Z1OwnersClub GB

Just picked up a low mileage US imported 1978 KZ1000 (my first ever) I'm an old geezer so have ridden H**** 750 of this vintage and currently ride a Harley 1340 and Kwak ZX-7R. So the Zed experience was a bit different again!

Rides fine but gets a bit rough and vibes above 5,500 rpm - could it be carb balance? Three of the newish exhaust manifolds have blued the fourth has not.

Then there is a metallic ticking sound - using screwdriver stethascope, it comes from the fuel tap not engine. Any ideas on that one (fuel pump maybe?)

Clutch rattles on low tickover - normal or knackered??

Any ideas would be welcome

Hello 1340fxd, welcome to Zed world
You'd be best doing a 'search' on this forum as these subject have been covered recently.
HI-FREQUENCY Vibes are just part of the character of an old in-line 4, i'm afraid.
Carb balance usually more effect on low revs, but well set up carbs are worth having Uneven Blue pipes are not uncommon.
The ticking is most likely either, vacuum tap valve, emmission device in cylinder head (if fitted to that model?) as no fuel pump on these old girls.
Hope that helps

Thanks - it's good to have some early advice from someone who knows.

Any views on the chugging clutch sound at very low revs please? And some idea of weaknesses with these old girls to watch out for would be useful.

Rattley clutches, par for the course. Carb balancing will help this a lot
The buffer springs fixed in the rear of the basket tend to wear/break and can cause a bit of judder/slip on initial take up. The basket is rivetted and can be a pain to get fixed, but not impossible, one of the other boys should be able to advise
No real vices with Zeds, except they are getting on a bit now. Older models can suffer from reg/rectifier problems. The alternator cover, l/h casing, where the wires come out, tend to leak a bit if not sealed well, as the rubber rots.
You'd be best to take a day off work & read thru' this site
All the best mate.
PS, where are you at?

Thanks - you know what it's like riding home on a new bike, every sound raises a suspicion. I've toured Europe on the HOG and Ninja - now want to do it on the Zed. IOM TT this year is booked, but whick Kwak to use?

I live SE London.

Have a good weekend. If you meet up in the London area, let me know - Box Hill, Ace cafe or similar?

When I put the new Vance and Hines pipes on the Z1A I also had 3 pipes blue and one rather not. After dicking around with it I was left with the conclusion that only the valve clearance was left to check. Lo and Behold, the very jug with the virginal chrome pipe indeed was out of specification. Once I rectified it the pipe blued up the same as the others. That particular spark plug also stopped fouling. You would think the clearance was very far out of spec but it was not too bad. Good luck with the Zed, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

I agree with everyones comments, all par for the course (just about to play golf so sorry). Give her a full service, dead easy on these old girls, pay particular attention to valve clearances (close up with use and carb balancing. Then just ride her.