Topic: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - H2 is now a rider!!!

[Stev-o]

I love SOHC Hondas but how many CB750's can one guy have? A lot of you guys dream about owning a K0 [or already have one] but not me, I have a K1 and there isn't much differance.

My first "big bike" was a Kawasaki 1000, was a great bike and had it for a few years before getting into the Hondas. My brother once said "you should get another Kaw." And told him I would like to, but really would want a Z1!

They can be hard to find, only 85,000 made over a three year period, '73-'75.
And expensive. And some of you may remember I was looking for a 500 H1...'till I found this....





It's a '75, and not "correct". Has a horrible exhaust system, "custom paint" [I prefer stock] and a goofy 16' rear wheel.
Luckily, all this can be corrected and is in the long term plan.





The motor runs great and wow, it is fast! But, could use some fine tuning once the new exhaust is in place. Current pipes have no baffles, are very blue and love to pop on decel. But I was smiling on my 15 mile test ride today!





You can tell the bike was well loved at one time, had a high quality paint job, polished aluminum engine covers and pretty good tires [Bridgestone].
But, the last few years havent been so good to the bike as it has a big dent in the tank, quite a few scatches and battery acid stains [now has a sealed battery].
Bought from a 60 year old guy, ex road racer, but he just flipped it, so know no history and thats fine. I finally have a Z!






EDIT:  IF YOU CANT SEE PICS, CLICK HERE TO FIX...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168102.0.html
 

[Tews19]

I was about to ask but the pics tell that she is a runner. Is the chain guard stock? I have one identical in the basement. How long is that one? If same length it's yours.

[goldarrow]

Very nice looking!  PDR will cure that dent in the tank.  Is that a kill switch by the right side cover?

[Stev-o]

Is the chain guard stock? I have one identical in the basement. How long is that one? If same length it's yours.

Pretty sure it is stock and about 26" long. Need a good replacement as this one has some rust from battery acid.
Send some pics tomorrow...thanks!

[Stev-o]

Stev-o...that really is a nice looking Z1. Back in the day when I was riding the 750 my good friend ran the Kaw 900 and that thing was super fast. He misses it to this day! What is the mileage there and does she have a title? Any idea the parts availability compared to the Honda? Good find...I am sure you will do it justice.  And get plenty of envious looks on it too.

Thanks Johnie. Has 27K and a clear SC title. Haven't checked parts availability from Kawasaki yet, but there are two online companies that sell nearly everything that I will need [similar to DSS or Yamiya]. One is Z1 Enterprises in NY, Jeff is a member here and works there. Need to connect with him.
The 4-4 exhaust is available, made in Japan from original tooling and is like buying the 341's, expensive! [about $1300]. Will do it but might have to sell another SOHC!

http://www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?itemDescription=Z1+%2f+KZ900+Replica+4-4+Exhaust+System&item=PM86-260

[Stev-o]

Very nice looking!  PDR will cure that dent in the tank.  Is that a kill switch by the right side cover?

Yes, will try the PDR route. Dont know what that switch was, not connected to anything. I have already removed it.

[BeSeeingYou]

There's that dried up lake again....I guess I shouldn't give you a hard time about it...ours are still covered in ice.

nice score by the way.

[seanbarney41]

nice one Steve-O...it's inspiring me to get back to work on my kz1000

[Stev-o]

nice one Steve-O...it's inspiring me to get back to work on my kz1000

Thanks and you should, these old Kaws are good bikes.

[750K]

Nice, I love the old Z's and Kz's. I just got some of the last parts I need to get my 78 Kz1000 really road worthy,  have fun with that beast!

[dhall57]

Congrads Stev-o!!!! Nice Z1. Those bikes were the fastest thing going back in the day. Looks like all it needs is just some TLC and I'm sure you will give it plenty of that Growing up in the 70's my best friend was a Kawasaki guy and me a Honda. We were always fighting back and forth about who made the better bike.

[Retro Rocket]

Growing up in the 70's my best friend was a Kawasaki guy and me a Honda. We were always fighting back and forth about who made the better bike.

I had a mate with a nice 900 and i had an old K2 with a 810 kit and a cam , twin discs and a braced frame, air caps in the forks, i used to hate that 900 in a straight line but he hated me in the twisties, got him every time, his 900 walked around corners, especially fast sweepers.......

[toytuff]

Congrats Steve! Looks like a nce project and I'm sure it will be done correctly.

Wanted to ask you. If I buy the CBX out your way do you have a place to store it? Would have to arrange shipping or just go get it myself.

tt

[Greggo]

SCORE!

[Frankensteins Bride]

Sweet Find! Congrats! I have a old 76 900 (not a z1 I know) and it goes like stink. Those beasts have scary amounts of power!

[Viktor.J]

Congratulations Steve ! the bike looks great !

[Stev-o]

Thanks all.  Love hearing those old "back in the day" stories.  As I was cleaning it up, I noticed how similar it is to my K4, but the engine is larger, especially the clutch area. The cover is huge.  And the Mikuni carbs are noticeably larger too.


Toytuff - I'll go check out that CBX today if you want.  Yes, I have space in the bat cave but it would be safer against theft at Horsepower Farms. No room here in my garage, have four bikes here now and the wifey made a remark to the effect "What, Kawasaki's now too?!".
Uship.com is based out of Austin, would be cheaper than a road trip to get the bike to you. H

[toytuff]

Thanks all.  Love hearing those old "back in the day" stories.  As I was cleaning it up, I noticed how similar it is to my K4, but the engine is larger, especially the clutch area. The cover is huge.  And the Mikuni carbs are noticeably larger too.


Toytuff - I'll go check out that CBX today if you want.  Yes, I have space in the bat cave but it would be safer against theft at Horsepower Farms. No room here in my garage, have four bikes here now and the wifey made a remark to the effect "What, Kawasaki's now too?!".
Uship.com is based out of Austin, would be cheaper than a road trip to get the bike to you. H

They probably can arrange shipping. Yes, if you have the time please do. I'm going to request pictures today.

It's an awful low price for a 79 model. Has to be in need of things. If it's not stock then I will probably pass on it. Parts are expensive an even harder to find. Especially exhaust.

tt

[Damfino]

Very nice looking!  PDR will cure that dent in the tank.  Is that a kill switch by the right side cover?

Yes, will try the PDR route. Dont know what that switch was, not connected to anything. I have already removed it.

I'm fairly certain that was the twin-turbo boosting, nitrous dis-combobulator switch. Either that or the 'self destruct' switch...

[madScientist]

Gah you lucky S.o.B.! I've been looking for a decent 70's Kaw to restore for a couple years now. Never should have sold off the KZ1536 drag bike...

Congrats on the new horse man!

[toytuff]

Never could get him to sell. I know where it is and he has my number. 

tt

[Bankerdanny]

Stevo, try these guys too: http://www.redlinecycle.com/ they are located a few miles from me and while they work on all models they specialize in the K1/KZ900/KZ1000

[Damfino]

Always wondered why the Z1's have that hole in the control panel above the key? Was that where you stored your Bic lighter? 

[toytuff]

Always wondered why the Z1's have that hole in the control panel above the key? Was that where you stored your Bic lighter? 

The rip cord goes there for the optional parachute.

tt

[750K]

Gorgeous bike tt, I'd be lusting over that as well if I knew where it was.