Hello from Oregon

Hello from Oregon 23 Apr 2021 16:21 #847332

Erik Beeman
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Thank you received: 2

Hey there,

Somewhat new here. I was around back in 2009 and 2011-ish, as the younger more snotty version of me. Only posted a few times.

I'm in the Portland Metro area now. I have a 1976 KZ900A4 with 6,617 miles on it. My dad bought it back in 78' and I've still got all the original paperwork, including dealer papers and silly stuff like that. The bike hasn't been ridden since 88'.

Back in 07'ish I tried to get the bike running, but had some hiccups. The bike sat for another 14 years or so and I've recently picked the project back up. Much more dedicated and knowledgage now. The goal is to get my dad to ride it, or at least see it run, again before his time is up. I picked up a manual which has been fairly helpful. Overall the bike is in really good condition.

A couple things I could use help with.
I've been searching for years and need to find a Right Hand Side Cover, in the original green paint. Anyone have one?

Regards,

Erik

1976 KZ900
My dad bought brand new in '77 and as of 6/2021 has only 6,617miles

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Hello from Oregon 23 Apr 2021 17:42 #847341

Mikaw Offline Sustaining Member Posts: 4894 Thank you received: 1853	Welcome for SE Michigan. You have my attention! 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.
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Hello from Oregon 24 Apr 2021 08:26 #847362

Stereordinary Away User Posts: 353 Thank you received: 131	Welcome! I’m just over the river from you in Vancouver. A breeze from the west. ‘90 ZR550 Zephyr (x2)
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Hello from Oregon 24 Apr 2021 09:24 #847363

ThatGPzGuy Offline Sustaining Member More Sparky than Speed Racer Posts: 1464 Thank you received: 376	Welcome from GA. I wish my Dad had done cool stuff like that... Where are the pics? Jim North GA 2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES 1982 GPz750 R1 1974 Kawasaki H1 1976 Kawasaki KZ400 1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe' 2001 KZ1000P 2001 Yamaha YZ426 1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis 1965 Mustang 1967 Triumph GT6 1976 Bronco "If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"
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Hello from Oregon 27 Apr 2021 15:15 #847568

Hamsteak Offline User Posts: 12 Thank you received: 1	Welcome Erik! It sounds like you and I are on the same motorcycle repair program! When we get them road worthy we'll have to meet up...I say that dive Asian bar/restaurant in Hood River!
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Hello from Oregon 28 Apr 2021 11:04 #847627

KZQ Offline Administrator Walking Behind the Corn May Not Be All That! Posts: 4750 Thank you received: 1278	Hello Erik, I have the same bike here in Bend. Welcome to KZR Bill www.KZ1300.com Riders: 1968 BSA 441 Shooting Star, 1970 BSA 650 Lightning, 1974 W3, 1976 KZ900, 1979 KZ750 Twin, 1979 KZ750 Twin Trike, 1981 KZ1300, 1982 KZ1100 Spectre, 2000 Valkyrie, 2009 Yamaha Roadliner S. 1983 GL 1100 Projects: 1985 ZN1300
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Hello from Oregon 28 Apr 2021 17:41 #847648

rstnick Offline User Posts: 4365 Thank you received: 373	Welcome Erik. Did someone mention pictures? Rob CANADA Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me 1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel. 2000 ZRX1100 2011 Ninja 250R 2005 z750s
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Hello from Oregon 30 Apr 2021 08:46 #847759

Erik Beeman
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Posts: 8
Thank you received: 2

Wow, it's awesome to see that there are already a handful of other KZ enthusiasts within reasonable distance of me!

I will get some photos up. I'm also likely to start a project thread, because there are certainly some things I could use advice on.
I currently have the cylinder and head off the bike. I had 4 bent exhaust valves from incorrect timing from 14 years ago. I recently got the head back from the shop with all new valves, and I've got the cylinder off to double check the ring orientations. Back in the ~07' days I wasn't aware of the ring orientation, so I figured while it have the head off I'd pull the cylinder and double check the rings are installed correct. Then I will need to source some valve shims once it's back together, because those were all incorrect as well (anyone know a good place to source shims?).

The bike has been unmodified since the late 70's/early 80's, but my dad did modify it slightly back in the day, so it's not an all-original bike. It has a 4-1 exhaust, some aftermarket rear suspension (B&W if I'm recalling correct? it's dual spring, black and blue) The blinkers were removed back in the day, because they were ugly, right? But nowadays I wish they were still there!

It's missing a right side cover, and is overall very dirty from 30+ years of sitting, but should all shine up well. My wife and I are in the process of lots of cleaning and scrubbing. There are some rust spots on the chrome, like the front fender and rims, I want to have them replated because I don't know if I can get the rust off? Anyways, enough babble here, I'll get a project thread going sometime soon.

Hope to meet up with some people eventually. Thanks for the warm welcome!

Regards,

Erik