Newbie with '76 KZ900 "project"

zarco · 10-07-2004

Just found this forum and want to introduce myeslf. I'm a newbie to motorcycles having just purchased my very first project bike (KZ900). I have had a KZ440 belt drive for years as well but have never really driven it much.

I'm one of those guys that enjoy pulling wrenches, and buying something that others are ready to junk, and fix it up. Lotsa fun IMO. The KZ900 is exactly what I was looking for....spoke wheels, kick start (as well as
electric), and it should be a good cruser when it done.

The bad news is its missing some parts (seat, all of the engine covers, alternator, etc). The engine also only turns 180 degrees before going 'clunk' (metal to metal in the bottom end). Finally figured out how to get the carbs out, and should have the motor out today to see how bad it is. If its shot, folks here will have a chance to get parts to fix up their bikes!

*bikeaholic* · 10-07-2004

welcome zarco

great bike - that thing was the shiznit back in the day

good luck on the resto

forest1000 · 10-08-2004

Try this site:

http://www.americanclassix.com/home.html

They might be able to help.

kyhick1 · 10-09-2004

Zarco,

Welcome to the forum. Hope it is salvagable. Send us a photo of you and your bikes.!!!!! I love the older bikes.....will need a shed to put them all in at my house

if I keep seeing good deals.

Have fun tinkering

Heather

Nate · 10-09-2004

Another site you might want to check out is http://kzrider.com. There are a lot of knowledgable KZ 900 folks over there. A loud clunk doesn't sound promising, though.

- Nate >>

redhot · 10-12-2004

Also try Old Bike Barn for parts

Good selection

wiredgeorge · 10-15-2004

Suggest you try www.z1enterprises.com for your KZ900 parts. They have the best selection, prices and customer service. As far as your engine being locked, if you haven't taken the head off, you may have bent valves. This comes from someone setting the wrong valve chain timing generally or the chain just jumping because it had too much slack or was worn out. The crank COULD be bent as well. It isn't as likely as the KZ900 crank is pretty sturdy. I would index the crankshaft. I use a blank 17mm drill bit which is basically a long 17mm diameter rod (very precise). You fit it in your wrist pin holes and if it goes through all four holes, the crank is straight.

10-07-2004	#1 (permalink)
zarco Newbie Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 4	Newbie with '76 KZ900 "project" Just found this forum and want to introduce myeslf. I'm a newbie to motorcycles having just purchased my very first project bike (KZ900). I have had a KZ440 belt drive for years as well but have never really driven it much. I'm one of those guys that enjoy pulling wrenches, and buying something that others are ready to junk, and fix it up. Lotsa fun IMO. The KZ900 is exactly what I was looking for....spoke wheels, kick start (as well as electric), and it should be a good cruser when it done. The bad news is its missing some parts (seat, all of the engine covers, alternator, etc). The engine also only turns 180 degrees before going 'clunk' (metal to metal in the bottom end). Finally figured out how to get the carbs out, and should have the motor out today to see how bad it is. If its shot, folks here will have a chance to get parts to fix up their bikes!

10-07-2004	#2 (permalink)
bikeaholic Sick & Twisted Moderator Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: edenton north carolina Posts: 4,352	re welcome zarco great bike - that thing was the shiznit back in the day good luck on the resto __________________ 2004 - 1600 classic 1997 - 1200C harley sporty 1985 - 750 Honda Shadow VROC# 20171 Chromaholic #512

10-08-2004	#3 (permalink)
forest1000 Forum Supporter Forum Supporter Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Southern Ontario Posts: 629	Try this site: http://www.americanclassix.com/home.html They might be able to help. __________________ I want to carry a piece of who I was before So when I hit the wall, I really hit the wall 86 Ninja 1000R, 84 GPz750

10-09-2004	#4 (permalink)
kyhick1 Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cummings, GA Posts: 837	Zarco, Welcome to the forum. Hope it is salvagable. Send us a photo of you and your bikes.!!!!! I love the older bikes.....will need a shed to put them all in at my house if I keep seeing good deals. Have fun tinkering Heather __________________ Extremely Blessed and Glad to Be alive!!! 1981 Kz550a 1982 KZ750 Spectre 1984 BMW R80RT 1980 Honda 100 Dirt

10-09-2004	#5 (permalink)
Nate KZ Kool! Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Marysville, KS Posts: 2,652	Another site you might want to check out is http://kzrider.com. There are a lot of knowledgable KZ 900 folks over there. A loud clunk doesn't sound promising, though. - Nate >> __________________ "Riding is the reward for time spent wrenching." "Wrenching is the result of time spent riding!" KZ650 SR

10-12-2004	#6 (permalink)
redhot Newbie Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2	Also try Old Bike Barn for parts Good selection

10-15-2004	#7 (permalink)
wiredgeorge Vintage Motor Mechanic! BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 507	Suggest you try www.z1enterprises.com for your KZ900 parts. They have the best selection, prices and customer service. As far as your engine being locked, if you haven't taken the head off, you may have bent valves. This comes from someone setting the wrong valve chain timing generally or the chain just jumping because it had too much slack or was worn out. The crank COULD be bent as well. It isn't as likely as the KZ900 crank is pretty sturdy. I would index the crankshaft. I use a blank 17mm drill bit which is basically a long 17mm diameter rod (very precise). You fit it in your wrist pin holes and if it goes through all four holes, the crank is straight.

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