Z1 Custom Cafe Build

[CalvusAquila]

Hey all, I have a '74 Z1 900 that I rescued from a salvage yard and am using it to build a cafe racer.

I will be posting pics and questions here for those that are interested.

First question- Do any of you know whether or not a '80 KZ1000 A4 gas tank will fit the '74 KZ900?

[DrKayak]

The Z1 is a sacred machine. It should only be restored to origional. Now if you want to build a cafe -- the 750 twin is the bike to start with.

[zeiss150]

You pulled it from the junk yard... so you can do what you want to it. just don't cut it up.

I just finished a Cafe build on my KZ650. I put a kz1100 take on my KZ650 frame ... so can it be done... sure. How bad do you want it?

Check out my build

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...afe-racer.html

Let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck with your build and put up LOTS OF PICTURES.

Matt-

[CalvusAquila]

No worries, I'll not be cutting the frame. I'll save that kinda stuff for the Yamaha bobber that I want to build.

Matt thanks for the reply. I will be posting photo's here and might do a blog as well. I am in the middle of reading your posts. Great work! If I can do half as good a job I will be satisfied.

DrKayak I hear ya but hear in Tok, AK my choices are severely limited. But I won't be cutting the frame so it will be "salvageable" if a purist ends up with my bike in the future.

[zeiss150]

I can't wait to see your build! What colors do you want to paint your cafe' ? Are you going to build an "old school" cafe' or are you going to go more "cutting edge"?

Get a shot of the bike before you drop the engine out. I want to see the condition before you tare into it.

Stay cool!
Matt-

[DrKayak]

Originally Posted by CalvusAquila

.DrKayak I hear ya but hear in Tok, AK my choices are severely limited. But I won't be cutting the frame so it will be "salvageable" if a purist ends up with my bike in the future.

I was just messing with you, it's yours, do what you want. Stock Z1s do fetch more $$ if you want to make it into an investment project. I have seen them go for $10k where the owner just slowly added NOS parts over the years, next thing it was worth a lot.

I made my 900 the way I like it for daily riding I plan to wear it out and never sell it. I care more about getting 100k miles out of it than $$ out of it.

[CalvusAquila]

Before- Pardon the blurriness I am using my phone for the photo's.



The tear down has begun!

[wired_89]

looks Like is going to be a fun project! As far as cutting up the frame... I love the way they look as is so i dont think they should be cut up... but if your not going to ride 2-up with her. cut those rear foot peg and exhaust hanger frame pipes off..lol if your are cut them off and make new brackets... but thats me... not a fan of the LTD just for that.

It looks like you have a great bike to start with and with a little skill, imagination, and parts suppliers, your going to have a sweet ride. I can't wait to see more.
Oh and do you have a plan? old school cafe, street fighter, custom jobber...lol. Its good to have a good set plan before you get to far.

AND GET LOTS OF PICTURES!!!!

Good luck and Happy wrenchin. and we are all here to help if and when you need it... i might check out KZrider.com too those guys are tons of help.

[zeiss150]

oh man! That reminds me of my build. You've got some work ahead of you. Are you going to replace the spokes or the entire rim?

That 2 up seat is about the same size as a couch I had in college.

Do you have a color picked for the frame and tank?

Good job with the pictures, keep them coming!

Matt-

P.S. how's the engine running?

[CalvusAquila]

She is going to be a cafe inspired custom and yes I have a theme in mind. Think "Japanese Zero" that is all that I am letting out of the bag for the mo' =)

Zeiss thanks for the info on the gas tank I found one on ebay with zero dings! I am so stoked.

The engine does run though I am not terribly confident about the condition of the tranny. We shall see... I'll be wrenching on it over the next couple days so I will take more photos.

P.S. The seat is history and I don't think the pan is salvageable as it is rusted badly. So I'll be searching for a seat pan and someone to build a seat for me. I don't have the skill to build my own as I want it to be.

[zeiss150]

OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH! I love the idea of a zero! the land of the rising sun. That's gonna be SICK!. I can't wait to see it.

I've never split the case on a cycle motor... I'm sure I could do it as long as I has at least 6 beers in me... everything seems easier with 6 beers in me. Ha!

Good luck with the motor and take lots and lots and lots and LOTS of pictures.

Matt-

[W-P Bill]

Sounds like an awesome project. Please come by the Worldwide Z1/Z900 Community as well. You'll need a Multiply account to sign up, easy do.

Worldwide Z1/Z900 Owners community

[CalvusAquila]

I am now a member =) Thanks for the info.

[CalvusAquila]

Found this tank on eBay. For those that don't know it is from a later model KZ1000. It fits perfectly and is almost completely unblemished.

I almost changed my theme idea when I received the tank but I shall not be deterred.

In fact I am going to go even deeper into sacrilegious waters by cutting into the top of the perfect tank so that I can install an aircraft style fuel cap.

Heya Wired_89 I dig the new paint job on your ride.

[W-P Bill]

Lookin good so far! That FX tank (or whatever its called over here in the US) fits the cafe theme. Keep up the good work!

[NevadaZ1]

I have a supply of tail boxes that replace the rear fender, provide under seat storage and a mount for the tail light and license. It just may be the ticket to give you that clean cafe look. If you want pictures please send me a message as I don't know how to post them on this site..

[zoro]

That looks like a MKII tank

[Mcdroid]

Yeah, that does look like a MKII tank (A4)...did you pay much for it on eBay?...they can be quite valuable.

[W-P Bill]

Originally Posted by CalvusAquila

She is going to be a cafe inspired custom and yes I have a theme in mind. Think "Japanese Zero" that is all that I am letting out of the bag for the mo' =)

I missed this earlier. If you don't read Japanese, feel free to consult me before putting any paint down on sheetmetal. I read Kanji, plus I'm a WW2 buff so I can probably help prevent any mistakes.

If we are talking not of the Mitsubishi A6M aircraft, but instead of the Zero custom shop, plenty pix abound.

[V2K_CCTX]

pics when finished pls