Topic: 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900 (updated with pictures)

[754]

 Nice bike, very cool plate.. Dont throw anything out.. it may clean up or replate.. Clean steel wool ..not scouring pads... will be your friend..

[Jeff.Saunders]

The 4-4 pipes might be worth rechroming.  The 4-4 pipes rot out from the inside - so the outside isn't always an indication of the quality of the steel.

Look at the top seam of the pipes.  The very early Z1 pipes have no stamping alongside the top seam.  The join between the header pipe and the muffler should just show a weld.  The slightly later version have a crimped stainless steel strap cover over the weld.  Once you get deeper into the Z1 production run, lettering appeared alongside the top seam.  If any of the pipes have the stamping, post what you have on each pipe.

Replica pipes are around $1500.  While expensive, a good set of 4-4 pipes add that much resale value to the bike.

[Stev-o]

Tom - Jeff is our "resident expert" on the Z1 and owns a couple.
His website sells parts, see the link in his sig.

[TomL]

Thanks for all of the info/help everyone.  Glad to know that SOHC4 owners are not pigeon holed.  I'll take a picture of the pipes when I get a free second.  I'll also have to consider getting a price for re-chroming the exhaust. I am sure it would be cheaper than replacing it.  Not to mention they are original parts.  Too bad the PO didn't keep them wrapped up.  Pristine chrome on a 39 year old exhaust would be great.  Forgot to mention, he gave me a Corbin seat. It clearly looks like it's from the 70s.  I'm hoping he has the original somewhere.  I think it looks better.

[Stev-o]

So, where are you with this, Tom?

[Robbo22]

You may want to pick up the shop manual - http://newlondon.craigslist.org/mcy/4154393144.html

Rob

[Stev-o]

Or download it here for free....


http://www.zedrider.co.uk/service--owners-manuals.html

[Sgt.Pinback]

Wold like to see re-chromed 4-4 pipes.

How is this done? Are each pipes divided in two pieces? How do you close all holes...

[TomL]

Long time since I updated.  I have redone the fork seals.  I put together the front end, mounted the headlight bucket, rebuilt the master cylinder and caliper.  I've got the engine in the fame and I cleaned the carbs and slapped them on.  The rear wheel, swing arm, and chain are all mounted on as well as the shocks.  I've reconnected the clutch cable and stared rewiring the whole bike (the harness was trashed).  It's slow going as I haven't had a ton of time to work on it.  I probably won't make much progress this winter because my garage is frigid.  It is coming along.  I don't want to rush the wiring and have to do it all over.  Also, I still haven't taken a minute to take a look at the stock exhaust.  It's hanging up in the rafters of my garage and I haven't taken it down.