Reborn: 1975 Kawasaki Z1-900

In 1984, I was reaching the one-year mark of living and getting used to a new life in Brooklyn, NY. At that point I decided to purchase a used motorcycle in order to get around. In New York cars are not needed since public transportation is very efficient. Besides, my goal was to continue saving enough money to attend Motorcycle Mechanics Institute school.

What initially began as a beat up half-dead 1975 Kawasaki Z1-900 platform, ended up as a KZ-1015cc to be exact.  And I bet you cannot tell the bike was spray-painted in my living room using spray cans paint. Those were the good old days.

My sister visited me in 1987 and took a picture with my pride and joy. 

Classic Vintage - Antique Reborn - Throwback

The top picture illustrates an old vintage Kawasaki Z1 - 900 I purchased for measly 500 dollars in 1984. The bike, or whatever was left of it, was a mess.

All it took to complete this restoration was a very accommodating and understanding spouse; lots of research to find the parts needed (no internet available at the time) and hands on experience to create something worthwhile.

Six months later, the bike was completed. It was rebuilt from the ground up literally in the middle of my living room. From the engine nuts and bolts, to the process of painting the body of the entire bike, including the basecoat to the finishing touches inside my living room.

In six months, the vintage motorcycle was completed and in excellent running condition.

The next to last picture is of my sister sitting on the bike in front of our house in Brooklyn. The last picture was the day I was ready to go on my way to Phoenix Arizona, riding cross-country from Brooklyn, NY. It only took me six days to ride this Kawasaki Z1-900 from Brooklyn, NY to Phoenix, AZ. 

Enjoy!