Seat and brakes problems on a 1978 Z1R

[dave m]

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice, the seat on my Z1R is looking tired. Can the original seat be recovered and if so is it practical and who can carry out the work out.

Can you get a new replacement seat or even purchase a superior type.

Also my brakes are seized through lack of use, can they be freed without rebuilding the calipers and is it a simple job.

I bought a Clymer maintenance manual but it refers seized brakes to a specialist or dealer for repair?

regards


Dave

[chrisNI]

You could try pulling thew calipers off and spraying wD 40 all round them , letting it soak in a bit and try pumping you might be lucky but chances are they'l have to come apart. Where abouts in the world are you theres no point in recommending someone 500 miles away. It's not a major problem really though.

I'd say that Z1-R seat covers are probably available fron Zed Power or Zed Supplies - see the links page. You could recover it yourself or get a specialist to do it - once again where are you?

[Kerrigan]

Leightons in Birmingham do a great job of refurbishing seats.
They did my Yamaha 180 seat.
Repainted the base, put new foam in and a new cover - all for ?80.00.
Tel: 0121 3590514.

[Lil Hagrid]

Hi ya
Don't know where your based but these guys did a wonderful job on a seat of mine.

Trimmania
Unit 8, Carlo Court, Marino Way, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 4RF
Tel: 0118 932 4200

If you want a custom seat builder(Big Bucks) (But you get what you pay for)?
Come back to me and I'll dig another Name out, but the custom guy is so expensive you would only want him for the ultimate job. (Concourse/Show)
He did a wonderful seat for me on a show bike (Harley) a year or so ago
Rgds,
Lil Hagrid

[phil churchett]

You could also try P and P seating, they were based in Kitts Green in Birmingham. Had a foam from them for my A4 several years ago.

[bedlow1]

try PMC japan page 080 of their cataloge list a replica seat cover, part no. 37-412 price 19,950 yen, therefore beezees or z-power should be able to obtain one for you

[kiwiz]

Dave,

I am convinced that the dire warnings about working on the brakes are all to do with manufacturer's liability.

I have pulled my entire braking system apart and I am a pencil pusher. If the brakes are seizing my guess would be corrosion on the caliper piston due to failure earlier in life to change the fluid which leads to piston rusting. A new piston and seal kit should solve that.

Note that to disassemble remove caliper from slider brackets but do not disconnect the hydraulic lines. Pump the pistons out using the hydraulics, then disconnect lines after. Clean throughly but do not use any hydrocarbon based solvent to clean. Use specialist brake cleaner and brake lubes.

Clean out all the seal grooves which are normally full of crud. On reassembly I found inserting the piston through the dust boot required 4 hands but with help to spread the boot fully open like petals on a flower, inserted piston. This was a few seconds job. My calipers are the type used on a J

Most of ther guys recommend replacing the lines with aftermarket stainless braided if originals are of unknown age.

On reassembly, bleeding the system takes patience and there are numerous threads here on that subject. If it still feels spongy but with no sign of bubbles in the fluid, tie the lever back to the bar and leave overnight; works wonders.

I am still not 100% happy with my brakes and intend to rebuild the one caliper that remains untouched. Seal kits are easy to find but the piston my be a little more problematic. My last piston was Ebay UK.

[dave m]

You could try pulling thew calipers off and spraying wD 40 all round them , letting it soak in a bit and try pumping you might be lucky but chances are they'l have to come apart. Where abouts in the world are you theres no point in recommending someone 500 miles away. It's not a major problem really though.

I'd say that Z1-R seat covers are probably available fron Zed Power or Zed Supplies - see the links page. You could recover it yourself or get a specialist to do it - once again where are you?

Hi Chris,

I live near brighton in sussex, I inherited the bike from my Dad about 2 months ago who I know never rode the bike very much as I can tell from the old MOT's. The bike is an import from America and has very low milage and looks very tidy considering its age, but is suffering from lack of use which I'm hoping to change once the weather becomes warmer.

The only wear on the bike is the seat.

regards

Dave

[Ed Z1-R]

Dave try to get the original seat recovered as the original seat base is the best way to go