1977 KZ1000a

Hi guys,

New member here from Boise, ID. I'm looking at a 1977 KZ1000a soon. It's for sale for $1200 with a title.

All I know about it is that the engine and transmission should be sound (good compression, but will verify). The exterior of the bike however leaves some to be desired. It has pods, 4-1 kerker, and likely has been rejeted. The fork tubes are off of an LTD model and they are "chopperish" looking so the original tubes need to be put back on, as well as the stock airbox (he does have the air box). The tank needs to be replaced as it's had a serious tank slapper incident in the past. Various other things are expected that come up that needs replacing as we all know.

I plan to basically bring it back to mostly stock but with some Z1 influences. Sadly, it appears that no one makes 4-4 exhausts for the KZ1000, so I'm stuck with a 4-1 or the factory 4-2 exhaust (which appear to be cheap on eBay).

I'm kinda on the fence about this. The seller seems to be a very honest guy and invited me over to do a compression check. I've always wanted a Z1, but they are so rare and stupidly expensive. This seems to be close enough. I can probably work him to $1000.

I told him that I would be only interested if it's mechanically sound. I'm thinking I'm looking into $1000-1500 to basically get it back to where it should be (seat redone, stock fork tubes, fork seals, stock exhaust, new tank, gauge refinish, battery) excluding the paint/decal work which I do myself.

What's your guys' advice? Stay away?

i would pick it up ASAP....great fine

The z1 exhaust should fit if you relocate the passenger pegs, or easier on an ltd frame.

I sold a near original green 78 in good shape for $1,600 a few weeks back. Original paint, dent free rust free tank, correct forks with an ltd dual disc setup. Of course I had the large amount of lowballers and junk traders to deal with as well. Depending on what you want $1,000 aint too bad, especially when good tanks go for $200 or more now

There are many factors that impact the costs of acquiring an antique motorcycle (which is what you are doing). I suggest it will be more than your assumed costs to resurrect that motorcycle. That's OK, just as long as you are aware of it...that ain't a bad price just as long as it turns over and have you attempted to start it?. Forks can be had fairly inexpensively (those aren't LTD forks BTW, they are overlength forks...LTD forks are the same length as standard A model forks). Your impression that stock exhausts for the 1977/1978 A models as being available on eBay may not be correct...IF you can find them, you will pay between $1000 and $2000 for a decent set. As was mentioned by floivanus, Z1 pipes will fit and are available, but a set of reproduction pipes is $1400...they are the same price or more if they are used originals.That current header may be more valuable than you think. Opening the motor of a 37 year old motorcycle will be an adventure...buy a real manual (Kawasaki shop manual) and have a minimally stocked tool chest...once you start replacing all those cam chain adjusting bits, it can be pricey.

My Z1 sat for 15 years. It needed the cam chain system redone. That alone was over $500 at Kawasaki not to mention I didn't non op it so the state wanted over $500 in fees and peniltys. Being a single parent with two children, that was not possible. In 11, I started to work on it with little or no money. I painted and polished parts that hadn't been touched in 30+ years. I collected parts and finally had enough money to start a overhaul front to back. Everything was shot. Wheel bearings, you name it. I watched z1enterprizes.com and found the aftermarket rollers were better than stock and 1/2 the price. When I had enough money I bought everything I thought I needed. I spent around $1500 for the engine, forks, seat, turn sig's and the like. Then I opened her up. I found one piston was coming apart from all the dry starts I had done over the years just to keep the "Juces flowing". Another $500 for pistons and rings because they don't make the 10.25 cast ones anymore. I got her on the road again.







The front fender was something I picked up after the wreck in 86 off a different bike and was shot so I bought a NOS one from Z1, $250. It didn't end there but it's my machine and a old friend. I bought it new in 75. It's a labor of love and when I go into town, people hear her growling, We have their undevided attention. I know they're not looking at me, it's the bike. Even HD riders comment on how good she looks and sounds. Who would have thought, 20 years ago?



These things were bought up in the "great Z1 drain" in the 90's and shipped all over the world. Japan was and are still buying them as soon as they appear. I haven't seen one in the two years I've been on the road. It is a thief and flake magnet and will be on eBay in parts in a heart beat. I have to watch it like I did in the 70's.
I have standing offers from my suppliers but when I can't ride it anymore, I'll give it to my children.




Not done with her and probibly never will.
Is it worth it? HELL YES
Steve

Thanks guys. I'm estimating $1500 in cost, not including the exhaust or the paint work. That's also with the expectation that I will not have to touch the engine or transmission aside from maybe a gasket here or there. Most of that estimation is including stuff like tires, chain, sprockets, gauges, cables, random missing parts, powder coating frame, etc.

These bikes go for about $4500 completely restored, so I won't be loosing money, but I won't be making money, either.

I told the seller that for me to be interested, it's going to have to run great and have no technical issues. The ugliness can be fixed without much hassle. I'm planned to go over tomorrow and fire it up with him and do a compression test. He's a real honest guy.

A couple questions:

1) AWESOME that Z1 4-4 pipes will bolt right up. Any idea on how to get a passenger footage adapter fitted with these pipes? And guys, $1400 isn't that bad for a set of super nice repro 4-4 pipes!

2) Does the 73-76 Z1 900 Decals fit on these Z1000as? Part of my plan is to give it a Z1 look and it would be nice if the wider and more colorful decals can be used.

3) In-fact, what all is interchangeable between Z1 900, KZ900s, and Z1000a? Gauges?

4) Just found out that this bike is what Goose rode in Mad Max 1. That's pretty cool!

5) Does anyone have any pictures of a Z1000 w/ Z1 decals and 4-4 exhaust (and a flat seat, not a saddled seat)?

I've done these restorations before:

Most will bolt right up. The mounts for the 76 KZ 900 side covers are in different places as well as the various KZ 1000's. In the 80's they changed the Speedo to 80 MPH tops. That didn't last. (damn liberals) The Z1 forks are pricey also. You can buy new gauges from Z1partsinc for $400 complete. I bought the Z1 style rear shocks then remembered how lousy they were. Planning on some progressive ones in the near future.
It's your bike, you can do whatever you want to it.
Steve

That's really good to know. I like how there's relfectors on the Z1 shocks. Another cheap move by Kawasaki to remove them!

I'm sort-of envisioning 4-4 Z1 pipes, a Z1 decal/paint scheme (anyone know if Z1 decals fit perfectly?), and maybe some other minor various Z1 touches. I'd still leave the Z1000 badges and be very proud of it.

I go to look at it tomorrow. A compression test will be done. It hasn't been ran in a few years, but he doesn't doubt that it will start. He thought about changing the oil and filter before I show up which is a great idea. He mentions that the compression will likely be a little low because it's sat for years. He's correct on that. Not sure on a good number to expect; as long as it's 150PSI and above consistently then I should be golden.

I do have a Kawasaki service compression gauge that I find is pretty dead on accurate that I'll bring it with me.

Look, those rings may have collapsed. A little oil in the chambers first. If it reads 90 or above, they might re seat. It also might have gunk on the carbs. Look at the plugs, that will tell you more about the engine.
Steve

Alright guys, I owe you a response.

I'm going to pass on this bike at $1200. I could probably get it for $1000, but even then I think it's too much.

Re-running some numbers, here is what it would take, ASSUMING the engine/transmission are in solid shape:
Tank $150
Forks $200
Gauges $400
Switches $100
Battery $50
Tires $300
Grab Rail $35
Repro Seat $190
Seals/Gaskets/covers/wiring/Various unseen stuff $500
front turn signals $50
Brake Overhaul $100
Chain/Sprockets $200
Total $2,275

So $2,275 + $1000 (purchase) and I'm now sitting at $3,275. That's not including powder coating, so the bike is still going to look hideous at that point. I still need to repaint it, and still need to get some 4-4 pipes for it. So now we're looking at $5,275 and beyond.

But customization aside, at $3275, you can get yourself a pretty darned nice Z1000. I've restored a few old bikes...I know the cost and effort required. This one is a pass at $1000. I think it deserves to be more around $400 to be honest. It's been neglected. It's been parked outside for years. It's too much of a gamble.

It did run. It idled pretty nice. Compression was 110-120 across all four. The owner road it around the block before I got there and said it runs/shifts great. There's an oil leak at the valve cover. There's also an oil link on the shifter. The carbs need to be rebuilt.

But sometimes fellas, you just gotta walk away! The bike had a tank-slapper with the previous owner, and you don't know how bad it was wrecked. Here's a few photos I took while I was there:

Ah yes...that frame brace on the front should have scared you away...that is more than a 'tank slapper'.

Yep.....I saw something amiss there. Just couldn't quite put my finger on it!