What did you do to your motorcyle today?

[Runningdog]

Restoration seems to be defined, from several dictionary sources, as bringing something back to its original condition and style.  If it is a building, new materials are used.   If it's a monarchy, likely a new organic unit is used.  Even that organic unit is not the same as it was 6-7 years previously, as the bodies cells are completely replaced every 6-7 years.

If the finished product makes you happy, and respects the original design, it's a restoration.

[Wheels]

My Z1R has never been restored in the 41 years I have owned it,  it is not a restomod however it is a John bike!

[Glenn]

the bodies cells are completely replaced every 6-7 years.

I sure wish this was the case for old motorcycles too. Perhaps I wouldn't hate carburetters as much as I do! 

[754]

It's not always saying restored that is the problem, it's what you prefix it with.
Words like 100 per cent correct, and perfect, and no expense spared, that become a problem, when it's not all that.

[hardrockminer]

Frank, you're right about different parts used as a model progresses.  Kawasaki was reasonably good at documenting changes, but a few were made without service bulletins.  For example early Z1's had a swing arm bolt similar to the axle bolt with two flat sides on the head.  Later models used a bolt with a hex design.

[Galactica]

Ya, it’s a tough call to draw the line.  To the average person who really likes my Z1, I say “Ya, I did a restoration “.  But if anyone looks closely I freely admit it’s not totally correct.  Restomod?  Maybe.

If it looks to someone “sort of in the know”, like the one he owned in 1975, then to him it’s a restoration.  I painted the frame on mine, because in 1973, they didn’t powder coat it like they would today, and I didn’t want to thread chase all the bolt holes afterwards.  But if someone starts to ask questions, I will freely point out the non correct bits.  

Powder coat frame vs paint would not, in my opinion make it a restomod.  But if anyone queried it, one should own up.  Putting a rear disc brake on a Z1 would probably put it in a restomod category.  Tough to say where to draw the line, but minor deviations, in most cases, would most likely even go unnoticed.  

I wouldn’t say using aftermarket turn signal stalks would make it a restomod, but if you used them, and someone pointed it out, one should own up.  

I guess if you’ve done the best you could in your own circumstances, and been as faithful to the original as you feel comfortable with, absolutely call it a restoration.  But if anyone points out any shortcomings, one should freely own up and give reasons why it was done that way.  

Bill, I just asked about the paint vs powder coat because you had said earlier that you were going to powder coat.  That’s all, really.  I sand blasted and painted mine because it needed to get back to bare metal, and I prefer the look of paint vs powder coat.  

I built my Z1 to be a rider,  or so much a show bike.  Lots of cost and convenience compromises, and I make no apologies.   It if anyone asks, I freely admit the differences.

Please don’t take my comments as criticisms.  Your bikes are fantastic.  I only wish mine were as nice.

Cheers,
Ross

[Galactica]

Another big reason I decided to paint vs powder coat was I didn’t want to lose the original sticker on the steering head.

[hardrockminer]

Yes, I lost the original neck sticker but I replaced it with one that looks exactly the same.  Same font.  On the paint...we will have to agree to disagree.  No one does paint using the original technique any longer and in my mind that allows restorers the freedom to choose.

I think I only had one thread to chase.  Wally Routledge did the powder coating and he has plugs for the threaded holes.

I did powder coat my other Z1 but I don't think I said anything about doing this one...but maybe I did.  In any case the final decision was to keep the original paint and touch up the downtubes.

On the other one, the PO had installed different signals.  I found original signal posts and had them rechromed.  Did the same with signal pods.  KHI still sells the lenses.

One of the differences is the fork dampers.  PO had replaced originals with S&W dampers.  I kept them. 

I have a detailed list of the rebuild on the other Z1 that I would share with a buyer if I decided to sell.  This one also has a couple non-oem parts but I'm slowly replacing them as I find originals.

[Runningdog]

There you go, back to my comment, "if it makes you happy".

[hardrockminer]

There you go, back to my comment, "if it makes you happy".

Is that the dictionary definition?

[Galactica]

There you go, back to my comment, "if it makes you happy".

Exactly. 

[Wheels]

It makes me happy!

[754]

 I like the way John's bike looks a lot .. saw a CBX like that yesterday..
And I like the hot rod Kawi Henry had..

[hardrockminer]

Engine is back in the frame but not bolted in.  Still waiting for the paint on the mounts to dry a bit more.

[Steve G.]

  Much activity here, and good to see, that lovely machines are being restored and kept in good running order.
   My humble activity in the shop so far this horrid weather season:
 Norton: oil and filter, lubricate swingarm.
 Laverda: new sprockets and o ring chain ((30,000 kms). Rebuild clutch slave cylinder. Oil-filter mesh clean.
 BMW R100gs: oil and filter, new left side heated grip. Currently rebuilding front brake caliper (29 years). New front brake pads. Gearbox and rear hub  fluid change. “Fortify “ aftermarket charging system ground system which failed last summer.
  R1200: oil and filter. New front tire.
  RC: radiator fluid change.
  CT70: oil.
  Xr650: still sitting on bike lift to put oxford heated grips on it.