1980 KZ1000 A4 (MkII) restoration (UK)

Hi guys. I’ll introduce my self over on the new members section in a moment. I’m based in the UK, but as this was originally a US bike thought it made sense to share here as well (UK forum doesn’t seem to have much interest).

I purchased this bike from the US about three years ago. I toyed with the idea of selling her, but couldn’t resist the urge to hold on until other projects had been completed before deciding to cosmetically restore her.

Overall, despite appearances, she was a relatively original example (if you can look past the horrible paint job and 4-1 kerker).

The carbs were off / dismantled when I initially bought her - but I fitted a spare set of z1b carbs to verify she was a solid runner before embarking on the restoration.

The engine was beautifully quiet and smooth, oil tight and I opted not to fully rebuild the engine. This wasn’t on cost grounds, I just didn’t see the point of stripping a perfectly decent engine at this stage.

Anyway, enough of my waffling, here are pictures of her prior to restoration.

The initial strip/assessment of the bike. Everything is in surprisingly good shape (albeit surface corrosion everywhere)

Hadn’t spotted the big flat spot in the rear wheel. Both wheels are being stripped, repainted and diamond cut before re-laquering.

Progress being made.

Engine & frame repainted, lots of chrome replating, wheels off to be refurbished, carbs being stripped/rebuilt.

This is how she stands today..still work in progress but getting there...

Welcome to the club.. Not many people on here with a MK. II. Looks like its starting to come around!!.

Are you going back to the stock '80 MK. II paint job??

Keeping the Kerker, or did you find some super rare stock MK. II pipes??

Keep up the good work.

Thanks Dr Gamma..

Some more progress this evening. Still waiting for the wheels and paintwork to come back.

Waiting for the exhaust brackets to arrive from Japan. Will be refitting the standard 4-2 exhausts.

Also need to get the carb rebuild complete.

Full electrical test complete - everything is working perfectly. Have spark on all 4 cylinders.

So should be up and running in a couple of weeks, ready for MOT.

Pictures from today...

very nice job you are doing here.
i can't wait to see how you finish it.

keep us posted,

leon

Hi, any updates on this build? Thanks!!!