Bringing life to a 400 parts bike.

I may have taken on a project bigger than my toolbox. Aside from the brakes and carbs frozen with rust, a transmission unwilling to to shift out of neutral, engine covers that seem more welded shut than screwed on, and the general malaise and cancer of an outside bike, I think it may have some potential. I'm beginning to think an investment in power tools is in order though. /

Welcome. I've seen worse (I've bought worse!)

ThatGPzGuy wrote: Welcome. I've seen worse (I've bought worse!)

Amen brother!

Just to make you feel better. Here is my last acquisition.
About 5 years ago, in land far far away and out in a field:


Sat this dear old classic. Note straw and grass still adorning it's frame:


Notice that the reflector works perfectly still after 30+ years:


:laugh:

Holy smokes, that looks like a project there. So where's a good place to start finding parts and such. I imagine there has to be some generic replacements for some parts and controls, right?

Imagine. Hope. Pray.
Seriously though, there's some seriously talented AND experienced builders here that'll prolly help u by pointing u in the direction most successful.
Me. I surf a ton in the forum search here (remember to select the time limit option & change it from limit to 1 year).
Otherwise parts sourcing - several members here support us with parts and then beyond, craigslist may help for local to you, ebay, amazon...

Nice your bike is "whole". That's what i want more than anything. Secondly is unmolested.

Good luck. Sweet kz to dive into!

Ferd_Berfal wrote: I may have taken on a project bigger than my toolbox. Aside from the brakes and carbs frozen with rust, a transmission unwilling to to shift out of neutral, engine covers that seem more welded shut than screwed on, and the general malaise and cancer of an outside bike, I think it may have some potential. I'm beginning to think an investment in power tools is in order though. /

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I could work with that. You need a 3/8" hand impact driver.



Steve

The engine cover screws are not Phillips, they are JIS. Do a google search and buy the correct tool. Nice project!

Before attempting to loosen apparently frozen parts, would douse and re-douse stuck parts with Kroil, Liquid Wrench, PBBlaster, 50-50 mixture of ATF/acetone, or other penetrant, and allow it ample time to soak in, All toward reducing the risk of shearing bolts and screws which can then become a for-real pita to remove.

Some possibilities for parts and such -- ebay, Google shopping, Z1 Enterprises, place a Want Ad in KZrider's Classifieds.

Good Fortune!

I did get the Vessel screwdriver kit, so I haven't sheered too many screw faces... YET. I've been PB Blasting everything for a few days, I might move to an ATF/acetone mix, I hear it creeps better. The Motorcycle Screwdriver Kit did come with an impact screwdriver. Should I stick with that or get a purpose built one?

Pics of the kit?
Steve

Between the knurling on the screwdriver shanks and the wide strike face on the gray impact driver, I've been impressed with the whole set. The price is expensive for just a handful of screwdrivers, but they work a lot better than my craftsmans.