1975 Kawasaki KZ900 Z1B

[Steve G.]

https://skagit.craigslist.org/mcy/d/oak-harbor-kawasaki-1975-z1b-900/7755619902.html

[Galactica]

Huh.

[hardrockminer]

Looks pretty good.  But that price!!

[Galactica]

Price is pretty steep.  It’s been significantly modified, and looks like some aftermarket stuff installed.  And despite the claim of low miles, it’s actually quite a bit.  I don’t think any of my Zs had that many when I got them.  My current CB750 I got with only 22,880 miles on it.  Mind you, it was in pretty rough condition. 

In any case, the price is pie in the sky.

[hardrockminer]

Yes, the mileage is high.  But it was restored only 10k miles ago.  And the engine is modified.  The rest looks original except perhaps the exhaust.  That clutch handle looks ugly!

[Galactica]

The steering damper is not stock.  I believe they left the factory with only a single front brake.  Pretty certain that’s an aftermarket seat.  Doesn’t mention if the exhaust is original or repro.  Those things are not really all that significant, but still….he wants serious buyers….he should be completely up front.  In my humble opinion.

[Steve G.]

  Clearly this seller is dreaming in technicolor. This model year of this model is NOT a significant  combo for investors. 1973, for sure,  1975, not.
  Plus looking at the pictures  more closely, it’s actually not even close to a 100 point bike that this bike asking price ‘might’ get if It was a 1973 model.

[hardrockminer]

I agree he will never get that price, maybe $12k to $15k CAD.  It's a highly desirable model...not a 73, but still a Z1.  If it was a 100 pt 73 model it would be a steal at that price.  

The second brake was an option right from Day 1, but this one looks to have been added by someone other than a dealer.  The MC should be larger.  Maybe it is but hard to tell.  The steering damper may also have been an option but I don't know anyone who had one.  Gauges look original.  Right control is original.  With 47k miles I suspect the idiot light panel is a repro.  Originals always had a lot of scrape marks from keys swinging back and forth.  The straps holding wiring on the bars are all there and look original.  Clamps on the air intake look original.  The oil pressure gauge and crash bars are not OEM.  The gauge is a waste of time, as the oiling system is low pressure with a fail safe bypass.  It would be nice to see under the seat and side covers. 

If I was looking seriously I'd want to know a lot more about it.  But from the photos it looks pretty nice.