My 1300 is actually an American Import KZ1300, A1. The Frame No attached

to the rear of the headstock shows that it was manufactured in Feb 1979.

I am the first owner within the UK apart from the dealer who had to

register it to obtain an age related registration, and was in their name

for no more than five days in November 1996.

I had always been interested in the Z1300 right from the UK launch but

in 1979 saw me get married, and as I was already in possession of a

GL1000 K2 Gold Wing which I had purchased new the previous year, meant

that I was not financially in a position to even consider a part ex. In

fact the following year I was forced to part with the Wing and was

reduced to my "Rat" bike a Suzuki Bl00P.

Anyway I took the Suzuki down to their premises and we did the deal. Out

of the four examples, two of the KZ's were in good condition the third

was a no hoper and the fourth was a UK ZG1300, but was too much for my

pocket.

The bike I ended up with was the oldest of them all and in almost

original condition. Items missing or not original at the time of

purchase were a complete set of correct spec indicators, mirrors, air

box covers missing on both sides, horn cover and headlamp mounting

brackets. It even had its original toolkit! and a spare key taped inside

the rear light undoubtedly by its previous owner. It still has its

original paintwork and no attempt by the previous owner(s) or myself has

been made to restore it since.

Over the years I managed to purchase original spec indicators, mirrors,

horn cover and RH side air box cover, can't locate a LH. I've a also

managed to purchase a genuine Kawasaki workshop manual.

From purchase until three years ago the bike was used daily for work and

the occasional ride out, It had the usual problems, fuel coming out of

the filler cap, flooding, problems with ignition leads and coils but

nothing major....

Then disaster......after storage over the winter I went to start it and

there was a bang and nothing. I tried everything it would not start. It

would turn over freely and there was a spark but no joy. Not being a

competent mechanic and not having the time, or to be honest the

confidence to start stripping the engine down, I let a "mechanic" who

was recommended by a work colleague to strip it down to see what the

damage was. He allegedly was a fully trained Kawasaki dealer spanner man

who had originally worked on Z900's,1000's and 1300's when they were

being sold, and he certainly talked a good job and convinced me that I

had found someone who I could trust.

It turned out that the cam chain tensioner had collapsed resulting in

all valves being bent! Five frustrating months followed..The bike was

rebuilt using genuine Kawasaki parts, I know because I purchased them.

But he "mechanic" could not get it to start. To cut a long and almost a

violent story short he managed to get to start but only on five

cylinders. No6 would not fire. In desperation, frustration and being

totally pissed off with this idiot I limped it back home.

I managed to get it to a retired mechanic locally who I knew was well

experienced with the 1300 (and whom I wished I'd given it to in the

beginning) and agreed to diagnose the problem. Again the head came off.

Yes valves were bent again but this time the piston on No6 was cracked

and in one hell of a state. New valves and piston supplied and we're

away again. He informed me that the previous "mechanic" had set up the

timing totally incorrect hence the bent valves.

But since then it has not been used that much. I aquired another newer

bike, the MOT expired and I knew that it needed new fork seals, and the

brakes discs are well worn. In addition it needs a complete new set of

coils and leads, and again due to work and family commitments I have not

bothered to get it back on the road. Last Autumn I have stored it in my

garage with oil down the bores etc and is in a sealed bag. "SORN" has

been regularly submitted to keep the registration going.

 

I fully intend to get it back on the road, and browsing the American

KZ1300 website as well as our own has definitely revitalised my

enthusiasm.

In addition I'm seriously contemplating fitting a sidecar to it as my

ten year old son is permanently in a wheelchair and is mad about bikes

and it would be a way of involving him with it. Do you know of any other

member who has fitted a chair to a Z1300?

 

Could be a totally stupid question but does anyone know whether is it

possible to trace previous owner history in America as we can with

Swansea DVLC as I would like to know where it actually came from in the

States. The dealer stated California but they always say that as a

selling point. It could be because it still has its original exhaust

system and there is very little corrosion anywhere on the bike.