1973 Z1 rebuild

Im pretty sure that Howard could make and sell those vacuum units, but for now a smooth idle isnt high on my list of priorities at the moment.
Keep in mind that this engine combo isnt new, it has already been used in a street/strip way in this bike.  

First job today is fit new overflow lines and route them through the original 'cock ring' hanger.
Then bolt on the crank breather.  Not sure if I like it better than having a hose ?
 
Now for some of the bigger stuff - time to get the new seat out, fit up the hinges, the seat catch and spring.  After some minor adjustments it is closing and latching.
Then the ducktail, I fit up the new rubber and fastener set and bolt it on.
While I'm on a roll, its time to roll the rear wheel out.  I need to put together the sprocket drive stuff, then the brake hub stuff and mount it all on the hub.  Time to slip the axle through and mount the chain adjusters while I'm doing it (my bike has 10 mm adjusters fitted, the original 8 mm ones are in one of the spare boxes of bits). 
I managed to get the rear brake pedal into position - geez that big spring can be a bit tricky to mount, before its time to call it a day.
 
 

Great work, it's really coming together

Looking mighty fine!
 

Gonna be a show stopper when you are done!

I continue hooking up the rear brake stuff - the brake bar I have is an alloy tube with rod ends on it, I had it made a few years ago and it makes a huge difference to the feel of the rear brakes, zero binding.  The brake activation rod goes in as well and the rear brakes are working !
 
Next job is to get the new tank cap on the new tank.  Well what was supposed to be a 10 minute job turned into a 1 hour job 
The little latch wouldnt swing back enough for the bar on the cap to get under and be captured.  It looked like part of the problem was the paint was too thick, I ended up getting a round file out and working it until the 2 parts would actually click together.
 
Fitted up the tank and the sidecovers - then got really crazy and put the mirrors on.  They will have to come off again but couldnt resist.
There are still a number of jobs to do yet, but definitely starting to look like a complete bike 
 

Wow 

Nice transformation 

Not sure if it was a good idea but I put a pic of the bike on the FB Kawasaki Z1 owners group - you always get unique responses.

"Thinking you maybe need to re- think chaingaurd brackets BrO" - each to their own, but not as ugly as the original plastic thing.
"Hope you are changing the shocks, get some original exhaust on her." - sure, just send me a set and I will bolt them on.
"Why is your rear wheel so far off the table ?"  someone else offered up an explanation "kz 650 rear shocks that’s why" - Mr Koni isnt happy
"Now put some Lester mags on it with drilled rotors and small diameter ss brakes. Change seat to the Ltd seat" - its a street/drag bike not a chopper!
"The spoke wheels need to be truded this is an art form and not many people know how to do" - Written English is an art form and not many people know how to do.
"The wheels need rebuild properly also clutch cable re routed"  When asked why wheels need rebuild "can tell by looking at them"  - the shop who rebuilt the wheels and has been building wheels for decades wont be happy with this feedback!  

I hope it's not any of you guys on FB stirring me up ?? 
 

wrote:

Not sure if it was a good idea but I put a pic of the bike on the FB Kawasaki Z1 owners group - you always get unique responses.

"Thinking you maybe need to re- think chaingaurd brackets BrO" - each to their own, but not as ugly as the original plastic thing.
"Hope you are changing the shocks, get some original exhaust on her." - sure, just send me a set and I will bolt them on.
"Why is your rear wheel so far off the table ?"  someone else offered up an explanation "kz 650 rear shocks that’s why" - Mr Koni isnt happy
"Now put some Lester mags on it with drilled rotors and small diameter ss brakes. Change seat to the Ltd seat" - its a street/drag bike not a chopper!
"The spoke wheels need to be truded this is an art form and not many people know how to do" - Written English is an art form and not many people know how to do.
"The wheels need rebuild properly also clutch cable re routed"  When asked why wheels need rebuild "can tell by looking at them"  - the shop who rebuilt the wheels and has been building wheels for decades wont be happy with this feedback!  

I hope it's not any of you guys on FB stirring me up ?? 

 

I saw your FB post...recognized the red shocks.  It seems everyone on there is an expert at how to build a Z1.  I really like your responses.

Trolls.  They're everywhere.

wrote:

Trolls.  They're everywhere.

like live under the bridge and need fare money to allow you to cross… lol