Sam's - 1974 Kawasaki Z1 Restomod

When it was released in 1972 the Kawasaki Z1 was the most powerfull 4-cylinder 4-stroke motorcycle ever sold. In it's first year it set the world FIM and AMA record for 24-hour endurance with an average speed of 109.64 mph. That same year a Yoshimura tuned Z1 set a one lap record of 160.288 mph while being piloted by Yvon Duhamel in Daytona.

To bring this beauty back to 'better than new' condition her owner reached out to the AMW team to perform a complete frame up restoration, with a few twists. First we powder coated the frame, swingarm, triple clamps and hubs.

Then we moved onto the suspension, adding new Öhlins shocks to the rear and rebuilt the front forks with progressive springs then adding fork gaiters. We then opted to add dual disc brakes after upgrading to a Magura HC1 master cylinder.

Both front and read wheels were changed to 18” using relaced Sun rims, wrapped in Avon Road Rider tires. Then the wiring was updated using a new wiring harness. 

Then came a complete top to bottom engine and carburetor rebuild after bead blasting and vapor honing. The stock air box was deleted, preferring to go the velocity stack route 

New emblems, fuel cap and pingel were installed on the distinctive green and yellow aftermarket bodywork making this beast look factory fresh. 

Best of Show - VJMC People's Choice - Mountain Motorsports 2017 

Build Sheet:

• Complete engine rebuild after bead blasting
• Carbs were vapor honed and rebuilt using velocity stacks
• Powder coated frame, swingarm, triple clamp and hubs
• New bodywork, emblems and fuel cap
• All new brakes front and rear
• Magura HC1 master cylinder
• 18” Sun rims and all balls bearings
• New higher output headlight
• New turn signals with shorter stems and reflectors
• Aftermarket stock style exhaust
• New controls and switches
• Upgraded to dual front discs using brand new parts
• Avon Road Rider tires
• Dyna S ignition system
• New wiring harness
• ZXR Handlebars
• Magura Hymec hydraulic clutch
• New battery
• Aftermarket original style exhaust