1974 Kawasaki Z1A 900 / Z900

Here we have my pride and joy. a 1974 Kawasaki Z1a. I bought this bike 2 1/2 years ago. in very nice condition. although the paintwork was clean and tidy. it wasn't immaculate and or the best reproduction so I decided to have the paintwork renewed in early 2014 by the most meticulous sprayer Andy at Moto Legends ( he used to spray the Eagle E-types) and prides himself on the authenticity of his reproduction process to replicate the originals – and he has done an amazing job – the bike is now topped off and looks truly stunning - he actually has this bike as his cover page https://www.facebook.com/Moto-Legends-Paintwork-327186087308145/?fref=photo

The bike is stored in a dry dehumidified garage – covered and always connected to an opitimate battery conditioner.

The previous owner to the enthusiast I bought it from had put a lot of time and money into restoring the bike. including the beautiful 4-into- 4 exhaust system and having the wheels rebuilt with stainless spokes.

Next the enthusiast I bought it from then had the following work carried out:

The clocks and switch gear refurbished by Z1 owners club experts

The carbs stripped down. cleaned and rebuilt

The rear drum brake professionally skimmed true with matching lined brake shoes. (work done by SRM Aberystwyth)

The front brake system overhauled with a refurbished master cylinder. new replica rubber hoses and rigid pipe fittings

An original specification chain oiler and tank fitted

All the stainless socket head bolts have been replaced with genuine Kawasaki bolts wherever possible. otherwise standard zinc finish bolts.

Dyna S ignition system fitted (no points to work on)

Electrex combined regulator/rectifier fitted (increased reliability and better battery management) and one or two other electrical details to improve reliability without undermining the original appearance of the bike.

The engine has been meticulously maintained. regular oil (bike semi-synth) and genuine Kawasaki oil filters. The shims were done when I got it but have been re checked again recently and the compressions' all checked out at 145-150 warm.

Tyres. brakes and chain are all on good serviceable order with plenty of life. The bike is fitted with Kawasaki double front disc conversion and steering damper. (both were genuine Kawasaki optional extras in 1974)

Overall. the bodywork is immaculate and the chromework is excellent. My aim was to have a reliable bike to ride and enjoy. It's not a "rivet-counters" delight. I doubt all the component date codes are precisely correct. and please note that the engine is from a 1976 A4 model. but it's a pleasure to ride and always attracts admiring onlookers. She starts on the kick or the button. usually first or second time straight from cold.

If you want a classic to ride and enjoy. this could be the bike for you. If you want the ultimate completely original investment machine. then maybe not. but I'm not asking £15k either and it's not going to go down in value. The bike has now been MOT as of January 14th and you could ride it home if desired. (loads of paperwork. bills. hand book and manuals as well as old MOT detail etc. included)

The bike is in the South East and finally. why am I selling? she just isn't getting used enough so regrettably and probably mistakenly I'm going to let her go….