Trying to Rescue a Late 1970s (1977??) Kawasaki KZ1000

hardrockminer wrote:

Looking good, but why not remove the rust from the kickstart?  It would look much better.  And do you plan to put the stickers on the inner rear fender?

Thanks HardRock.   I did note that ugly rust, and I'll get after it today.  It'd be a nice touch to put the sticker on the inner fender, but I'll probably leave finishing touches after she fires up...........if such heat ever happens.  Do you have a source for such stickers?  Thanks.
 

www.diablocycle.com/KZ1000-A1-A2-1977-19...rvice-Decal-Set.html

Getting ready to order a set myself.

I dispatched that rust on the kickstarter as best I could with some WD40 in fine steel wool.

The rear brake hose was in reasonable condition, so that's installed.  Is it correct to route the hose through the two circular hoops on the right arm of the swing arm, and then through the square loop behind the frame rail?  I failed to take a picture of how she came apart. 

Should I come to enjoy this bike, I'll get all new brake hoses.

Surprisingly my local Kawasaki dealer can get an OEM dust cover for the rear master cylinder.  Only $20 in devalued measly $CDN. 

I wouldn't be riding with that 46yo brake hose. That's false economy, it could blow on a test ride spraying brake fluid on the rear tire and then all of your time and effort is wasted. If you keep the bike it's done, if you sell it it's a selling point. Look up Apex Brakes, reasonable price, great quality and quick service.

I clean rust with a quarter inch drill and a wire wheel.  Not steel.  Brass or bronze.

Kelly E wrote:

I wouldn't be riding with that 46yo brake hose. That's false economy, it could blow on a test ride spraying brake fluid on the rear tire and then all of your time and effort is wasted. If you keep the bike it's done, if you sell it it's a selling point. Look up Apex Brakes, reasonable price, great quality and quick service.


Thanks Kelly E.  I will replace that rear brake hose before any "serious" riding, since those brakes save your life pretty well anytime you use them.  I've had an initial look at the Apex site.
 

hardrockminer wrote:

I clean rust with a quarter inch drill and a wire wheel.  Not steel.  Brass or bronze.

Thanks HardRock, good idea to use the copper based alloys for rust cleaning.  The steel wool approach often leaves bits of that wool around which themselves rust and make a mess.
 

Did a few things on the front end today with brakes and fender.

This fender looks symmetrical to me, that is, either end can be to the forward end.  Do you guys agree?

And this front brake hose bears witness to its age.  However it looks like the woven carcass (where the strength is) is intact.  So maybe that outer layer of rubber is like paint on a wall where there is no role in structural integrity.

New pads went into the front calipers.

What's the role of the two rings bolted onto the brake line junction block?

Thanks guys................

 

Mikaw wrote:

Thanks Mikaw, I think a see a different curvature at the fender bead fore and aft of the bracket section.

50/50 chance to get it correct, and I lose.  The reason I stay out of casinos!!
 

Awesome, I put my front fender on right the first time.
We were wondering if we got it right.

Thanks Mikaw
I've got an LTD front fender on my Z1A (one of those hot rod touches we all did back in the day) and all the times I've had it on and off I never noticed the difference.  Now I'll have to check which way it's presently installed, maybe I got it right without knowing it.  (Yet another piece of knowledge I've learned from you guys who know a LOT more about these bikes than I do)  

Scotty