New to Kiwi Biker (Zardos)

[Zardos]

Hi to all.

I'm new to this site, but not to motorcycling. Started off in 1976 with a Kawasaki KH250, then to a Honda 550F Super Sport, Kawasaki 650C, then a string of Kwaka 1000’s. The first was a Z1R, Z1R mk II, Z1000J and finally a Z1000R. During those times, my father also got back into motorcycling. His first was a Z650B, then a Z1000B2, finally ending up with a Z1R mk II.

The last time I was on a bike was back in 1991. Two years ago, I decided to buy a Suzuki Bandit 1250SA. The only thing in common with the Z1000R was it had the same seat height, and same dry weight. But that’s where the similarities end.

The reason for joining this site was that I still have that Kawasaki Z1000R that I bought new back in 1983. It’s only done 15,051 Km but I’m going to attempt a restore as it’s been neglected for the last 20 years. The engine is already out, and the frame will be stripped and powder coated hopefully soon. Those of you that are into restoration work may be able to recommend a number of places for powder coating / black chroming / re-zincing etc so you will find me either looking over the forums or asking a few questions from time to time.

I am aware that there is a restriction on posting imbedded images on this site, but I have already taken these shots.

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/7549/p1020548s.jpg
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/17/p1020733z.jpg
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/2206/p1020735f.jpg


Catch you later
Zardos

[Madness]

Welcome to the site, often referred to as the Nuthouse. There is a wealth of N.Z Motorcycling knowledge here and I'm sure there'll be a lot of interest in your project. Feel free to keep us posted

[tigertim20]

Hi and welcome.

I suggest you start a rebuild thread in the appropriate section on the site and use that to update us on progress, and ask for advice. I cant help you regarding what places to use as Im not from the same area as you, however I would be keen to keep up to date with your rebuild progress

[shafty]

Welcome Zardos, - we must be from a similiar era.

Nice lineage of bikes owned - a Z1000 or Z650 would make my garage very happy

Cheers

Shafty

[Zardos]

Thanks for the welcome. It's appreciated.

My intention was to primarily use the British Z1 owners club site (http://www.z1ownersclub.co.uk/) to document my rebuild. This club is for anything ranging from the original Kawasaki Z1 to the GPz1100 - air cooled and twin rear shocks. My Z1000R fits into the middle of this category. They have a dedicated Projects area, unlike here.

Having said that, I will also create a project thread here as well becasue my experiences may help someone else trying to do the same thing in NZ.

Let's give it a crack. What could possibly go wrong? :whistle: