New member here. Short Synopsis; I picked up a 1974 Z1 from a local auction house last spring and it needs some work. I wasn't of one mind what to do with it so I let it sit for about 7 months. I decided two weeks ago to make it a daily rider but move it back towards original over time. I've disassembled it, bagging and tagging all the parts. I figured it would be best to register on a forum in the case I need help getting it back together.
Longer Version; I learned to ride and got licensed in 83 on a KZ 750. I had two different GPz 550s after that. Then an 85 900 Ninja and a 85 GPz750. I aquired a ZRX in 2004 to scratch that nostalgia itch but kept alive the idea of eventually getting an old KZ or GPz. Spring 2021 fate smiled on me and I saw what I thought was a KZ sitting on the side of the road. It was at a local auction house that does estate sales. Turns out under the Vetter fairing, leather bags, and sissy bar was a 1974 Z1A. I checked the numbers online to make sure they were correct. I went to the auction and bought the bike.
It shows 41k miles on the clock. The engine rolled over with the kick starter. I got it home, put a battery on it, and fired it up. I immediately had to shut it down as gas flowed out of every carb all over the engine. I then put the bike away for the summer until I could decide what I wanted to do with it. It has the wrong exhaust, handlebars, grab rail and seat. It has an "aftermarket" 1970s custom paint job and pin stripping.
Two weeks ago I decided to get it back on the road. I also decided any changes I make to it will be to return it closer to a stock motorcycle. I am not a mechanic or anything close but after watching all of Johnny's Vintage vids on YouTube, I decided to tackle this project. After taking the Z1 apart, I realized it had lived part of its life as a tour bike with a side car. I used an angle grinder yesterday to remove the welded on side car brackets from the frame. The frame and other parts are in the back of my truck waiting to be dropped off at the powder coater. I shipped the carbs to George at Wiredgeorge Carbs. I shipped the clocks to Bob at Z-Resto. I took my forks to Braaap Suspension in Boise as he does all of my dirt bike suspension work.
Long story but that brings us to current day. I keep pretty busy Spring Summer Fall with work and my other bikes but I am dedicated to getting this bike back on the road as a daily rider. Thx -EP
Ok, let me try this insert pic again! Doh
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