Z1OwnersClub GB

Evening all. Bought this bike in from the US about three years ago. I toyed with the idea of selling her, but couldn’t resist the urge to hold on until other projects had been completed before deciding to cosmetically restore her.

Overall, despite appearances, she was a relatively original example (if you can look past the horrible paint job and 4-1 kerker).

The carbs were off / dismantled when I initially bought her - but I fitted a spare set of z1b carbs to verify she was a solid runner before embarking on the restoration.

The engine was beautifully quiet and smooth, oil tight and I opted not to fully rebuild the engine. This wasn’t on cost grounds, I just didn’t see the point of stripping a perfectly decent engine at this stage.

Anyway, enough of my waffling, here are pictures of her prior to restoration..

Initial stripdown....

Hadn’t spotted the big flat spot in the rear wheel. Both wheels are being stripped, repainted and diamond cut before re-laquering.

Quite a lot of surface corrosion, but mechanically she’s excellent.

Frame and engine will be repainted.

All original nuts, bolts, brackets either painted or replated.

Brakes, fork stanchions all good and serviceable. Most of the reubber components supple and not cracked.

Further stripdown...

Chome and zinc plating done.

Frame painted, engine painted and refitted.

Brake discs, drive hubs, foot rests, calipers, both master cylinders refurbished.

Engine covers polished, inner guards cleaned / polished, rear guard refurbished.

Steadily making progress...

Engine covers refitted, bars fitted with NOS LH switch. Refurbished RH switch yet to be fitted.

All electrical components cleaned, checked, refurbished, refitted. New AGM battery.

Fork ears back from paint now refitted with forks, front calipwrs.

Refurbished gauges refitted.

Starting to look like a bike again...!

Question: the bike was fitted with an aftermarket oil cooler - have been left with the following arrangement behind the block by the oil pressure sensor.

Can someone tell me what should/shouldn’t be here? i.e - how do I return to stock factory configuration?

Do I need part number 16109003 ???



Is this what I need??:

Hi James

stunning restoration! She's looking great! Wellcome to the club of MK2 owners!
Yes the part you showed in the last picture is what you need! Remove the oil pressure contact from the "old"part and put it on the "new" part. Don't forget to use new O-rings.
As far as the carbs are concerned, you can use those of a Z1000ST, they're the same exept for the main jet (ST 110, MK 107,5).
The chrome plated front mudgard is available, it's not the same as the one from an ST! If you want an original looking 4 in 2 exhaust: go for a Z1000J exhaust, those can be found and apart from the codes stamped in them, they're the same!
Good luck with the restoration!
Greetings from Belgium
Philippe

Thanks Phillippe.

Carbs are stripped and cleaned. I’ve re plated all of the original plated parts.

Need to polish the tops and float bowls, then reassemble with new float valves and gaskets.

I’ve ordered a used oil pipe fitting from the US. I can then refil her and do an oil pressure test.

Thanks for the words of encouragement- she will holefully look stunning..

James

Hi James

good for you that you found an oil pipe in the US but you can find them in the UK allso, from the Z1 to the MK2 they're all the same!
Don't worry too much about the oil pressure, I've never had an oil pump that didn't gave enough pressure, remember it only gives about 0,2 kg . That's enough to lubricate the engine. Just be sure that the oil channels are free.
Good luck
Philippe

Looking good . That was some balancing job on the rear wheel !!!!!

crossthread wrote:Looking good . That was some balancing job on the rear wheel !!!!!

yeah - the worrying thing is they’re all factory stamped Kawasaki balancing weights. So must have been some way out from the factory.

Anyone have any recommendations for suitable tyre choices?

Hi James
i have BT 45 Battleaxes on my MK2 and I'm very satisfied with them ( I don't drive the bike when it's raining, a bit difficult in Belgium )
Greetings
Philippe

Looking good mate, well done.

Some more progress this evening. Still waiting for the wheels and paintwork to come back.

Waiting for the exhaust brackets to arrive from Japan. Will be refitting the standard 4-2 exhausts.

Also need to get the carb rebuild complete.

Full electrical test complete - everything is working perfectly. Have spark on all 4 cylinders.

So should be up and running in a couple of weeks, ready for MOT.

Pictures from this evening...