Z1000a1 - not sure what I have or where to start
Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 7:08 pm
Hi all - long post here so my apologies in advance. Some time ago I acquired a stripped Z1000a. It was a bike that I had seen complete albeit rough quite a few years ago in someones back garden. The frame number is KZ00A-026433 and it is now registered in my name on a 'S' 77/78 plate - I believe it to be a genuine UK bike. I was not sure wether to sell it as is or have a bash at a little (sic) resto. I think that now I would like to have a go.
I have only just gotten round to sorting through the boxes that came with it and there appears to be original spares from two bikes. I'm guessing that the previous owner must have started gathering kit for a re-build.
So I need some help, suggestions and advice before I get started. My plan is to re-vive the bike to a running, usable and reasonably original condition. I don't think I am capable of a full blown restoration compared to the quality of the projects on this forum having said that I don't want to spend out and end up with something that looks like a mutt. I would like it to be as original as practically possible but as can be seen the exhaust with the bike is a 4-1 aftermarket to start with.
There are two tanks - a 'fat' one and a 'thinner' one both sprayed maroon - Checking with DVLA I think the original colour was Metallic blue green which I think is ace. Which tank is correct?
There are also several headlamp bowls, two chrome one good one rough and one satin black.
Several rear lamp assemblies one square and one with angled edges, a couple of air boxes, identical from what I can see. Just two indicators with bizarre angled brackets? Rears I'm guessing.
Three rear callipers and two front - the rears appear to be identical - two rear master cylinders. A centre stand with an agricultural repair! Some munty looking rear shocks that have reflectors on them that makes me think they might be from an import.
Two tail sections and two sets of side panels - both reasonable condition one with badges.
Two banks of carbs - one seems to have had some attention
There is also some gearbox parts with a broken selector fork that does not fill me full of confidence with what I might find in the motor.
The loom is complete but in that horrible, sticky, nasty condition and has been lifted from the bike along with the battery box, coils etc. Is it better to buy a new pattern one or refurb and restore the original? I also have several sets of clocks, shrouds, some new chrome covers and other chrome work. Two sets of handlebar Switch gear all needing work, and a couple of sets of forks including some new unused stanchions from Z power.
The wheels are wire with decent rims and what look like stainless spokes, the hubs will need vapour blasting. The frame is good the saddle is poor.
I really would welcome any pointers, tips, tricks and recommendations to get the ball rolling.
My plan is to blast and powder coat the frame and tin ware, get the tank (which one?) and panels sprayed in the metallic blue green - any idea of paint codes please? also any pics of what the original paintwork / badges / pin striping would be helpful. I plan to send the chrome off for plating, bizarrely the footrest mounts and prop-stand are chromed - is this standard? - Other bits and bobs I intend to send off for zinc plating any recommendations for either / both welcome.
Today I prepped the frame for blasting and powder coating. Normally I would pop the tapered races out before fitting a new headset when the frame comes back. Any tips for getting the old race seats out as the seats seem to be tapped into the headtube 'blind' with no provision to get a purchase on them.
And Breathe . . . .
I have only just gotten round to sorting through the boxes that came with it and there appears to be original spares from two bikes. I'm guessing that the previous owner must have started gathering kit for a re-build.
So I need some help, suggestions and advice before I get started. My plan is to re-vive the bike to a running, usable and reasonably original condition. I don't think I am capable of a full blown restoration compared to the quality of the projects on this forum having said that I don't want to spend out and end up with something that looks like a mutt. I would like it to be as original as practically possible but as can be seen the exhaust with the bike is a 4-1 aftermarket to start with.
There are two tanks - a 'fat' one and a 'thinner' one both sprayed maroon - Checking with DVLA I think the original colour was Metallic blue green which I think is ace. Which tank is correct?
There are also several headlamp bowls, two chrome one good one rough and one satin black.
Several rear lamp assemblies one square and one with angled edges, a couple of air boxes, identical from what I can see. Just two indicators with bizarre angled brackets? Rears I'm guessing.
Three rear callipers and two front - the rears appear to be identical - two rear master cylinders. A centre stand with an agricultural repair! Some munty looking rear shocks that have reflectors on them that makes me think they might be from an import.
Two tail sections and two sets of side panels - both reasonable condition one with badges.
Two banks of carbs - one seems to have had some attention
There is also some gearbox parts with a broken selector fork that does not fill me full of confidence with what I might find in the motor.
The loom is complete but in that horrible, sticky, nasty condition and has been lifted from the bike along with the battery box, coils etc. Is it better to buy a new pattern one or refurb and restore the original? I also have several sets of clocks, shrouds, some new chrome covers and other chrome work. Two sets of handlebar Switch gear all needing work, and a couple of sets of forks including some new unused stanchions from Z power.
The wheels are wire with decent rims and what look like stainless spokes, the hubs will need vapour blasting. The frame is good the saddle is poor.
I really would welcome any pointers, tips, tricks and recommendations to get the ball rolling.
My plan is to blast and powder coat the frame and tin ware, get the tank (which one?) and panels sprayed in the metallic blue green - any idea of paint codes please? also any pics of what the original paintwork / badges / pin striping would be helpful. I plan to send the chrome off for plating, bizarrely the footrest mounts and prop-stand are chromed - is this standard? - Other bits and bobs I intend to send off for zinc plating any recommendations for either / both welcome.
Today I prepped the frame for blasting and powder coating. Normally I would pop the tapered races out before fitting a new headset when the frame comes back. Any tips for getting the old race seats out as the seats seem to be tapped into the headtube 'blind' with no provision to get a purchase on them.
And Breathe . . . .
