[PhildoBaggins]

I just came across this Gem of a bike. I managed to talk the owner to selling it to me for $1000. It recently had the engine rebuilt with extended swing arm and custom paint job. Are they any Z1 Cafe bikes out there. Id like to see some since im having a hard time tracking some down.

 

[krapfever]

ooof. I'm gonna be polite and keep any comments about the yellow-flex-hose-dress-up-kit to myself.

Not a damn thing wrong with owning a KZ900, though.

Most of the guys around here build them 70's drag bike style: extended swingarm, drag bars, skinny front tire, Kerker 4-1, drilled discs, etc.

Gonna keep the open megaphone? Nothing beats the sound of a big Kaw with an open pipe winding out.

Honda go sideways!

http://groups.google.com/group/co-ohvinmoto

 

[PhildoBaggins]

oh yeah man that yellow hose dressing is already off haha! I just wanted to take the pics as is to show everybody what i got. Does anybody have any ideas on what i should do first to this bike to get things started. Well first off I hate yellow so im going to sand it all down and start with a different color all together. the engine guard is coming off and im already looking into rearsets. As far as the bars go im ordering some bars for it. Any other ideas?

 

[chetriply]

Mt best advice would be to check out www.kzrider.com. The absolute best site for KZ information. Nice bike!

Gas Right, Clutch Left

 

[bcr]

Those KZ's are badass. Two things: whenever I see those universal head light ears it makes me want to closely check the front end for tweaks (I got burned that way once) , and what is up with that illuminated rocker switch? for me electrical issues kinda suck. I'm with krapfever on the old school drag theme, with the extended swing arm your already there. nice find, good luck with her. cheers, bcr

 

[robertob]

Japanese people LOVE those freakin' big kaws.

Here's some quick links:

http://www.sadcafe-jp.com/mgsite/Gallary/z1/z12.html

http://www.mc-jj.com/yellow/index.html

http://www.romey.jp/z1cl/index.html

http://www.romey.jp/kz900/

http://www.bikeya-robson.com/02custom/costom.html

http://www.bikeya-robson.com/02custom/kawasaki/%82%9A900%[email protected]

 

[sprinter666]

z1 is so freaing popular in japan its sick i am gonna try and scan some cool shit from one of the z1 magazines i got from my buddy. its in japanese but you can get lots of ideas.

my friend also has a pretty sweet z1 with "me too" cafe parts on it.

----------------------------
http://www.driftalliance.com

 

[coolatula]

Original Z1s are the Holy Grail of KZs and if kept in decent shape will NEVER depreciate due to there being a huge overseas collector market for them.

There are Professional Buyers/Exporters that will buy original Z1 bikes,parts,memorabilia etc.(along with CBXs,H1s,H2s,Katanas etc.),wait until they have a container full and ship it all overseas(most likely Japan).

In other words if Billy Bob Redneck thinks a sellers "fitteen Hunurd dullers!" selling price is just "crazy talk" for a Z1 "Kawaysacky" then there is a little Japanese dude willing to pay much,much more than that when that big ol' shipping container comes in!<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

http://www.caferacer.net/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5488




Edited by - coolatula on Jan 16 2008 12:51:22 AM

 

[joe c]

whats the gigantic clump of red wires??

jc

 

[PhildoBaggins]

it looks like the previous owners of the ones i bought it from overhauled the entire bike down to the frame. The block is KZ900 while the cylinders are from a KZ1000. The wiring was completely dont over. So nothing is stock in that regard. Come to find out it doesnt have spark. So its either the igniton coils or contact breaker.

 

[inline4]

You'll have a LOT of fun with that Kaw. Besides kzrider.com, there is also http://www.cyclemadness.com/forum/. As the name implies the guys there cater to all types of bikes, but they definately lean towards the old Z1/KZs. THE BEST site for parts is http://www.z1enterprises.com/ Jeff Saunders and the guys at Z1E are extremely knowledgeable and their customer service is SECOND TO NONE! They also have parts, or access to parts, for other Japanese street bikes.
Back to topic:
I'm rebuilding a 1974 Z1A, though more of a streetfighter than a cafe project. Here are the details.
The frame is powdercoated a smoky chrome color. The front end is a complete unit from a 1988 ZX11C. The rear end consists of a boxed aluminum swingarm from a 1983 Suzy GS1100E, along with a pair of custom-made piggybacks from Wilbers. The rear wheel is off a 1988 GSXR1100 using Katana brakes.
The engine is now 1015cc with h-c Wisecos and a pair of Kenny Harmon d-grind cams. The exhaust system is an old Kerker for Kawasaki unit that I had ceramic coated.
All the electrics have been replaced with brand new parts.
I'm sure there are other things I've failed to mention, butif you have questions feel free to ask.
One more thing--------------hopefully I didn't do an extreme hijack of your post.<img src=icon_smile_blush.gif border=0 align=middle>

My dog is concerned about the economy. ALPO is up to 99-cents a can. That's almost $7 in dog money.

 

[chetriply]

That bike kicks ass! Good to see another KZ rider on the board.

Gas Right, Clutch Left

 

[PhildoBaggins]

Rock on man. I've gotten more into my bike and found out when they put the extended swingarm on it they also put on some extra support cross bars on the front for added support. The orginal person that rebuilt the bike was going to drag it. the engine is completely rebuilt with the top end all from a KZ1000 not sure what that means for CCs but im sure there is more there than i really know. The oversized shocks in the back. Im currently tearing it down and painting and getting some cafe parts on it. Question for you.. What are you doing about rearsets im sure our frames are pretty similar. BTW im glad i found a fellow Z1 on here. Keep in touch for sure Id like to see ur progress.

Thanks for the info man also I already have ordered from Z1 with my yammie i have cafed up and that company has the fastest shipping and i love how much knowledge they have just on Z1s.