New guy from Memphis

[inline4]

Hi mates!
I've been lurking for a while so I thought I would say Hello.
I'm a 54 y/o transplanted Texan that has been living in the Memphis, Tennessee area for the last 14 years.
I'm building a streetfighter based on a 1974 Kawasaki Z1A. I'll be asking many questions from you guys.
Here is a pic of how the KZ is now. Details to come later.
Jim
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v330/z1zr7/DSCF0002-2.jpg

[ralph]

howdy tex

[Fight_fan]

Hey Jim! Welcome to the site mate! Look forward to seein some progress build pics mate! Very cool!

[zx12argh]

G'day mate - welcome aboard. Sweet ride you are building there.

[BANDITROD]

welcome aboard mate love ur sig and your z is coming along nicely by the looks of it keep up the good work

[Gix11]

Hi Jim, welcome aboard mate. You've really gone to town on that Z haven't you?! A complete rebuild from the ground up I take it? That frame is showroom condition again. I'm curious as to what running gear your using - can't place it of the top of my head. The box section swinger with twin shocks - is that your mod or from a later model retro bike? The Z is one of my favourites mate so more details and photos are a must for me. Cheers Jim - nice bike.

[BillyWhizz888]

Elvis has entered the building.... ;)

Sorry mate, Welcome to the madness [8D]

[inline4]

Thanks for the warm Aussie welcome everyone.:)
Here are a few details. The bike was given to me by a dear friend. It had been sitting outside, unprotected from the elements for more than 10 years.[:0][:0]
After stripping every nut and bolt off the frame I had it powdercoated a smokey chrome color. It has a complete front end from a 1990 ZX11C; with a top clamp from LP USA that allows the use of standard 7/8" handlebars.
The rear consists (consisted) of a boxed aluminum swingarm from a 'zuki GS1100E. Not only does/did it look trick as hell, the arm is about 2" longer than the oem arm. The reason I'm stating the details in the past tense is that I gave up on the GS arm because I couldn't get the rear wheel/chain alignment issues figured out.
For the last couple of weeks I've seriously considered just getting the front and rear suspension back to stock.:(:( But after seeing the great work you guys have done on your 'fighters, I have re-comitted myself to make this old Z a streetfighter.
I have since acquired another 'suki arm from a GSX-R750. Today I took the swingarm pivot shaft to a machinist to re-make it short enough to fit the Z1 frame.
The rear wheel is from a 1988 GSX-R1100; the brake is from a Katana.
Come September this project will be FOUR FRIGGIN' years old!!!!!
Thanks for all the inspiration I've seen on this site. As I said earlier, you guys have made me re-dedicate myself to this project.:)
I gotta tell you though, I have an insatiable desire to use laced/spoked rims on this baby. This is where all the questions will be directed.:D:D
As far as the engine goes, it has 1015cc. 10.25:1 Wiseco pistons along with a pair of Kenny Harmon "D" grind cams. I was fortunate enough to find a "Kerker For Kawasaki" 4-into-1 exhaust that I had ceramic coated (inside and out) by a company here in the states.
I have bought a COMPLETE new electrical system for her, including a main wire harness, new handlebar switches, headlight; also a complete Dyna S ignition with coils and wires.
Needless to say this has been a money pit.[8D][8D] I'm so close to getting her finished. I simply can't give up now!
Oh yea. I just got off work (wine business). Been drinking coffee all day, and since I got home I've had a couple glasses of that damned wonderful Aussie Shiraz. Tait BallBuster to be exact.:D:D
This weekend I'll be posting in a more "coherent" state of mind.[:p]
Again, Thanks for the welcome and your tolerence.
Jim

[Gix11]

Spokes hey? I'm guessing you've been checking out the post on this GSX14 in QLD then:

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1293/dscf5066pw1.jpg

http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/1492/dscf5068lo6.jpg

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3379/dscf5072eh6.jpg

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2731/dscf5078or2.jpg

As for the alignment issues, there's always a way - may not be easy - but there's a way!

[scotty]

Top Notch Jim. Have another glass and enjoy

[Iceman]

Looks the goods so far Jim, keep up the good work mate.

[KATO ZX7]

Howdy Jim.

Welcome to the nut house :D

[Tone]

http://www.streetfighters.com.au/forum/upload/843178734167663.jpg

Welcome Tex/Tennessee,nice project you got there.Always wanted one of those shaped kwackas and am still kicking myself for not buying one (shitbox that it was) for $500 a coupla years back.
The pic above is the reason...one of the best looking bikes ever for mine.Only GSXRs look better methinks ;).
Keep us posted with ya progress please.

[Jockney Rebel]

welcome jim mate [great name eh?] luvely bike ..dont give up mate i did on a bol'dor streetfighter last year and i wish i hadnt ....lol
enjoy ...

[Z Power]

Welcome Jim, love the zed keep up the good work keep the pics coming.

[TurboKat]

G'day & welcome Jim, you've got yourself a top start to a class 'Fighter with that there Zed (not Zee) 9. [:p]
I'd definately be going with spokes if you can source/afford them easily, they are the ultimate in oldskool cool.
Keep the build pics coming.

[evad]

Hi Jim,
glad to see you made it over here from the KZR and cyclemadness forums :D
Bike is looking great, love the old zeds. What size tyre were you running with the GS1100 swing arm?

[The crow]

Nice project the only secret needed is what do u say to the wife after 4yrs and lots money ? Best of luck and welcome aboard i had an old z1300 and wish now never got rid of and keep the updates comeing

[Razorback]

Great project... they sure do look purdier than a groundhog on a BBQ when they are done. Excuse my pathetic attempt at US humour =D