Topic: 1973 Z1 Engine

[jaytee-nz]

A friend of mine has bought a restored (well almost) '73 Z1 - his lifelong dream !
It comes with another '73 engine (and other parts) which he is willing to sell to me. I have an idea to maybe use this as a basis for a restoration project starting with trying to find a frame. Given that I'm in New Zealand and there was probably less than a 100 1973 models sold here, the chances of my finding a correct frame are extremely low.
Other than Ebay, does anyone have any ideas where I should start to look for one ?
Alternatively, I could simply sell the engine on. On the basis that it is all there and in good condition, what would be the value in US dollars ?

[seanbarney41]

If I were you, I would just get any frame that fits, at least until a correct one can be found.  That engine plunks right into any Z1,Z900, Z1000 (KZ in the U.S. market) up to about 1980.  Then you could perhaps enjoy the bike.  And it's lots to enjoy!  KZRider is a good forum with a lot of Z1 collectors.  You are going to have a real challenge finding that frame.

[jaytee-nz]

Thanks Sean - I was vaguely aware that the engines and frames were somewhat interchangeable. The problem with that though is that it would be very difficult to register it here in NZ due to strict "modification" rules that we have for vehicles. Haven't ruled it out though.

[Stev-o]

Agreed that a correct frame would be difficult to find, there were only around 82,000 Z1's manufactured over the three year run.  I am lucky enough to have purchased one and I love it.  Several years ago, a forum member here had a spare motor for sale, a '75 model like my bike, I seem to recall paying around $300 for it [a great deal].

Your '73 motor would be worth much more to a buyer that has to have it, maybe even a couple thousand. However, you being in NZ and shipping a motor not easy or inexpensive, may play a key role in what you are able to sell it for. What condition is it in?

In addition to the KZRider forum, you could also check these...

http://z1ownersclub.co.uk/phpBB3/index.php?sid=4708efc4eeb4aa777678096c3b0a8263

https://www.facebook.com/groups/KawazakiZ1owners/

[69cb750]

It comes with another '73 engine (and other parts) which he is willing to sell to me. I have an idea to maybe use this as a basis for a restoration project starting with trying to find a frame

Does friends bike have original engine ?
Where is the frame that is missing ?