Z1B Restoration

My Dad gave me this bike:

I thought it was a 76 and was just going to get it running and ride it. But it had far too many issues and after someone told me it was actually a 75 I did a little reading on the history and value of these things and decided to restore it.

The bike had a 76 case with the number ground off but I was able to get a case within 1400 numbers of the frame.

I tore it all down and had the frame and other parts powdercoated. Here is the frame back from powdercoating.

It was at this point that I realized that one of the mounts for the center stand was broken off. So I fashioned a piece, drilled and tapped it, and had my brother weld it. I then painted the repairs. Not the prettiest repair in the world but when it is all put together it will largely be unnoticeable.

Here is a picture as it stands now.

Here are some close ups of the handlebar switches that I restored. It took me a couple of tries with the painting but they turned out great. I used the wiring out of some reproduction switches but used Kawasaki parts on the inside. I would like to find a new or better condition kill switch as the original is rough but it still looks a lot better than the reproduction which looks nothing like the original.

Here are some pictures of the fork tubes that I polished myself. A little wet sanding and polish really brought them back to life.

Here are some more pictures:

I’m wondering if I ran the wiring correctly?

The wheels on it originally came off a 76 and they were in rough shape. I got the two on it off ebay and they are original chrome that is in outstanding shape. Sure they have a few character marks but for almost 40 years old I am happy. The front one I was able to get a correct date coded wheel of December 74 (bike was manufactured in Feb 75). The rear is a june 75 date code so while not correct the condition was just too good to not use.

My motor should be here in a couple of weeks. I had Jim at redline build me a 1015 motor with stock cams. For me this is pretty much a show bike and stock I think will be fast enough.

I am going to go with a repro 4-4 exhaust and stock 28mm carbs. I will also being ordering one of the repro body sets in Candy Blue. If funds allow it may be done by the end of the summer if not definitely next spring.


I have been meaning to post this thread for a while. This site and the members gave me the inspiration to start this project and have been an invaluable resource while ongoing. Thanks. I will post updates and more pictures as the project progresses.

Sounds like its going to be an awesome bike and blue looks outstanding on the 75's! And the path your'e taking will give you the maximum value from your investment. Were you able to nab an air box?

Awesome, thanks for bringing the old girl back!

Don't have an airbox yet.

Things I still need:

1. Exhaust and associated hardware

2. Carbs (Have a set of early (17mm drain plug) carbs but am going to go with the later version)

3. Body Set

4. Seat

5. Airbox

6. Headlight rim

7. Mirrors

8. Kick starters pedal

I pretty much have everything else or it is currently ordered.

I got the headlight bezel for around $20.00 from Z1enterprises. Have you check their site for all the rest of the things you need?

Z1E has received a considerable portion of the parts business related to this project. I would have ordered the headlight parts with my last order but they were out of stock.

Looks good.
What color body set are you getting?

I'm going with the blue.

You're making GREAT progress!! Keep up the good work! Ed

Got the motor installed.

Got the body set in and put it on. Broker one of the tank emblems tying to bend it.

Now I am just waiting on the 4-4 exhaust from Z1 the carbs from wired George, and the gauges from Z-Resto.

Sweet build love it!