78 Z1000A2

[octanejunkie]

Swapped a Blackbird for this Z1000. Blackbird was up for £1500, so i don't think i did too bad.
Always wanted one, and this one popped up locally. The seller was after something more modern, and i was looking for something older!
Registered new in the UK in the first part of 1978 on a T plate. I thinks its an A2.
Whilst i have extensive knowledge of Suzuki's and H****'s, i've had to do some quick learning about classic Quackers.
Hadn't realised that this bike wasn't standard when i picked it up, nor did the seller i think.
Only had one 10 mile spin on it before it was in the garage for a bit of TLC and open wallet surgery. Rode well. Good power, stable handling, and reasonable brakes.
Was fitted with a Harris pipe, but i wasn't keen on the look, though it sounded awesome.
Has a Dresda chrome plated swing arm, and Lester alloy wheels. Noticed it also has Koni rear shocks. Has had a customised rear end i think, with the light up under the plastic.
Somebody has painted it in a metalflake black. It has hints of green in certain lights. Its a good job and has been heavily laquered. Jury is still out on whether i'll keep it that colour.
Haven't noticed any other mods of note as yet, but i'll be keeping my eyes open.
If anyone spots anything, then let me know!
Apologies for the crap piccies, bit cramped in the garage at the moment. Better, more flattering pictures coming soon!

[octanejunkie]

[octanejunkie]

So far, work has been confined to the rear of the bike.
Its had a good used rear mudguard fitted as the other one had some serious flaking and rust marks.
Also had a new rear tyre, and the completely worn out chain and sprockets have been replaced, including a rather blinging gold O ring chain.

[Ginger Bear]

Gotta say, that looks well worth £1500

[octanejunkie]

Yesterday, a gorgeous looking Vance and Hines complete exhaust turned up. I had a seriously dribbley moment unwrapping that baby. Even my wife was impressed. "Oooh, that looks shiny..." Praise indeed.
Normally when bike parts turn up, they're greeted with a curled lip and a distinctly unimpressed look!
Anxiously waiting for some clamps, so i can go and fit it.
Hopefully it might idle better with this.
I'll post up a pic shortly, as its been wrapped back up and stored safely away for now

[octanejunkie]

Jobs to do, are fit a replacement front mudguard, as the current one is dented and some of the chrome has been damaged.
The front brakes need a good bleed and some fresh fluid. One caliper has a broken bleed nipple, so that may present itself as a fun little job.
Need to do a compression check, and valve clearances, to ascertain whether its related to the lack of idle.
I want to fit a more stock looking seat, as i don't really like the one that's fitted, although its in mint condition.
Bike will definitely need a full service, and i'll treat it to a new set of plugs too.
Not far off being fit for the road. There are of course a million little bits and pieces and detailing to be done as well.
Its got to be on a budget though, as i'm not made of money!

[Garry.L]

Registered new in the UK in the first part of 1978 on a T plate.

First part of 78 should make it an 'S-Plate'. 'T -Reg' is 1.8.78 to 31.7.79.

[octanejunkie]

Registered new in the UK in the first part of 1978 on a T plate.

First part of 78 should make it an 'S-Plate'. 'T -Reg' is 1.8.78 to 31.7.79.

Yes, you're right. I'm sure it was May 78 on the document, i'll have to check..

[octanejunkie]

Finally got all the bits together to fit my new Vance and Hines exhaust. Its been a long time coming. Took me ages... Getting the collets lined up and getting the clamps done up! What a fiddle. Got the downpipes on, and the bloody silencer mount is in the wrong place!
The exhaust fits everywhere and has the right clearance, but the welded bracket is about an inch out!
Every job is a battle on this bike, and nothing seems to fit first time. Lol.
These things are sent to try us i suppose
Here is a shot of it with the exhaust trial fitted. And the garage isn't normally messy i might add..

[Ginger Bear]

That pipe's looking good. I'm considering getting one for my 'toast rack' project.

Were there any numbers on the box?

Z1000A1/2 should be VH13013

Z1/900 is VH13017

[chrisNI]

And the garage isn't normally messy i might add..

Yeah yeah we've heard it all before.



My garage is probably worse than this. I'm posting this in memory of Phil Churchett.

[octanejunkie]

And the garage isn't normally messy i might add..

Yeah yeah we've heard it all before.



My garage is probably worse than this. I'm posting this in memory of Phil Churchett.

Tis true! Been a dumping ground for crap over the christmas period. The few cases of Corona get in the way too!