1978 Z1 1000 R in parts--to buy or not to buy?

Hi,

I am new to this forum and wanted to get an opinion on what people think about buying a disassembled but supposedly complete 1978 Z1-R.

Here is what I know (haven't seen the bike yet, just talked with the guy on the phone):
Engine with new Wisecos, sleeves
Brand new in-the-box oversized carbs (I think 29 mm), matched to ported heads.

Apparently the engine has been professionally overhauled for $3000, so should not need too much work. All parts are there (I was told) except the handlebar switches.

I have owned motorcycles all my life and I am not afraid of putting this bike together. I am just not sure how much I should be paying for it. Assuming all parts are there, does $1,800 seem like a fair price? Also, are there any parts that will be hard to get, in case something is missing, like the 4-1 exhaust for instance? I know that the Z1-R didn't sell very well back in the days.....

I would appreciate any input/warnings/encouragement!

Thanks a lot, Olaf

Depending on the list, $1800 sounds ok. If the carbs are new and 29mm, those run about $700 alone. Plus the engine work. So you're getting a deal vs. doing it all yourself. But it's also a bit of an unknown.

As for parts availability, it depends on what you are looking for. All original restore? Aftermarket parts ok? There are a couple of 4-1 exhausts out there now, but they can run pretty steep in price (~$600).

Z1Enterprises.com has the best selection of parts (in my opinion) for these bikes, both New Old Stock and aftermarket parts (and they have great service).

Sounds like it would be a blast to ride if you put it back together! What size Wiseco's/sleeves were installed? A sleeved bike, as I understand it, is usually over 1100cc's which is where some folks start to say they aren't very streetable - depends on how you ride, temperature where you live, and what you intend to do with the bike.

Handlebar switches can be obtained here:

www.redlinecycle.com/Handle%20Switch.html

Welcome Olaf...yes, US$1800 is a reasonable asking price, if it is complete...as has been mentioned, you are buying a 'pig in a poke'. It will likely cost you more to reassemble the bike, perhaps much more. Financially, are you stretched pretty thin right now?...Are you are looking to find the OEM 4-into-1 pipes?...they are made of pure Unobtainium and you'll pay a grand for a set, if you can find them. Aftermarket pipes are readily available.

give me the adress,ill take it home and put it together and post the answer here! :laugh:

A completed/stock build Z1-R out here goes ~ $10 grand.... If all the pieces there, in decent shape, not wrecked, dented, twisted etc...

Yup, definitely worth $1800...

Thanks for all your input. To answer DoubleDubs question, my goal is to put it back together as close to original as possible. I don't know what size Wisecos and sleeves were installed, will find out today.

I just realized that it comes with a 4-1 exhaust, just can't see on the pic whether it's aftermarket or not. Sounds like it's definitely worth checking out. Will keep y'all updated on what i finally decided to do...

So much about "motivated seller", doesn't answer voicemails nor emails...will give him another chance tomorrow.

Ok, I owe you the end of the story. Since there was no paperwork about the work done to the engine, and I said I needed to take a closer look, he got kinda mad and decided not to sell it anymore but put it together himself.....that could either mean I lost a good opportunity or something was fishy. I guess I'll never find out.

This means I am still in the market for a decent project, ideally early Z900, project or complete, would prefer running, if anyone knows anything in the CTex area, lemeno!!

Thanks!