TOPIC:

TexasKZ wrote: You asked if it is ok to use reproduction parts. The answer depends on your goal. If you want a concourse restoration that will bring top dollar when you sell, then date and model specific oem is the only choice. Be prepared to use a great deal of time and money for this.
If you are more concerned with faithfully resurrecting the bike for your riding pleasure and maybe a local show or two, then high quality reproduction parts are perfectly acceptable, especially for parts no longer sold by Kawasaki.

Texas, you answered perfectly my question. I want a bike that will perform well and that will look as close as possible to a stock one. I am not building or restoring bikes to make money out of them. Also, I don't want to spend most of my time hunting the perfect OEM parts all around the planet (and paying a lot of $$ for them).

Then, I will use reproduction no problem but, ideally, reproduction parts that are, well, a reproduction (same look).

TexasKZ wrote: If your goal is to create a cafe bobber chopper, then be prepared for a great deal of flaming from the faithful here.

There's no open mind here about those bobbers??
Kidding!!
Honestly, I hate those project where the guys think that chopping everything off a bike add value or character. I think it is a sacrilege to do this, particularly to those old UJM bikes. I will try to maintain stock look as mush as possible; those bikes deserve this!

Street Fighter LTD wrote: Their is a alternate to stock if you want to make a bold statement
Click on link at bottom of each page here on KZRider for 1/2 evil , one of our vendors
Dave

Thanks for the info! It's something I did not know.
I looked at the side covers the guy is making and they do look nice.
I prefer to keep the OEM look though but knowing this is an option is nice. Thanks!

I think you misunderstood me. It's easy to do, as I sometimes speak in circles.

If Z1E shows a part with the OEM number then the part will be OEM. But over the years Kawasaki has changed some parts, so they may not be exactly like the originals.

I've found a few sites that sell vintage bits and pieces. For electrical stuff I go here.

www.vintageconnections.com/

For vintage nuts, bolts and screws I go here.

www.japanmotonuts.com/

I'm sure you're aware that Japanese screws are JIS standard. You can buy screwdrivers at Z1E.

hardrockminer wrote: I think you misunderstood me. It's easy to do, as I sometimes speak in circles.
If Z1E shows a part with the OEM number then the part will be OEM. But over the years Kawasaki has changed some parts, so they may not be exactly like the originals.

I've found a few sites that sell vintage bits and pieces. For electrical stuff I go here.
www.vintageconnections.com/

For vintage nuts, bolts and screws I go here.
www.japanmotonuts.com/

I'm sure you're aware that Japanese screws are JIS standard. You can buy screwdrivers at Z1E.

You're right; I misunderstood you but only because I did not read correctly what you wrote.

My question is: where can I buy reproduction switch housings for my 1978 Z1-R? (I posted picture on mine in a post above).

I knew about JIS screws and screwdrivers. I tried to get some in local specialized tool shops but nobody knows about them.
I just bought standard #2 & #3 Philips screwdrivers with the intention of modifying them as per "650ed" instructions in the post below:
kzrider.com/forum/10-new-members/603905-...r-kz750-1984-project

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configuration

Claude. wrote: Good idea of posting pictures of my switch housings; you can see them below. The LH unit seem to have the moveable levers broken off...
...
My question is: where can I buy reproduction switch housings for my 1978 Z1-R?

The right side Z1R switch looks the same as the other KZ1000 switches (although it has a unique part number). The US model 1978 Z1R has the headlight switch installed. I'm guessing your bike is a Canadian model, and the diagram says the Canadian models do not have the switch. So the right housing on your bike is probably correct. For '77 and '78, the KZ1000 and KZ650 had the headlight switch. For '79 and '80 they switches were no longer present. The '78 Z1R has the control wiring routed inside the handlebar. I believe later years routed the wires outside the bar. Maybe some else knows more about that detail. Otherwise I think the right housing looks the same on many models from 77 to 80.

The left side is very unusual. I have never seen a reproduction. It includes a solenoid to enable the automatic turn signal canceling system. It's the big thing that sticks down below the housing. The same system was used on later models. I know it was on some kz550s. Maybe some others. But the wire harness is different on those later models. However, it's very likely that you can take the switch parts from a kz550 unit and put them into the Z1R unit.



I have gone through the whole self-canceling system. If when you get to that detail you find that it's not working, I can help you sort it out.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configuration[quote="DOHC" post=840140} The same system was used on later models. I know it was on some kz550s. Maybe some others. .[/quote]

It looks like some of the early 80s KZ750 LTDs also had the same setup:

DOHC, your search and informations about switch housings are of a tremendous help!!
I just ordered on one of the ebay link you provided. Of course, I am not at this point in my restoration project but getting the parts in advance is helpful mentally and allow me to focus on other issues (or parts)...

DOHC wrote: ...I have gone through the whole self-canceling system. If when you get to that detail you find that it's not working, I can help you sort it out.

I will for sure. Thanks again!!