Z1OwnersClub GB

Well, I finally got myself a Zed. It is a Z1b with 900A4 motor, gold hammerite frame (eeeuck), non-runner but reasonably tidy. Looks like I have a lot of work over the coming months and loadsa money but that's part of the fun isn't it?

I'm going to try and get it running initially then probably do a full strip down and rebuild. It won't be a concourse original job, I really fancy making it into something I would have had in the 70's if I'd had the money (sad I know but I don't care).

I'll try to load some pics in a couple of days. It would be interesting to know if anybody here knows it's history.

Well done.

See you at the SW Rally then !

Well done simon good on you mate.

Well done Coldsummer.......... looking forward to the pics!

not sad at all coldsummer, hope the bike goes well

tailiftchris wrote:Well done.

See you at the SW Rally then !

I'll try to get there but doubt it will be on the Zed! Few other things in the way, but maybe?

OK, I've just spent an hour, and ahem one or two large ones, giving the new bike a good look over. I bought this without seeing it in the flesh.....

Bad things...All the chromework will need re-chroming or replacing. The carbs are leaking all over the engine. Clocks will need a refurb. Cables stiff. Paintwork will need doing. Switchgear looks like it has been sat in the rain for the last 33 years. Fuel tank is full of crap. Fork seals gone. Frame looks horrible in gold hammerite (at least it is smooth!). Tailpiece is badly repaired. Seat has been 'customised'. Chain/sprockets seen better times. I could go on.....

I suspect I am walking down a path many of you have gone down before. This is going to be very, very, costly. I very quickly decided that this will never be a 'return to original project' but then I never intended it to be. I think I will stick on a new paint set from Z-power or Z1-enterprises, and probably become one of Z-power's favourite customers (wonder if they give nectar points or airmiles?).

I've revised my original plan, I just don't think it is worth trying to get it running, may as well take the plunge and start ripping it apart. My main concern is the motor. Not had any luck sourcing a Z1b motor, so might just stick with the 900A4. Trouble is I'm not great with engines (My motorcycle engineering qualification from Radstock Tech seems a long time ago) so I'm thinking about handing it over to a 'proper' mechanic for a rebuild - anybody know someone around Bristol ( Mikey, GB ??). I'm thinking about putting the original airbox back in as well, I've always hated K&N's since I put some on my Z650 and it never ran right. I ramble........

Am I regretting it? Not one little bit. I get chills looking at my new Zed, the first one I ever had after all these years. I always knew this was going to cost me but I'm really excited at the prospect of creating my own special Zed. I may of course change my mind over the coming months!! Stay tuned.....

I'm gonna try and load some pictures but will have to get a photobucket account set-up so don't expect miracles.

Later....

Well done Coldsummer....

Could be a Long Hot Summer

Make sure you make a detailed log of the upcoming events

Pigford wrote:Well done Coldsummer....

Could be a Long Hot Summer

Make sure you make a detailed log of the upcoming events

Will do.

Long hot summer - I wish! Style Council anybody?

BTW, Coldsummer is a reference to a song by my favourite band (YES) from their song 'Long Distance Runaround' and is also my ebay ID so apologies in advance if I outbid anyone in the future!

Know the feeling mate, when i got mine it was a right pile of junk and many horror stories of 30 years of bodges but its all worth it in the end even when they give you grief, i aint the best mechanic in the world but anything you want a hand with gis a shout help if i can.

Long Hot Summer............ Girls Aloud...... Surely!

Coldsummer, you have a PM with regard to assistance

you better have a word with our member "dogsbollox" about a rebuild
hes a bit busy with 2 on the go, but give him a pm

Thanks guys, appreciate the offers of help. Now I really must try and figure out this photo thing....

Good on yer - do try to get some pics on there, we all want to see your Zed.

Testing, testing 123 sorry admin