WTB: Kawasaki 900cc 1973...$100 finders fee payable.

[toycollector10]

I want to buy this model motorcycle.

If anyone has one for sale or they know of one parked up anywhere that might be for sale please contact me. If I can get one I will pay the referer $100 for their effort. Thanks.....

<img src="http://www.motorsm.com/AUS/bikes/pics_moto/Z1.jpg">

[**AJ**]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-118353222.htm?p=2

This one is in Invercargill!!!!

[Taz]

Should be able to get that one for under 10k as it has some minor issues.

[Steam]

What's your passion for that particular model?
Memories, or particularly significant from a historical point of view, or a great machine?
It is interesting to see someone so into a particular thing.

[**AJ**]

Just scrolled down on the trademe link I gave you, and saw that you have already looked at that particular one. :pinch:

[merv]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-118353222.htm?p=2

This one is in Invercargill!!!!

Yuck, that pipe!!

[toycollector10]

I have a 1969 CB750 K0, the so called "Worlds' first Superbike". This was the bike I always wanted but could never afford, but things change as a man ages.

Now I would like to source a Z1, also called the "Worlds first Superbike". The Honda was the first, although, I'm waiting for the posters to tell me it was a Strucdumbassaki or some other thing, which is wasn't!! So please don't get into a war with me because I just can't be bothered with the Flat Earth Motorcycle Fraternity claiming their BugSmasher MKII took the world by storm when it clearly didn't etc etc...

After thoese two bikes (CB and Z1) appeared on the market it was always the next best thing, the GS Suzukis, Vstrom, or the Hyabusa or whatever that took the buying publics' fancy. They always got faster and bigger but the CB and the Z1 are the two bikes that people will remember for a long time, at least riders of my age group will.

Back in the 1970's you could put drop bars on your bike, replace the seat and paint it red with an orange flame job etc. Everybody did it. Then the pipes rotted and a 4 into one went on and the carbys got re-jetted and pods went on. Sadly, today, there isn't much a young man can do to his Triumph 975 or Ducati 916 without halving its value. If you're going to mess with your modern ride you better get it right or you will do your dough and you could wind up with a real mess. So just about all the modern sport bikes I see on the roads today are stock. Just slipping on a kevlar exhaust can doesn't count as a modified bike to me. Who is building cafe's today? I haven't seen any except the odd one or two on big group rides when they come out of the shed for a special occasion.

So I guess that is my problem. I'm not going to find a stock Z1. They have just about all been seriously messed with so I will have my hands full doing a restoration. I'm looking forward to that.

The Honda CBX was an iconic motorcycle, technology demonstrator and a very historic bike whereas the Kawasaki water cooled 1300 (or was it a 1400)? 6 was just a large motorcycle. That's all, a large motorcycle. I'm wondering if the 6 cylinder Suzuki Stratosphere will make it into production and how history will look back on the release of that bike. I'm clearly getting well ahead of myself on this one.

I phoned the Craig in Invercargill about his bike and subsequently withdrew my bid. I won't be commenting or interfering in his auction but if anyone wants to buy his bike they need to do their homework so that they are happy with what they are buying.

Just a bit of a rant boys...

[deanohit]

Great to see some one with a passion for a couple of iconic bikes. Good luck in your search.

[nudemetalz]

Yuck, that pipe!!

Funny thing is, is that the Z1 is in the completely correct colour scheme and in great condition but spoiled with that pipe. Was the owner on drugs?

[Romeo]

Funny thing is, is that the Z1 is in the completely correct colour scheme and in great condition but spoiled with that pipe. Was the owner on drugs?

I wouldn't go that far TBH, if anyone's actually considering buying the one on TradeMe I suggest you PM ToyCollector10 first. He'll fill you in on all the minute details that are wrong with it ;D.

[toycollector10]

12,400 original miles, so I guess you could call it a survivor bike...It's got some work that needs doing on it obviously including the seat and the rear shocks, fresh spokes and bits and pieces...The paint is original and all the stamped component numbers match and tie up with the engine and frame numbers. It's all good.

<img src="http://i5.ebayimg.com/08/a/000/77/c1/f9fd_4.JPG" alt="Toycollector10's BRAND NEW Kawasaki Z1" />

Probably less horsepower than Foobin's Suzuki Bandit 250cc...But that isn't what it's about.......The power delivery is completely different with these early fours, which is part of the charm of these old bikes....They don't need to spin to 16,000 rpm to deliver.....

[xwhatsit]

Whoah, what the hell was the guy smoking when he put that seat on it? Along with other things, it's completely ruined one of history's best motorcycle tails.

Looks pretty mint apart from that.

I agree, the early fours have such a lovely throaty way about them, torquey and robust. Very appealing.