1977 KZ1000A1 project - emphasis on "Project"

So, I sold my 2nd KZ1000A and, of course, went, "Oh oh - big mistake" as I saw it being hauled off by the new owner!
And, as it happened, I got a 2nd chance offer on a basket case in Texas - another 1977 KZ1000A. So I bought it, got a uhaul trailer and went to Texas to bring it back home. Here's a pic or two of it as it was when I got it.





And now it's in pieces, de-rusting everything with a combination-method using electrolysis, oxalic acid and Evapo-rust as needed.







My problems (or challenges) right now are:

1. Getting the title! I am slogging through the Texas Bonded Title process. They are not quick to respond to stuff. I got a title history from the TX DMV and found that the bike was last registered in 1986. I've sent Certified mail to the owner of record, and to the address of the guy before the one I bought it from. All have come back as undeliverable or deceased. So, I have applied for the TX Bonded Title. I considered going the VT Registration route, but I want to be covered in case someone pops up to claim it after I've restored it, and I think the Bonded Title will cover that as I have a notorized Bill of Sale and it is not listed as stolen in any of the databases. The CA Autoclub/DMV were not much help except in the stolen-bike database search. They could not title it in CA without some history, i.e. the TX title or a registration form a non-title state like VT or Alabama.

2. My 2nd hurdle is the wheels. The bike had what I think were Morris mags. The front one is eaten away with corrosion to the point of being unusable. The back one has a really weird cush drive set up. So, I have a wire-wheel front and rear, but I am still looking for the cush drive to fit the rear wheel (Kawasaki OEM wire-spoke). I also have a mag front wheel, and am considering a mag rear wheel. As I write this, I am trying to find out if a 1978 Police rear mag will fit the swinging are without mods. If so, I might go that route. Even though thye won't be Lester mags, It might push me in the Mad-Max Goose direction!. I think that the Goose bike looks cool, although absolutely daft! But, maybe.... we'll see ... probably common sense will prevail and I'll stay fairly stock.

I have no intentions in turning this bike into a dragster, bobber, chopper or what have you.

can't wait to follow along :evil: .


leon

Good Luck with the Title Hurdles, & let us know how it's going, maybe a member here from Texas, might have some advise for you !!
Pete