Welcome, Guest
Username: Password: Remember me

TOPIC:

Restoring a 1976 Z900 A4 20 Jan 2021 12:20 #842073

  • dancragin
  • dancragin's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 17
  • Thank you received: 4
Thought you folks might be interested. In my younger days I restored lots of interesting bikes. A H2R racebike, Seeley Suzuki TR750, Rickman KZ 900, Suzuki Rotary and a Rokon Ranger to name a few. Getting married and raising a family ended that.

Recently one of my clients gave me a 1976 KZ900 that was completely worn out , but completely original. My goal was to do a complete frame up restoration but improve on anything I could to make the bike better. The motor was completely rebuilt with all the good stuff, crank welded and all the items related to the cam control updated,, better clutch actuator and such. I upgrad ed to Dyna ignition and coils.

The front forks were rebuilt with all new parts and Racetech emulators, tapered steering head bearings, swing arm needle bearings and stock looking ICON adjustable shocks.

Wheels were redone and new bearing installed, upgraded new style period type tires. Z900 dual disc conversion. I used the shorter turn signal stems and slightly lower period type handle bars.

I have to complete 4 pipe system, stock airbox and restored stock carburetors.

Its a work in process and keeping me sane through this covid mess. Here are a few pictures. If any one finds this interesting,
I can keep reporting on the progress.
Attachments:
The following user(s) said Thank You: Dragbike_Mike

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Restoring a 1976 Z900 A4 20 Jan 2021 13:09 #842077

  • TexasKZ
  • TexasKZ's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 7166
  • Thank you received: 2043
Nice work. More, please.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Restoring a 1976 Z900 A4 20 Jan 2021 13:35 #842080

  • Mikaw
  • Mikaw's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 4879
  • Thank you received: 1843
Welcome!!! If anyone is interested :laugh: where do I start?
1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Restoring a 1976 Z900 A4 20 Jan 2021 15:11 #842087

  • Dragbike_Mike
  • Dragbike_Mike's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 142
  • Thank you received: 103

TexasKZ wrote: Nice work. More, please.


I'll second that!

Mike
Presently - 1980 KZ1000B4 LTD w/mild ported head, Megacycle cams, 1015cc Wiseco, Falicon Supercrank, R&D undercut trans
In a former life - KZ-based dragbike - CrMo car tire chassis, 1395cc, Hahn Racecraft turbo system, VP C16, Orient Express 3-spd auto, 7.80's @ 165-170.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Restoring a 1976 Z900 A4 20 Jan 2021 16:33 #842092

  • Kawnut
  • Kawnut's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 18
  • Thank you received: 9
Outstanding work, very impressed & somewhat jealous. HA!! Really, keep the pics coming. This is very interesting & the work, so far is truly exceptional!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Restoring a 1976 Z900 A4 20 Jan 2021 18:16 #842096

  • krazee1
  • krazee1's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 365
  • Thank you received: 196
I like the run-up stand ! (and the bike)

Mike
Former M.E. at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing, Lincoln, NE
1966 W1 (the Z1 of 1966-50H.P. and 100mph!)
1974 Z1
1978 KZ1000 LTD
1976 KZ900B pile O parts
1980 KZ750E
1980 Honda XL250S (I know, wrong flavor!)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Restoring a 1976 Z900 A4 21 Jan 2021 08:33 #842118

  • dancragin
  • dancragin's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 17
  • Thank you received: 4
Thanks everyone, the wife cant understand why I spend so much time in the garage. Its therapy for me. I will send some more pictures once I get the motor in. I will
also spell check and see if I cant get the pictures aligned correctly moving forward, Ha.

I must admit I am surprised how well built these KZ's where built with the technology of the day.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Restoring a 1976 Z900 A4 27 Jan 2021 16:54 #842537

  • dancragin
  • dancragin's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 17
  • Thank you received: 4
Excuse the Hillbilly garage, but I was able to get the motor in. It was a bit of a challenge with one person., but I did it without buggering up
the powdercoat on the frame.
Attachments:
The following user(s) said Thank You: KZJOE900

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Restoring a 1976 Z900 A4 28 Jan 2021 05:09 #842546

  • Polish
  • Polish's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 84
  • Thank you received: 24
Nice bike! You should see MY garage, the wife doesn’t want to go in it. Which could be a good thing, right!

I have a 750 LTD which is not a very attractive bike original, but yours, it’s beautiful.

By the way, how the heck are you gonna get that bike back on its 2 wheels?

JL
1979 Honda CB400T Cafe Racer (current ride)
1982 KZ750 LTD (current project)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Restoring a 1976 Z900 A4 28 Jan 2021 09:04 #842562

  • Kaylinator
  • Kaylinator's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 342
  • Thank you received: 74
Uuuuuhhhh..... Now what?
1978 KZ1000-A2
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613296-1978-kz1000-a2-barn-find

1978 KZ400-B1

2022 Z900RS SE

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Restoring a 1976 Z900 A4 28 Jan 2021 09:09 #842563

  • Mikaw
  • Mikaw's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 4879
  • Thank you received: 1843

Kaylinator wrote: Uuuuuhhhh..... Now what?


I’d assume that this is one leg of an engine hoist. Should be strong enough to lift the bike up. Slide out the bench and lower it.

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Restoring a 1976 Z900 A4 28 Jan 2021 09:46 #842568

  • 9er rider
  • 9er rider's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Keep a cool tool
  • Posts: 580
  • Thank you received: 87
Dont you just love it when a plan comes true? I have done all the same as you with the upgrades and all for a stronger bike. Have You looked into a mosfet charging system with an sh775 R/R? I redid mine from the stator on out, it was easy to do. I also upgraded the fuse box to blade fuses.
76 kz 900 1075 76 kz 900 a4 78 kz 1000 ltd
The following user(s) said Thank You: Nessism

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Last edit: by 9er rider.
Powered by Kunena Forum