Z1OwnersClub GB

I have a 73 Z1/ Quite tidy and very original. Had it for five years. Really I just need new spokes as mine look pretty bad - Any advice ...should I go for stainless is the first question ...and then how far should I go? Should I get the rims rechromed - they aren't really too bad - all original and just the odd very small spot ...and then what about hubs polished etc etc - it might all look a bit too restored, but there will be an opportunity to do it! Paint is original - and I don't mind the odd little mark - but getting back to the spokes, they sort of let it down! Advice welcome!

Hi Steve
if you want to keep her as original as possible buy a new set of spokes and nipples for the front and the rear wheel, go for zinc plated spokes and yellow zinc plated nipples. Those are the original ones. When you maintain them regularely they'll stay clean for many years.
I think you can buy them at Z-power in the UK.
About the wheel hubs I can only say that the front hub is painted satin black and that the rear hub is polished aluminium. If those are not too bad, leave them as they are. As for the rims: if they're not rusty, just clean them up. If you get them rechromed, you have the possibility that the markings on the rim disappear.
Good luck
Philippe

http://mi6712.wixsite.com/blackcatwheels

Ask for Mike,he really knows the score,makes spokes to suit,keep that Z1 as original as it sounds i say! Cheers Paul j

As Phillippe above re:- your spokes.

If the rest of the bike is original then I'd leave the rims as they are. Modern triple plated chrome is much blingier (is that a word?) than original Japanese chrome so would perhaps look 'to' shiny compared to the rest of the bikes chrome. And let's be honest said chrome was pretty poor even when the bikes were new.

A bit of elbow grease with a small wire and tooth brush should bring up the hub, again without it looking like it's just had some sort of media blast.

I replaced the spokes in the rear wheel of my Z900. I used a set of spokes from Z power which match the originals inc the nipples. Once I'd stripped the wheel, i cleaned up the rear hub with a scotch brite wheel. It came up like new. I polished the outer rim and brake plate but obviously this is personal preference.

I laced the wheel up with out tightening the spokes then had it trued up by a "wheel man ". Looks pretty good now I think. (although I did use a new rim as well). This was my first time at having a go at re spoking a wheel. `Just take your time and have a cup of tea if it goes wrong and come back to it.