What's this?

[maak]

that box between seat and rear light
was thinking to chop a tiny bit off the frame to tidy the rear a bit as I don't like it but then started to think to do it or not..What do you think?Would you cut it knowing that only 2000 were made?Ok it's not the greatest bike ever made but still..

[Taffus]

looks like a California gas vent filter at a guess. the Californians have all sort of eco bollocks on their vehicles, it's called the land of fruits and nuts for a reason!

[Taffus]

Its called cannister on the parts list, looks like your bike has the california bollocks on it

[maak]

Cheers!Yes the last owner told me the bike was imported from California.So if I remove it won't be any problems,right?

[z1bman]

IT IT USED AS A VENT FOR EXTRACTING FUEL VAPOUR'S IN THE FUEL TANK + CARBURETTORS THROUGH A CHARCOAL FILTER. THEN IT IS DRAWN INTO THE ENGINE + BURNT WITH THE FUEL

[Ginger Bear]

Only in America.

[DavidZ1R]

Cheers!Yes the last owner told me the bike was imported from California.So if I remove it won't be any problems,right?

Had my eye on that bike when it went recently, as I understand the z700 was made for one year only, because the good old US of A banned for one year all jap bikes of 750cc or above, as Harley D complained they were out selling them, the Japanese said two could play at that game so the US relented and allowed big bikes again!, it was the z750 sleeved down.

[doebag]

They are known as 'Tariff Busters' in the US.

In 1982 President Ronald Reagan, following the recommendation of the International Trade Commission, imposed additional tariffs on imported heavyweight (over 700cc) Japanese motorcycles. The tariffs were to be in effect five years and would protect the American motorcycle industry-in effect, Harley-Davidson-from unfair competition.

Harley had argued that despite declining demand, Japan refused to cut back production of its heavyweight bikes and was shipping the surplus to the U.S., where they were sold at deep discounts.

The Japanese quickly retooled to make their 750cc engines into 699cc engines, thus slipping under the law by one cubic centimeter. The bikes with these engines were termed "tariff busters." Despite this ploy, Harley was able to use the protected time to great advantage, and in 1986, one year before the tariffs were due to expire, the company pulled off a public relations coup. They asked that the tariffs be removed.