1974 z1a

Overview

I purchased my 1974 z1a around 2005 or so and was an unregistered rolling frame with 4 into 2 drag pipes fitted and no rear shocks. It was someone else’s potential restoration project but they never got off the ground. With it came some spare engine parts which was a nice bonus.

The bike was put into storage for a while, then restoration began, the original goal was to build a custom “Resto Mod” machine, however I eventually decided to return it to factory and began trying to get as many parts restored as possible.

I failed to take any photos of it when I first purchased it, so the picture below is a partial rebuild with many non-standard parts and the body work is as purchased.

The original paintwork on the bike when I bought it

The pictures below show the state of the engine from when I originally removed it right up till near final assembly.

Various stages of engine rebuild over the last 15 years.

One advantage of having the z1a in a in-complete state over the last 15 years has been as a great source of photos for my book “How to Rebuild and Restore Classic Japanese Motorcycles” published in 2015 (and still in print).

I urge you to buy a copy so you get a good grasp of the fundamentals of restoration and motorcycle project maintenance.

Current State – 2024

I have been struggling to get more spare time to work on bikes, and my recent home renovations has meant all the bikes needed to get moved back into the garage. In the process of moving bikes some of the parts have separated from some of the bikes and when I rolled the z1a out to do an inventory I realized I am missing a few parts to complete it.

Below is a list of missing bits shown with photos, after doing the photos I spent a bit of time cleaning off the dust and grime from the renovation work:

Cable Guide missing! And the fork ears are not original “seamed” style. I can live with that but it goes on a list to find and re-fit later to get the bike more original.
There should be a rubber piece in here. I should have an original in my spares box or I can get a reproduction one.
The chain adjusters and bolt are missing. I definitely had these as they appear in an earlier picture. I also need to fit the stoppers and bolt. I had replaced these with Socket Head Cap Screws, but should be able to find the original screws.
Of the four blinkers, two are missing the retaining screws and two have socket head cap screws. This was when I was going to build it as a “resto mod”.
While I have the foot peg brackets and cupped washers etc, I have miss placed the foot pegs!
The engine mounting hardware is almost complete but I need to change the bolts over to the originals.

Remaining Items

Paint! – Once I have completed a bit more of the house renovations I will budget to get the tank and side covers done in the classic z1a colour.

Exhaust – At 2024 prices a new 4 into 4 exhaust will be $2800AUD delivered, so I’m budgeting for that as well.

Battery – Wont work without on of those, last item to buy.

Assembly Work

I have earmarked some time to strip the bike down and fit the engine, prior to that I will check it over and torque everything down, put a filter in it and some oil.

Status – 2022

The frame is 99% completed back to factory specs and is a roller without the engine.

The Engine is rebuilt but needs a final check over of every fastener and torquing down of each bolt. The shims will need a check and then its just a case of installing into the frame and putting some oil in it.

Cosmetically the z1a needs new paint and a 4-4 exhaust system. Then there are 1 or two minor items to source. The tank and bodywork are original with little in the way of OEM re-manufactured parts.

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