. Would you be interested in selling the 73 frame as is? If it is still available?

Regards, Lou

So,

I've made some progress on my 73 Z1 restoration. You can check out the photobucket pics attached.

It's been a while and a bit of a struggle at times.
-Stripped to the frame, blasted and painted.
-Found 73 cases only 2 digits off of my frame #. Blasted and painted.
-Bored 900 jugs to accept 1000 pistons.
-Valve job.
-Ordered body kit from Japan thru Reproduction Decals. Took quite a while, the manufacturer was way behind. but it was well worth the wait. The parts are excellent and the paint is FANTASTIC.
-New switch blocks
-Re-chromed lots of stuff
-New wheel rims and spokes
And MUCH more.

While building the motor, my mechanic found that the lower engine case was broken. It is currently out for repair welding. It should be complete and in the frame by end of next week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all will be well.

So, here it is so far:

s987.beta.photobucket.com/user/telemark1...3%20Z1%20Restoration

I'm not too good on the computer, so I hope the photobucket link works.

Cheers,
Ross

try again.

s987.beta.photobucket.com/user/telemark1...3%20Z1%20Restoration