I am also of the restoration to ‘original state’ school, but on this occasion there was no paperwork or history whatsoever, the engine was completely seized -took me three months to get the pistons out of the block, electrics were fried, a large number of engine items were missing and the entire front end was off a z1000t, so there was little original. Currently on the bike the frame and engine are z1300 original, the tank is off a 1100 Zephyr and the front end is off a Multistrada, as that is the only bike with forks as long as the z1300.
I agree it is an acquired taste and modding is not for everyone, and as said I am normally also loath to change things away from original, but the wreck I bought was so beyond saving, I decided to do something radically different.
I have not seen anyone turn a z1300 into a cafe racer and at one point I thought everyone else knew something I didn’t, but it turned out ok and rides surprisingly well.
And lastly, I enjoy the conversations people have around it whilst they don’t know I am the owner…
Paul