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Z900 a4

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CDNeal
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Z900 a4

#1 PostAuthor: CDNeal » Thu Nov 23, 2017 1:55 pm

Hi, I'm going to do it , i'm going to get my 1976 Z900 a4 out from the back of the shed and rebuild her. but which way to go?
Standard I'll need an air box (just next to the hens teeth) and a 4 into 4 pipe they are not cheap, but at lease i can get one, or do i go big wheel ohlins ect? and my MT10 will still handle better. your comments please.

shep65
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Re: Z900 a4

#2 PostAuthor: shep65 » Thu Nov 23, 2017 2:05 pm

Be worth more standard and as you also have a modern bike I would go that route myself.

CDNeal
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Re: Z900 a4

#3 PostAuthor: CDNeal » Thu Nov 23, 2017 2:25 pm

you are correct, but as i have had the bike for 25+ years and not going to sell when its finished.

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warren3200gt
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Re: Z900 a4

#4 PostAuthor: warren3200gt » Thu Nov 23, 2017 3:43 pm

Its your bike, do whatever you feel comfortable with or funds allow. Depends what you want to end up with and only you know that.
PUM 488 June 2023
76 Z900A4, 77 Z650B1, 77 KZ650B1, 77 Z1000A1, 82 Z1000J2, ZRX1100R.

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PAULJAC47
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Re: Z900 a4

#5 PostAuthor: PAULJAC47 » Thu Nov 23, 2017 5:13 pm

If you have had the bike that long,that puts you in the getting on bracket,none of us will be able to ride indefinetly and like it or not, its better to have something you can defo sell for a good sum if needs be,modified bikes never command top prices,standard bikes if done correctly are only commanding higher and higher prices,even a4 projects are fetching around 5k,which doesnt really make em viable to buy and restore.You are lucky you have one to start with,work out how much you need to spend then double it and you wont be far away..
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PAULJAC47,,,,,"She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid."
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Philippe
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Re: Z900 a4

#6 PostAuthor: Philippe » Thu Nov 23, 2017 5:49 pm

Hi Neal

If I were you, I would go for the restoration to original specs. Use as much original parts from your bike as you can but keep it safe!(brakes, tires, suspension,...)
Get some real good information on available parts and where you can buy them, make a list and contact the seller. Tell him about your plan and ask for a discount. Don't be shy. If you decide to do the restoration yourself, get a good Kawasaki service manual and read it, they're in English so that might not be a problem I guess. Practice what you read. If you don't understand it, ask for help on the forum.
After the restoration your bike will be as new and you'll be proud of it.
A well restorated bike keeps its value, don't forget that. When you want to build a bike that's special,( wheels , suspension, ...) keep in mind that the value of such a bike is lower than the value of a not restorated original bike (on the continent that is). After all, the special will only be to your taste and desires, not to those of a future buyer who will certainly have others and thus will calculate his costs...
Anyway, it's your bike, think about it and make a decision , take your time but whatever you decide: GO FOR IT.
Good luck!
Philippe
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Re: Z900 a4

#7 PostAuthor: ZedHead » Thu Nov 23, 2017 7:08 pm

Welcome from Darlington CDNeal

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Garn 1
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Re: Z900 a4

#8 PostAuthor: Garn 1 » Thu Nov 23, 2017 9:27 pm

Go for a standard restoration, You can still have a few mods, like, a 530 chain & sprockets, a DynaS ignition and 29mm Smooth bores, just to give it a lift from being boring!
RegardZ.
Garn (Sydney) Z1, Z1A, Z1B and Z900-A4

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ADRIAN H
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Re: Z900 a4

#9 PostAuthor: ADRIAN H » Fri Nov 24, 2017 9:55 am

Biggest problem with a restored bike - Is it ends up being an ornament never used as you dont want to get it dirty.

Only taken out on the occasional sunny day.
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BigZCas
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Re: Z900 a4

#10 PostAuthor: BigZCas » Fri Nov 24, 2017 11:50 am

Spend as little as possible to make safe (MOT) ...
Ride
Enjoy :D
Past 5 Years
1974 UK Z1a, Candy Tone Brown/Orange
1976 KZ900a4, Diamond Dark Green
1978 KZ1000a2, Luminous Green
1976 KZ1000a1, Red
1972 GT750J, Candy Lavender

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Re: Z900 a4

#11 PostAuthor: ZedHead » Fri Nov 24, 2017 11:54 am

BigZCas wrote:Spend as little as possible to make safe (MOT) ...
Ride
Enjoy :D


No MOT required now :D

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ADRIAN H
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Re: Z900 a4

#12 PostAuthor: ADRIAN H » Fri Nov 24, 2017 12:58 pm

ZedHead wrote:
BigZCas wrote:Spend as little as possible to make safe (MOT) ...
Ride
Enjoy :D


No MOT required now :D


Depends if it is 100% standard then - no MOT.
adrianhorsfield@live.co.uk
Sunny Bournemouth. Dorset. UK.

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warren3200gt
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Re: Z900 a4

#13 PostAuthor: warren3200gt » Fri Nov 24, 2017 1:48 pm

ADRIAN H wrote:Depends if it is 100% standard then - no MOT.

Has this actually passed into law yet? Thought it was a proposal which hadn't yet gone through?
PUM 488 June 2023
76 Z900A4, 77 Z650B1, 77 KZ650B1, 77 Z1000A1, 82 Z1000J2, ZRX1100R.

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Re: Z900 a4

#14 PostAuthor: ZedHead » Fri Nov 24, 2017 3:09 pm

I believe it will be introduced in May next year. Currently pre 1960 vehicles are exempt

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Re: Z900 a4

#15 PostAuthor: warren3200gt » Fri Nov 24, 2017 3:12 pm

Fingers crossed, I've got 4 which will qualify
PUM 488 June 2023
76 Z900A4, 77 Z650B1, 77 KZ650B1, 77 Z1000A1, 82 Z1000J2, ZRX1100R.


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