Restoring a KZ900 to a different color?

I’m just kicking around some ideas here.

Here’s the story. I just got back a 76 KZ900 that I owned many years ago. My best friend bought it new in 76; I bought it from him when he bought a Harley in 1991. I bought a Harley in 95 and my friend really wanted this bike back. I gave it back to him for a wedding present. 10 years later he got divorced and had to sell the bike. This year the guy he sold the bike to put it up for sale; and I have it back.

The bike originally was 76 Diamond Brown. The guy decided to paint it green with a spray can. The bike runs good and most of the restoration will be cosmetic; it’s mostly original.

I thought I would have it painted original. But I have only found one place that says they can paint it with the original paint and color. I don’t have a firm quote, but it looks like it would be around $2K. I don’t think I can justify that.

If I change the color; I would paint it black. Any body shop could paint that. The other idea I am kicking around is ordering the original paint and trying to paint it myself. I have never painted anything. From what I can tell the original Diamond brown is a multi-color process and might be a lot for an amateur?

I will probably sell the bike at some point after I’m done. I’m wondering how big of a hit I would take on a bike in good condition that was not the original color? What do you guys think? Looking at it strictly from a value point.

If you need paint work or to buy material contact Ralph at Paintworkz . He is a member here and can help you
with your project. He painted our BOTY which is the 73 Z1 on the home page cover fader
Dave

If you are going to sell it, original color paint will add to it's value for sure.

That 76 Brown Tri-coat color is not that difficult to spray, I sell it to a lot of amateurs and they have good results.

How much for the 75 Kawasaki blue?
Steve

Black is certain not going to enhance the bike's value. A stock paint job will. Ed

swest wrote: How much for the 75 Kawasaki blue?
Steve

Scroll down

www.paintworkz.com/Order.html

PaintWorkz wrote: If you are going to sell it, original color paint will add to it's value for sure.

That 76 Brown Tri-coat color is not that difficult to spray, I sell it to a lot of amateurs and they have good results.

Thanks.
Your web site says...
"Urethane Basecoat and Topcoat colors in pints cans of unreduced paint along with one ounce of Midcoat Flake powder.
1976 Kawasaki KZ Brown Urethane "

Does that mean everything I would need is included except the clearcoat?

650ed wrote: Black is certain not going to enhance the bike's value. A stock paint job will. Ed

Well that’s kinda what I’m trying to decide. A black (or any color) paint job would increase its value over the rattle can paint job it has on it now.
What got me to wondering was I was looking at pictures of 76 KZ900 restorations. One I clicked on was a beautiful restoration of a 76 KZ900 but it had the 75 Z1 burgundy paint scheme on it. I guess if the owner had no plans of ever selling; it’s a non-issue. I just wondered if that would tank the value even with new paint if it’s not the original color?

Or you can buy a set that's already painted, & sell your set to re-coop some of your money
z1parts.net/1975-z1-900-painted-body-set-blue-black-gold/
Pete

I would recommend a original paint job if resale value is important to you.
Even though I recommend Paintworkz Please keep all pricing questions and sales in private
Thank you
Dave

I have two 76 kz900... Both need paint.
I been quoted between $800 and $1200 just to paint . Not including body work.
Most do not want to spray Tri Coat.
So yes about $2000

Marblesmotor is another seller on eBay .
He sales the diamond green color in a one stage . And say this is what he uses for his restoration projects. Also states that he sales the same paint on a aerosol can.