Different carbs on my 73 z1 900

No need to have your tail between your legs... this is how we learn stuff. Your bike is a 74 Z1A based on the VIN and not a 73. It was manufactured in 73 but sold as a 74. The engine IS a 73 engine based on serial number. Either a 73 or 74 has considerably more value when restored than most any other Kaw. I have a few 76 KZ900s and they might be worth $1500 in refurbished more and if restored a bit more than double that. A nicely restored 74 might bring ~ $7-8K... or more... I would guess. To restore a bike is to bring it back to its original condition and it looks like you have a lot of the original stuff left intact. First thing you will want to do is dump the struts and extended swingarm. That stuff will end up damaging your bike and give you hemmeroids. If you want to use the original carburetors, I will post a pic of what they look like. The ones on your bike appear to be off a 78 Z1R.

So if I keep the carbs that I have will it pose any issues considering that the exhaust has no baffle (plan on getting a muffler that has a baffle soon) and I am running pod filters? Also if I use the ones I have do I need to order a rebuild kit for a 78 KZ1000? I was looking on ebay for this carb kit and the guy that sold me these says that he will swap them out for me. Which route should I take considering your experience? Thanks for clearing up the year of the bike for me, the guy I bought it from called it a KZ and said it was a 73. This is the first one of these I have ever owned. I have a set of shocks to put on it. You are saying the swingarm isnt stock? If that is the case I wasted my money on these shocks. I guess I have a big project on my hands.

I guess that is a stock swingarm. When I looked at the struts, it seemed it was long but when I looked at the pic you posted of the left side of the bike, it looks OK.

You can use the 78 KZ1000 carbs but will need to rejet for your application... Go with #115 main jets and #17.5 pilot jets and you should be about right. The 5CN15 jet needles can be left on the 3rd clip position.

If you intend on restoring the bike, look at buying the correct carbs. The shocks for your bike can be seen on the Z1enterprises.com website - look for the Z1A under suspension parts I guess. The stock shocks have the big reflectors mounted on them. Go to www.zedder.com and see what your bike is supposed to look like... they have a good pic there of the 74 Z1A I think.

I have a set of the correct 28mm carbs as shown in wiredgeorges photo for the early Z1. I also have a set for the late Z1s. Email me at mtww55@msn.com