1973 Z1 rebuild

Some things that you do change the look of the bike quite dramatically.  
I had to plug the front of the wiring loom into the headlight so that I could start arranging the loom in the frame and begin plugging everything in where it needs to be plugged in.  The added complexity for me (apart from a disinterest in doing wiring ) is the retrofitting of indicators, horn and starter motor.
Anyway the headlight is on and the bike suddenly kinda starts looking like a bike again.

 

I finished hooking up pretty much all the wiring and the ignition housing and Dyna ignition.
Had to dig and dig to find the plate and advance assembly, I had put it somewhere where I wouldnt lose it.
The engine isnt anywhere near starting but time to check the electrics so far before the wiring is tidied up and tucked away.

Its the moment of truth. - hook up the battery and lets see what happens ! 

Key on, Ignition light on.
Lights work.
Indicators work
Starter motor works.
No neutral light - checked switch, tried old switch, checked wiring, will need to check bulb next.
No Horn - moved switch block and started working.  Next time I tried no go.  Maybe not earthing due to handlebar clamps being powdercoated ?


(442) Kawasaki z1 power on check electrics - YouTube

wrote:

I finished hooking up pretty much all the wiring and the ignition housing and Dyna ignition.
Had to dig and dig to find the plate and advance assembly, I had put it somewhere where I wouldnt lose it.
The engine isnt anywhere near starting but time to check the electrics so far before the wiring is tidied up and tucked away.

Its the moment of truth. - hook up the battery and lets see what happens ! 

Key on, Ignition light on.
Lights work.
Indicators work
Starter motor works.
No neutral light - checked switch, tried old switch, checked wiring, will need to check bulb next. Disconnect wire from switch, connect voltmeter from disconnected wire to battery negative (battery voltage indicates all ok up to the switch - check engine ground -- No voltage suggests open circuit, poss bulb or connector off somewhere)
No Horn - moved switch block and started working.  Next time I tried no go.  Maybe not earthing due to handlebar clamps being powdercoated ? Agreed


(442) Kawasaki z1 power on check electrics - YouTube

the reason for no neutral light is found.

 

After contemplating the wonderful world of wiring its time to bolt stuff back on.
I attached the rear taillight onto the rear mudguard, cleaned up bushes and bolts and fitted the guard and hooked up the wiring.
New sidecover rubbers go on the frame.

I might as well take the opportunity to drop the tail, sidecovers and seat in position for a photo op - before removing them and putting them safely away.

 

Looking really nice, I hope you are proud of the work you have done 

wrote:

Looking really nice, I hope you are proud of the work you have done 

Thanks Wookie - I'm pretty happy with things so far.  There are always little problems but thats to be expected.
I saw on one of the Z FB groups someone who's rebuild effort consisted of removing the tank, seat and ducktail over a period of 5 years 
 

wrote:

wrote:

Looking really nice, I hope you are proud of the work you have done 

Thanks Wookie - I'm pretty happy with things so far.  There are always little problems but thats to be expected.
I saw on one of the Z FB groups someone who's rebuild effort consisted of removing the tank, seat and ducktail over a period of 5 years 

 

These things take time 

wrote:

blackozvet post=875669

wrote:

Looking really nice, I hope you are proud of the work you have done 

Thanks Wookie - I'm pretty happy with things so far.  There are always little problems but thats to be expected.
I saw on one of the Z FB groups someone who's rebuild effort consisted of removing the tank, seat and ducktail over a period of 5 years 

 

These things take time 

 

Yup.

Our '72 Z1 basket case project that we completed a few years ago earned the moniker 'The Seven Year _itch' honestly.

Been following blackozvet's build with interest since it's inception.  Great workmanship at a remarkable pace.  Bravo!

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

Last year I retired so I stripped my Z completely and rebuild it with all kind of new parts, O rings, bolts, frame repair etc. I started in November and worked almost every day on the bike,  It took me 4 months to complete the bike and started test riding in April of this year. Yes, these things  take time!  

We're 2 1/2 months into my 77' KZ 1000 LTD build. We've got a couple of parts left to prep and paint. The quickest we've done a bike in was 3 months. That's with me working on it every day and Paul helping 2 or 3 days a week. The LTD will take a bit longer, it's our first KZ build.

Got a box of bits from Z1 Spares, a new instrument light loom, set of plugs, short throttle cables, kickstart rubber and a crankcase breather.
Hopefully this is the last purchase for the bike, apart from any unforeseen circumstances - of which I am quite sure will happen !

So I install the new light loom, switch on ignition and yes I have a neutral light.  But wait - there is now no oil light 
So I check the 3 other lights, all working.  Switch the high beam bulb around and now there is an oil light.  Looks like one of the new bulbs that came with the loom is dodgy.
Still no horn, despite filing off the powdercoat on handlebar surface of the upper clamps - maybe I need to get rid of the coating on the main triple tree clamp too?
Is there a good cheap and cheerful way to run an earth off the button?