FEATURE – 1975 Kawasaki Z900 custom

Words & Photos: North Coast Moto Classics

Icon. Game changer. Cult bike. Whatever you like to call the Kawasaki Z900, it’s as popular today as when it was released in 1972.

This particular example was sourced through one of our suppliers in the US a while back. A low-mile example – only 10K miles from new – with a matching-numbers engine and frame, it had some interesting features and a lot of potential, but it wasn’t in anything like the condition you see here.

Now, we know Z Heads will instantly spot that this Z900 differs from stock in a few key areas, but what you can see only scratches the surface of a bike that had been modified for use on the dragstrip, while retaining street legality.

Engine

Originally built in the mid-80s, we don’t know all the specs on the engine, but it has been fitted with Z1000 barrels, larger high-compression pistons and 33mm smoothbore Mikuni carbies. The head has been extensively ported, with larger valves, stronger valve springs and a high-lift cam, too.

Electronic ignition, high voltage Accel coils and leads have also been fitted, as well as a.Vance & Hines Sidewinder exhaust.

The engine is an absolute cracker and the sound from those V&H pipes is music for a Z9 lover.

For all its hot-up parts, the engine behaves pretty much like a stock one at standard revs, but has been built to rev safely to 12,000rpm, so if you’re game, roll on the throttle – a quick-turn unit – to the max and hang on!

Frame and Cycle Parts

As we received it, the Z900’s frame was stock except for a slight kick out in the rake, while the factory swingarm had been replaced with a custom aluminium unit that stretches the wheelbase by a few inches, but if you’re looking to return this bike back to stock, a factory swingarm is easy to fit.

Local Refurbishment

Following years sitting idle, the bike was looking a little sad when we got it, but at least it had been stored indoors, so when we started to recommission it, we decided not to take away too much of what we liked about it in the first place.

We gave the engine a full service, ultrasonically-cleaned the carburettors and fitted new points covers and a new high cranking battery. We retained the air shifter from its drag days, but it can still be shifted manually.

An engine-in-frame 2 Pac touch-up of the frame was followed by repainting all the bodywork in 2 Pac, with new striping applied by our trusted bodywork guys here in Coffs Harbour.

A new fuel cap, new fuel tank and side cover badges were fitted, as well as new gauge buckets and a completely new seat.

The brakes were overhauled and fitted with new pads and shoes, while the front forks were fitted with new dust wipers. The wheels are polished alloy DID units.

Given what we started with, we are very happy with how this bike turned out.

FOR SALE

As we have a number of Z900s and Z1000s in stock waiting to be recommissioned, we are now offering this bike for the next Z9 enthusiast to enjoy. The asking price is $17,995.

For more details, give us a call on 0431 386 232 or call in to our Coffs Harbour workshop at 14/5 Druitt Court.