Just bought this

[thewormman]

Just paid for this waiting for it to be shipped here. 1976 KZ900

Looking to do a full resto on it. Engine I think has been changed, it is still a 1976 engine but the numbers are a couple of hundred away from the frame number.

Quick question, does anyone know if there is somewhere that lists the standard finish on all the parts, i.e. what's polished, sprayed gloss or satin etc? and where is the best place for parts?

Thanks

[Ultim8pc]

Looks like a nice project you have bought.
On the Z900 the engine can easily be a few hundred out form the frame, so no worries there.
There is no definitive list of finishes that i am aware of.
Z-Power in the UK is the No1 place to go, but you can also pick up stuff from Z-Fever in Germany and Z1 Z1 Enterprises in the USA.
There are many seasoned restorers on here so just ask away.

How far are you going with your resto? You can easily spend £6k on a full resto.

[chrisNI]

Looks like it’s got a Kerker..

[zed1015]

Engine I think has been changed, it is still a 1976 engine but the numbers are a couple of hundred away from the frame number.
Thanks

The numbers were hardly ever the same
A few hundred either way is considered correct and likely to be original.

[thewormman]

The numbers were hardly ever the same
A few hundred either way is considered correct and likely to be original.

Thanks, actually got that wrong, the numbers are a few thousand apart not a few hundred.
Going to do most of the work myself over time.

Looks like it’s got a Kerker

Is that the exhaust? Is that good?

[Philippe]

Hi thewormman

frame, swing arm, internal frame parts, front footrests holders: gloss black (80 % gloss)
tail light holder, front light bowl, internals of the disc rotor, brake calipers : satin towards matt black (30 % gloss)
handlebar switches, meter covers: satin black (50% gloss)

If there are parts you have doubts about, just ask.
GrtZ
Philippe

[thewormman]

Hi thewormman

frame, swing arm, internal frame parts, front footrests holders: gloss black (80 % gloss)
tail light holder, front light bowl, internals of the disc rotor, brake calipers : satin towards matt black (30 % gloss)
handlebar switches, meter covers: satin black (50% gloss)

If there are parts you have doubts about, just ask.
GrtZ
Philippe

Excellent thank you!
What about engine finish?

[zed1015]

Excellent thank you! What about engine finish?

Apart from the Z1 and later Z1R/MK2/ST which were black the rest of the 900 and 1000 engines were plain alloy in which case yours should be alloy if you are aiming for originality.

[Philippe]

Hi thewormman

as Z1015 wrote: plain alloy for the upper and lower cranckcases, cylinders, cylinderhead.
All the covers (clutch,points,sprocket,alternator) and points housing receive a gloss varnish after polishing(take care: use a special heat resistant varnish for light metal)
The camshaft cover is plain alloy except the four half rounds on the sides where the rubber "half moons" sit: those are polished and covered with the gloss varnish.
I have good results with the gloss varnish from "Restom". (Have a look at the several restorations I've been doing)
If it's the first time you're going to restore a Z900A4 get as many information you can find. Read some good books and get a copy of a Kawasaki workshop manual!
Good luck with it and keep us informed please.
GrtZ
Philippe

[Garry.L]

Is it a Ltd?.... back wheel looks a tad small.

For all your Parts needs.... https://www.z-power.co.uk/

[zed1015]

Is it a Ltd?.... back wheel looks a tad small.

For all your Parts needs.... https://www.z-power.co.uk/

Certainly looks like an ltd.
16" rear wheel and the seat are.

[gray]

rear rim looks aftermarket to my eye. So it you're changing it anyway there's an opportunity to go to 16" for a z9 LTD or 18" for z9 A4.
Could the pipe be a Delkevic? Judging by the way the collector seems to angle as it passes where their filter.

[thewormman]

rear rim looks aftermarket to my eye. So it you're changing it anyway there's an opportunity to go to 16" for a z9 LTD or 18" for z9 A4.
Could the pipe be a Delkevic? Judging by the way the collector seems to angle as it passes where their filter.

Thanks everyone.

Yes see what you mean on the wheel although from what I read the LTD's had a mag wheel? Also the frame number starts with Z1F09**** I read that LTD's frame numbers were KZ900B-500011 onwards is that right?

I will probably go for the 18" rim as I will probably get the wheels rebuilt with stainless spokes. Where is a good place for new rims?

.

[Peteypops23]

Think the B1 Ltd had twin front discs and no fork ears for the headlamp too?
IMHO it looks more like an A4/A5 with 16" back wheel and Ltd seat.
I love flat bars too but just watch the tank on right lock!!
Oh and bin those god awful mirrors
Looks a good buy though....good luck with the resto
Pete

[Peteypops23]

Oh, and your frame number is A4/A5.
Pete

Check your engine number too, it may have been changed at some point but could well be original. I've got a z1000 and a z1r which both have z1b engines. Just what was available at the time.