Kawasaki 900 Z1 Project -Frame issue

I agree entirely about not sticking the thing in a glass box or trailering it to a bike show once a year. IMHO bikes are meant to be ridden. But some folks end up on the other edge of the bell curve and customize their bikes to a point where they cannot be ridden because they never finish (we've seen more than a couple on this site) or because they are too impractical to be ridden comfortably or safely, so they aren't riding their bikes either. Frankly I don't see anything wrong with modding a bike that is beyond easy restoration, and some of them turn out really nice. It is only when I see someone taking a hacksaw to a rare bike (or car) or to one that is in prime condition, or when I see someone start a silly project that cannot succeed (such as grafting a watercooled Suzuki head to a KZ :blink: ) that I question their judgement. I am not suggesting either of those is the case with K.D.'s project; the '57 Corvette/Dune Buggy analogy was meant as a joke. Ed

i don't like to see z1,z1r,mk11 or any of the really rare models frames cut on myself.
but there is alot of modding that can be done before you "cut up" a frame.
but what about bracing up one of the old flexi flyer z1 frames?
there is a point of discussion for ya.

peter1958,beautiful job you done with that yard art.

leon

650ed wrote: I agree entirely about not sticking the thing in a glass box or trailering it to a bike show once a year. IMHO bikes are meant to be ridden. But some folks end up on the other edge of the bell curve and customize their bikes to a point where they cannot be ridden because they never finish (we've seen more than a couple on this site) or because they are too impractical to be ridden comfortably or safely, so they aren't riding their bikes either. Frankly I don't see anything wrong with modding a bike that is beyond easy restoration, and some of them turn out really nice. It is only when I see someone taking a hacksaw to a rare bike (or car) or to one that is in prime condition, or when I see someone start a silly project that cannot succeed (such as grafting a watercooled Suzuki head to a KZ :blink: ) that I question their judgement. I am not suggesting either of those is the case with K.D.'s project; the '57 Corvette/Dune Buggy analogy was meant as a joke. Ed

Ed,
I got the point and have a better understand what you are trying say now. I've seen a lot of what I'll call "good intension projects" that were never finished or looked like hell, but this is not the case. I am just wanting something suttle and tasteful, but updated.
I have a friend who has 57 chevy 4x4 that was once a mud truck and I was coned into doing the new sheet metal work and fit/finish the doors, since I used to do this kind of work years ago at a custom street rod shop. NEVER AGAIN!!! OMG what a pain to fix what 10 people before me messed up.
I have an extra motor and frame. Now's my chance to swap over updated brakes and wheels, plus all the other parts I'm missing at one time with the 1980 LTD as a donor. It just seamed like the easiest and most cost affective way to bring the 1975 Z1 frame and motor back to life. I could sell off the left over LTD parts after the swap also. Doesn't this way of looking at the problem make practical sence, or am I missing something?

Get the titles before you do anything.

Keep in mind that we've COMPLETELY jacked Arnold's thread. KD HART, you should start a new thread with more pictures!!!

531blackbanshee wrote: i don't like to see z1,z1r,mk11 or any of the really rare models frames cut on myself.
but there is alot of modding that can be done before you "cut up" a frame.
but what about bracing up one of the old flexi flyer z1 frames?
there is a point of discussion for ya.

peter1958,beautiful job you done with that yard art.

leon

I don't see a need to cut the frame for the LTD parts. Shouldn't they swap over?
Will the 1980 swingarm fit the 1975 frame?
I will need more time to research the term "flexi flyer", but I assume it has something to do with installing gussets to help reduce frame flex, but that's just a guess.
I've only been at this a couple of weeks, but I'm a quick study.
I'm really interested in what parts will swap over though???

Just about anything from 73-80 will fit.

mtbspeedfreak wrote: Keep in mind that we've COMPLETELY jacked Arnold's thread. KD HART, you should start a new thread with more pictures!!!

I think you are wrong sir.
I seen no reason to start another thread, when I wanted the "same" info. That seamed senseless.
To be quite honest, the info I wanted could have been given to a long time ago.
If you read through this whole thread, I was the one who was jacked because of the the bike I decided to use. Let's be honest here.

Arnold,
I am sorry though.

K.D. Nice Guns. My fav was the HK, MP5 SD A3. Sweet, and Quiet.

This was a 73 Z1, this is a seamless gas tank, has a 16" LTD mag, and a 76 KZ900 front end.
This was early 90's. Before I had a computer and new what this stuff was?
Shure was Fun!

650ed wrote: I just inherited an old car from good ole Uncle Fritz. I kind of like the color, but the body could use updates. I have a Sawzall, a soldering iron, and a 55 gallon drum of body putty. Is there anything else I need to make the changes I plan?

Here's what I received:

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Here's what I plan to build it into:

Attachment 000002.JPG not found

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I liked it better before! :woohoo:

K.D. HART wrote: Lol!
I can take a joke as well as the next guy, but what's so wrong with keeping the complete bike orignal and taking the extra frame and motor and updating it? I think it would look real cool with the parts I could strip off of that 80 LTD.

I'll give you $50 for the '74 tool kit if it has one.