Description
This manual is for all owners and enthusiasts of the legendary Kawasaki Z1 900, Z/KZ900 and Z1000 built between 1972 and 1980. The book covers the complete restoration of a 1976 KZ900, from the sourcing of the bike to its completion as a fully restored machine. Every area is covered starting with advice on the different models, spares availability, and where best to source a bike to restore. Every area of the restoration is then covered in full detail including the engine, frame, gearbox, wheels, suspension and forks, brakes, ancillaries, bodywork and electrics, accompanied by hundreds of clear colour photos to illustrate the text. Additional work on a 1974 Z1A model adds complementary information. What really sets this manual apart from the everyday however, is the style in which it is written: not as some dull and distant workshop manual but in a friendly, humorous manner by an enthusiast of many years who is able to involve and entertain the reader, as well as guiding them through the restoration process. This is the third restoration guide from Chris Rooke, whose previous works have been a massive hit with mechanics, enthusiasts and restorers throughout the world.
About the Author
Chris was brought up in a mechanical family, inheriting his love of all things mechanical from his father, who was always tinkering with clocks and engines. Where he gained his love of motorcycles from is anyone's guess! His first bikes were a Vespa 125 and a Lambretta SX200 at the tender age of 13, followed by a Raleigh Runabout, and then a Casal moped when he was 16. He purchase a BSA Starfire 250 when he turned 17 - the first bike he ever rebuilt that went again afterwards! After a short dalliance with a Suzuki Rebel 350 he bought the love of his life - a 1954 Matchless 350 GLS Heavyweight single that he stripped down and turned into a bobber/chopper, and this remained his sole means of transport for many years. Sadly that bike was stolen, and after rebuilding a Triumph T100 for a friend he purchased a Triumph Bonneville T140, which was duly rebuilt and pressed into service, but later sold to fund a house purchase (familiar story?) and for many years he remained bikeless. When his fortunes changed for the better he bought an E-type Jaguar 4.2 FHC Series II which he completely restored from the ground up. The whole process took nine years, but as soon as he completed it he had to sell it for financial reasons. Undaunted, he was then able to buy two Triumph Tridents, a 1973 T150V and a 1975 T160 which he completely restored - these are the subject of another of his restoration manuals. He has now turned his attention to one of his most coveted classic motorcycles - the Kawasaki Z1. Having lusted after one for so long he bought two! - a 1974 Z1A and a 1976 KZ900. The complete restoration of the latter and complementary work on the Z1A forms the basis of this real life restoration book.
Reviews
The latest in possibly the best series of enthusiasts' restoration manuals ever published covers Kawasaki's legendary big fours that were produced from 1972 until 1980 in intricate detail. With help of no fewer than 794 full-colour photographs, Chris Rooke guides the lucky owners of these bulletproof classics through every aspect of bringing them back to their former glory. This beautifully produced glossy 224-page paperback represents the best price any owner of these superb classics is ever likely to spend, and in 52 well-thought-out chapters plus an index, the step-by-step guide follows the well-proven formula. - Old Bike Mart. General hints and tips abound and even the seasoned restorer will pick up the odd nugget or two. If you are looking at or contemplating a restoration project they would make a sound investment prior to and certainly while contemplating the project. So, if you have a Kawasaki Z1 or any of the variants it is worth investing in, but if not, have a look at others in the range which may include your make an model as they could be money well spent! - Ian Kerr. If we were restoring a Zed-series Kawasaki, we'd buy this book. It's as simple as that. - Sump. A very comprehensive and informative book that should be a companion for anyone contemplating a similar project. Old Bike Australasia. a good read and a worthwhile addition to any Zed library ... We'd say well worth having, particularly if you're newish to Zed mechanicals. - Z1 Owners Club newZletter. can teach the reader a few things, even if a Kawasaki Z1 is not the object of the restoration ... the book has tips on techniques that can be applied in nearly any project. - UltimateMotorcycling.com.
Book Information
ISBN 9781787111585
Author Chris Rooke
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Veloce
Publisher David & Charles
About the Author
Chris was brought up in a mechanical family, inheriting his love of all things mechanical from his father, who was always tinkering with clocks and engines. Where he gained his love of motorcycles from is anyone's guess! His first bikes were a Vespa 125 and a Lambretta SX200 at the tender age of 13, followed by a Raleigh Runabout, and then a Casal moped when he was 16. He purchase a BSA Starfire 250 when he turned 17 - the first bike he ever rebuilt that went again afterwards! After a short dalliance with a Suzuki Rebel 350 he bought the love of his life - a 1954 Matchless 350 GLS Heavyweight single that he stripped down and turned into a bobber/chopper, and this remained his sole means of transport for many years. Sadly that bike was stolen, and after rebuilding a Triumph T100 for a friend he purchased a Triumph Bonneville T140, which was duly rebuilt and pressed into service, but later sold to fund a house purchase (familiar story?) and for many years he remained bikeless. When his fortunes changed for the better he bought an E-type Jaguar 4.2 FHC Series II which he completely restored from the ground up. The whole process took nine years, but as soon as he completed it he had to sell it for financial reasons. Undaunted, he was then able to buy two Triumph Tridents, a 1973 T150V and a 1975 T160 which he completely restored - these are the subject of another of his restoration manuals. He has now turned his attention to one of his most coveted classic motorcycles - the Kawasaki Z1. Having lusted after one for so long he bought two! - a 1974 Z1A and a 1976 KZ900. The complete restoration of the latter and complementary work on the Z1A forms the basis of this real life restoration book.
Reviews
The latest in possibly the best series of enthusiasts' restoration manuals ever published covers Kawasaki's legendary big fours that were produced from 1972 until 1980 in intricate detail. With help of no fewer than 794 full-colour photographs, Chris Rooke guides the lucky owners of these bulletproof classics through every aspect of bringing them back to their former glory. This beautifully produced glossy 224-page paperback represents the best price any owner of these superb classics is ever likely to spend, and in 52 well-thought-out chapters plus an index, the step-by-step guide follows the well-proven formula. - Old Bike Mart. General hints and tips abound and even the seasoned restorer will pick up the odd nugget or two. If you are looking at or contemplating a restoration project they would make a sound investment prior to and certainly while contemplating the project. So, if you have a Kawasaki Z1 or any of the variants it is worth investing in, but if not, have a look at others in the range which may include your make an model as they could be money well spent! - Ian Kerr. If we were restoring a Zed-series Kawasaki, we'd buy this book. It's as simple as that. - Sump. A very comprehensive and informative book that should be a companion for anyone contemplating a similar project. Old Bike Australasia. a good read and a worthwhile addition to any Zed library ... We'd say well worth having, particularly if you're newish to Zed mechanicals. - Z1 Owners Club newZletter. can teach the reader a few things, even if a Kawasaki Z1 is not the object of the restoration ... the book has tips on techniques that can be applied in nearly any project. - UltimateMotorcycling.com.
Book Information
ISBN 9781787111585
Author Chris Rooke
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Veloce
Publisher David & Charles
