Hello from a new ( but old ) member

[Baz66]

Hello all,
Just become a paid up member and wanted the say hi.
Sometime ago I acquired a 1981 Z1000J that didn’t run but came as a project. I had one when I was 19 and got all sentimental (54 now, did someone say midlife crisis)
So I have much to do and lots to learn, I have some parts that I’ve read will be useful but I’m happy to be corrected if I’m misguided.
ZRX1100 swingarm and ZX9R wheels and front end, although the forks are worryingly short compared to stock.
Looking forward to having a look round and finding out how to turn this into the bike I have pictured in my head - superficially it will pass for a 1980,s Zed but handle somewhat better than my last one 35 years ago.

[chrisNI]

Welcome along.

Zx9R C and E forks are some of the longer “ modern” forks, but the J forks are even longer than the Zed forks, and you’re dropping an inch with the 17” wheels too. I have 17” wheels in my 1000R (similar height as J) with standard forks and it’s sits okay and handles really well. The Zx9 forks look about 3 inches shorter, I have a set in my Z1000 but it’s got stepped yokes and an 18” front wheel. Zrx arm will fit fairly easily, Zx9 rear wheel might be a bit wide but it’s possible to get them in. But might be better sticking with standard forks... anything is possible though.

[Philippe]

Hi Baz66
welcome to the club!
Don't consider yourself old if you're only 54! I think most of the members are older then 45 . I'm 22 and I have 35 years of experience in being that age...don't call it "midlife crisis", it's nostalgia!
Show us some pictures of your pride and joy, we all love to see the old bikes, no matter what condition they're in.

If you have experience in changing the old Zeds, put newer forks and swing arms in it to make the handling better.
If you want a bike that handles really good, buy a new one. They're equipped with all sorts of electronic devices (traction control, ABS brakes, etc) and the driver doesn't need the skills to ride a bike.
An old Zed doesn't handle like a new one but that's the price you have to pay if you want to ride an old Zed .
That's only my personal opinion but I'm an anorak or rivet counter or whatever name you want to give the people who want to keep the old Zeds the way they are.
But then again, it's your bike, you can change it the way you want .
Good luck with the project! There are many people on the forum who can help you to realise your dream. Go for it!
Let the good times roll !
Greetings from Belgium
Philippe

[Baz66]

Apologies for the picture quality. Taken in the garage when I first got her home.

The last one is the one I had when I was younger. Parked rather artistically next to a skip,

[dave cullen]

Great pics Baz,

I think the J is starting to be recognised for the good bike it is, I remember my best mate getting a brand new J3 in 84??, it was lime green, I wasn't taken with the styling then, but definitely grown on me over years.

You have come to right place, huge knowledge base on this site, I have had so much help over the years from fellow members.

Good luck with the project.

Dave

[Baz66]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have already received some useful advice, for which I am very thankful.
Hopefully there will be some area where I can help others out too.

Baz