1976 Kawasaki KZ900

You are looking at a fully restored KZ900 that I have rebadged as a Z900. The only significant differences between the two (other than the side cover emblems) are the front brakes – I added an extra caliper – and the aftermarket seat which features a hand strap. The handlebars are a tad lower and the master cylinder is an aftermarket item but I will include the stock one.
I purchased the bike in 2014 and the previous tags had expired in 1985!
The bike was originally purchased in April 1976 from a Los Angeles Kawasaki dealer and I bought it from the second owner. It still has its original California blue license plate – with current registration. When I took possession, it was covered in a thick layer of grime although it had been stored in a garage in southern California. After a good wash, I could see it's potential so I started making a parts list. The dismantling started in late 2016 and I finally finished it in 2019. Being a bit of a perfectionist, I just couldn't put anything back on the bike that hadn't been repainted, replated, repolished, renewed or cleaned until it sparkled. This turned into a no expense spared project using original and NOS parts wherever possible. The frame, swing arm, center stand, side stand and many other smaller parts were powder coated in satin black. The wheels were dismantled, the rims were rechromed and rebuilt with stainless spokes, the bearings were replaced and then I added Avon Roadrider tires. Chain and sprockets were replaced and I did the 530 conversion. The steering head has a set of tapered bearings installed and the swing arm has bronze bushes. The speedo & tach were refurbished by Z Resto and the mileage was left as is – believed to be original. The handlebar switch gear is original and was stripped & repainted. The tank, ducktail and side covers were repainted (no decals) by Brent (AKA Vintage Vendor). The inside of the tank is not lined or coated. The mufflers are a high quality reproduction set. I do have the originals although they are pretty rusty. Both fenders are new OEM as is the tail light body, all four turn signals, both mirrors and a host of other smaller parts. The grab bar, kickstarter, rear brake pedal, headlight brackets and many other smaller parts were rechromed. The rear shocks are from Hagon and I do have the originals. The fork tubes were re hard chrome plated and contain progressive fork springs.
The bike came with an old Vetter fairing so the original headlight was gone. It now has an aftermarket halogen unit attached to the original shell. The electrics were all in great shape so I cleaned up the harness and all the relays & junction boxes and they are back on the bike. The points & condensors were replaced by a Dyna S ignition and I also added Dyna coils. It has a sealed gel battery which seems to hold a charge indefinitely.
The carbs were rebuilt by Wired George and you will notice it still has the original air box.
The old air filter was not looking good and originals are NLA so I found an aftermarket one in a distant country!
Engine wise, the bottom end was sound so I focused on the top end. The head was refurbished by Curt at Jordan Engineering. All the valves were good so he only had to replace the stem seals. The cylinders were bored to first oversize by Curt because #2 cylinder was scored and would not clean up with a hone. The head and cylinder were vapor blasted and the bottom end was cleaned with an assortment of brushes, solvents and elbow grease. I realize I'm asking top dollar for this bike however I think you would be hard pressed to find a nicer one.
The photos make it look nice but it looks even better in the flesh. It runs, rides and handles as it should and I doubt it will drop in value.
Mileage accrued since 2019 is less than 500.
Since the rebuild, I've acquired two other projects and with limited space, I've reluctantly decided to let this one go.
The California title is clear and in my name. It will come with the original ‘lion's head' key, the original tool kit, the owner's manual and the owner's warranty handbook.
I will also include a folder full of receipts and notes that were accumulated during the rebuild – I don't have the courage to add it all up!
Shipping is your responsibility but I will work with your carrier for a smooth pick up.
Local inspections are welcome and if you have any questions, please ask.