Early Z1 # 3795 right front frame brace crack

I have a 73 Z1, frame serial #3795 that has a hairline crack in the right side frame brace from the steering neck to the front down tube. The bike rides fine and the crack doesnt go all the way to the frame, its just in the brace, is this going to be a problem. I read somewhere that the very early ones did this but dont know if its true or not. Any advise on this would really be helpful.

It's a problem with all the 900's and early 1000's.

It's caused by wheelies - and the bike coming down hard on the front-end. Many of these bikes have this problem. Most times it's not a big deal, but in some cases the steering head is tweaked a little.

It's something that should be repaired if you're doing any restoration, but if you ride sanely, it won't be an issue.

guilty as charged your honor!:laugh: my z1 has same issue from my younger days ,im welding mine up and adding extra beefing on the inside of the gusset on both sides where its not so noticable;)

Well this has me pondering, im gonna go check mz z1 for stress cracks. Maby i shouldnt wheelie it anymore......well ok maby i will every once and awhile. but thats it i promise.

Can you wheelie your 650 very easily oldkaws? I had my front wheel up like 2" one time, but nothing major.

77_650B1 wrote:

Can you wheelie your 650 very easily oldkaws? I had my front wheel up like 2" one time, but nothing major.

I got a reckless driving ticket once, all it said was "100 yard wheelie" on my 650. I was in a parking lot so it was thorn out.
Mark

You must have to sit on back and pop the clutch.

ya i can wheelie my 650 very easly. But it's not exactly stock y aknow, its got a 710 kit in the motor, z1 900 carbs, a bigger rear sprocket and smaller front sprocket. Mark i was close to getting a reckless driving ticket, bout a year ago i was on the 900, when the light turned green i stood the front end up and procceded to wheelie till somewere round 2nd gear when i hear the popo sirens behind me. Turns out it was an umarked piggy, but he grew up on kz's so he let me off with a warning.