Just got my kz 1000 head and have ?'s already

I thought you were going to do things the right way and not take any shortcuts? You won't be happy with the end results by doing it that way. By the way the early z1 frames are not built as well as the later ones. I was told they rust and even crack after awhile. I would seriously have someone who knows these bikes to give you advice on that. I noticed your frame was pretty rusty.
I know parts are costly and having someone else do it for you may not be in your budget but maybe you should just hold off on that rebuild until you get the funds to do it right. That bike could be worth really serious money if done right or you could make it worth less by not doing it proper.
At any rate good luck on that. Mine is gonna get a custom swingarm, braided brake lines custom caliper and disc along with a 1075 and some nice cams to compliment it. Look forward to riding with you next summer. I have some rides in the plans that are scenic. Heck that ride we went on to St. Louis was killer. Shoulda been there.

Hey lawrence, how have ya been. The only reason im putting the 1000 head on is cause the exhaust studs on my head were messed up retty good if ya remember, i dont want to ruin the motor cause of the exhaust leaks. I have it stripped down to the frame now, and although it is pretty rusty, it loooks to be all surface rust, and there are no cracked welds anywere. I also am going to brace the frame to strengthen it because like ya said the z1 frame werent that great from the factory. I am definetly loking forward to ridin with ya in the summer for sure. I am going out to sturgis on it so that will be cool. Peace, Jim

wiredgeorge wrote:

Note that no one mentioned that if the bottom end on this thing is a MK II type, the crank sprocket won't much like the cam sprockets on Z1 cams. Also, any rebuild should include ALL NEW cam chain and associated parts.

maybe its just my simple upbringing or maybe ive just breathed too many silicone fumes while smearing it on the head side of carb boots before installing them but nowhere in his postings do i see the words mk II brought up but i do see 74 z1 900 in his signature as you are always bring up for people to do.call me crazy but im thinking the camshafts that were recently removed from his motor would have the right sprockets to match his crankshaft sprocket.

If you split the cases it would be worth $45 for a new cam chain.New chain guides for sure.(they tend to brake)Cheap insurance.

thanks mark, new chan, and guides it is then.

smart move....

I did the same for in not knowing the history of my bike and since I had to split the cases for crank/gear/tranny inspections, replace the endless (link less) timing chain while in there...

Hell for a couple extra $$$, I replaced every damn thing in the the timing components...

Figured what the hell, piece of mind for the last thing I wanted is you go through all this work in the motor and because of being cheap something goes seriously wrong due to old worn out timing parts and all is lost....

Oh yeah, order yourself the 8 piece seal kit from Z1, all new gaskets as well....

OMR

Thanks OMR will do, im gonna order the complete engine gasket set, what is the 8 peice seal kit you are reffering to?

That would be the ruber oring type seals through out the motor,such as around the crank ends.

The seals will bein the gasket set. Roy

Well then Jim, I am lookin forward to riding up with you guys. We will be going up a week earlier because of the rally before the event but I may keep going up to cali and then come back through at that time or I just may wait and ride up with you guys and some of the kaw guys I ride with here in Chicago. I hope we can all ride together. My bike will be in nice shape by then and I can't wait to see this. Driving up was awesome I can't imagine riding up. This whole bike thing is really starting to take me over. Since Puerto Rico riding and then Florida when it was sooooo darn cold up here in Chicago. It is such freedom. I greatly needed that vacation with my bike.
May kaws be around for ever.

ya for sure it will be a blast riding out there. Im going to have the frame blasted in the next week or so, then it will be painted a nice glossy black, still unsure what im going to do to the body work, probally repaint it kawasaki green. Im taking the paint off the motor cause it is chipped in several places, and keeping the motor the aluminum color. Ya riding is such freedom nothing but the wind in your hair, i hate the chicago winters for sure. But hey atleast i can make the bike sweet by the spring.

Get that frame powdercoated, you won't regret that or gun coat or some other really durable paint but with the powdercoating I think it will be bullet proof. Just a little more but worth it.
Did I mention, I think I did, that I am getting a 1075 and cams put in along with a custom swingarm to stretch about 2-3 inches from stock. I am excited about that. As for the other 79 I will get the engine balanced blueprinted, use the ceramic coated bearings have the gears back cut case powdercoated and maybe even the head and block. I tell you about 7gs later on just engine I think she should be quite righteous and then with the rest of the bike? I haven't decided on a paint and frame scheme yet but for sure some really nice wheels and stretched and a really nice seat. Ah well that is the long project for most of my money will go to pay off the house! lol If I kill myself doing that within a year and a half I should be able to get er paid off. Then the money will flow like a river into the sea with that bike. That is a nice big wet dream right now I dream from time to time.