The Restorer's Guide to All Aircooled 900cc

Original Kawasaki Z1, Z900 and KZ900: The Restorer's Guide to All Aircooled 900cc Models, 1972-1976

Originally published in 1999. I've always wanted this book but used ones I've seen are going for $249-$325. But looks like it will be republished 0n 6/1/2011 in UK, AU, JPN etc. I couldn't find it in US. I placed an order with other books from JPN. (Maybe cheaper from others)

Just for heads up, in case someone here is looking for one.




Seems like good reference book. Any review from who has one?

here it is. It will not be available in the US just yet.

www.amazon.co.uk/Original-Kawasaki-Z900-...torers/dp/1906133328

here is another sweet book.
www.amazon.co.uk/Kawasaki-Performance-Po.../ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

I have the original and it is a decent book. There are, however, a number of errors/oversights/mistakes that really irk those who restore 903cc bikes. These are not publishers errors either, and are all attributed to Marsden. The person who really knows what all these errors are is Jeff Saunders.

There has been chat about this new edition (on other sites)and many are looking forward to it...however, it is unknown of this is a new edition (with corrected errors) or merely a reprint.

otakar wrote: here it is. It will not be available in the US just yet.

www.amazon.co.uk/Original-Kawasaki-Z900-...torers/dp/1906133328

That's where I've seen, amazon UK, AU and JPN but not in US.

Mcdroid wrote: I have the original and it is a decent book. There are, however, a number of errors/oversights/mistakes that really irk those who restore 903cc bikes. These are not publishers errors either, and are all attributed to Marsden. The person who really knows what all these errors are is Jeff Saunders.

There has been chat about this new edition (on other sites)and many are looking forward to it...however, it is unknown of this is a new edition (with corrected errors) or merely a reprint.

That's good to know. Are there that many errors/oversights/mistakes? I was hoping to use it as reference.

tybolt99 wrote:

Mcdroid wrote: I have the original and it is a decent book. There are, however, a number of errors/oversights/mistakes that really irk those who restore 903cc bikes. These are not publishers errors either, and are all attributed to Marsden. The person who really knows what all these errors are is Jeff Saunders.

There has been chat about this new edition (on other sites)and many are looking forward to it...however, it is unknown of this is a new edition (with corrected errors) or merely a reprint.

That's good to know. Are there that many errors/oversights/mistakes? I was hoping to use it as reference.

PM Jeff Saunders and I'm sure he'd be willing to list those errors that irk him the most.

or he could just share em online so folks would know...or is this shit all top secret...like whether stuff folks sell fits the bike it is listed as or do i gotta go try it and find out that way...if stuff is screwed up and it pertains to the bikes this website is based on....then i think it should be painted in big bold letters when things are screwed up that are for sale........i take time all the time to give reviews...i dont p.m ...i broadcast...a rising tide floats all boats....

so then a member asks for any members who own an expensive Z item to let him know if it is worth it's weight....and we have folks with knowledge afraid to step on toes...while the seller of said items continues to knowingly pass off an item with mistakes.....granted the mistakes may be fixed in a new revised printing....

but it seems to me like their are quiet a few items lately in the for sale "new" that are complete bullshit.....

I sure dont wanna piss anyone off Z related product ...why keep it swept under the carpet.....

carb repair that takes a season to even get on the bench

parts listed as for a certain model that are not even close

exhaust pipes with bends that wont mount

history of the Z books in glossy coffee table size for nice money that contain errors

Repair shops that paint the kz heads and call em restored

anything im missing


he asked for any owners to please give a review....is that to simple...

maybe i'm just pissed that about another 100 worth of new stuff was wrong and i gotta chop up brand new items......

if the book is claiming to be the source and folks who buy it can see it is wrong...than it is shit
worth about 5 bucks for the pictures

trianglelaguna wrote: so then a member asks for any members who own an expensive Z item to let him know if it is worth it's weight....and we have folks with knowledge afraid to step on toes...while the seller of said items continues to knowingly pass off an item with mistakes.....granted the mistakes may be fixed in a new revised printing....

but it seems to me like their are quiet a few items lately in the for sale "new" that are complete bullshit.....

I sure dont wanna piss anyone off Z related product ...why keep it swept under the carpet.....

carb repair that takes a season to even get on the bench

parts listed as for a certain model that are not even close

exhaust pipes with bends that wont mount

history of the Z books in glossy coffee table size for nice money that contain errors

Repair shops that paint the kz heads and call em restored

anything im missing


he asked for any owners to please give a review....is that to simple...

maybe i'm just pissed that about another 100 worth of new stuff was wrong and i gotta chop up brand new items......

if the book is claiming to be the source and folks who buy it can see it is wrong...than it is shit
worth about 5 bucks for the pictures

ouch!

trianglelaguna wrote: so then a member asks for any members who own an expensive Z item to let him know if it is worth it's weight....and we have folks with knowledge afraid to step on toes...while the seller of said items continues to knowingly pass off an item with mistakes.....granted the mistakes may be fixed in a new revised printing....

but it seems to me like their are quiet a few items lately in the for sale "new" that are complete bullshit.....

I sure dont wanna piss anyone off Z related product ...why keep it swept under the carpet.....

carb repair that takes a season to even get on the bench

parts listed as for a certain model that are not even close

exhaust pipes with bends that wont mount

history of the Z books in glossy coffee table size for nice money that contain errors

Repair shops that paint the kz heads and call em restored

anything im missing


he asked for any owners to please give a review....is that to simple...

maybe i'm just pissed that about another 100 worth of new stuff was wrong and i gotta chop up brand new items......

if the book is claiming to be the source and folks who buy it can see it is wrong...than it is shit
worth about 5 bucks for the pictures

just admit youre wrong ya whiner! :woohoo:

Marsden's book is worth getting. It is a starting point to learn about the Z1/KZ900 bikes. What's missing from the book is really the issue. Marsden's book is written using the Kawasaki fiche for supporting information. So when a part number changes to a new part number, the book captures this.

Many Kawasaki parts changed look during the production run - and none of this is mentioned in this book.

This includes gauges, cam chain tensioner, fork leg lowers, rear brake hub, sprocket cover, RH handlebar switch block, and more.

Similarly, Marsden neglects to mention many parts are date coded. Rims, disk rotor, swing arm, shocks, handlebar switches, etc.

Because Dave M didn't pay attention to some of these things, his restored bikes often have wrong looking parts on the bikes.

Micky Hesse published a book in German that calls out many of the part changes.
Kawasaki 900 Z1 Super 4 - Vol 3. THis book is a very useful supplement to Marsden's book.

I am curious to see if Marsden's book is a reprint, or a revision...