MY Z1300:

I've owned my baby since last April, buying her knowing she needed a bit of

work, but not HOW MUCH!!? (I fell in love when she was started up for the

first time.)

Within the first week needed to replace the solenoid and the electrical

problems started...

On closer inspection the electrics were a firkin' mess and because of poor

routing main loom was chafing underneath the tank and causing problems!

My mechanical knowledge being poor (but getting better) and not wanting to

be a burden on mates and friends of friends, I bought a manual and found a

garage who'd have a look at her.

Joined the club - accessed the USA site and did a bit of reading up. Had her

rewired by Andy and Graham at "Graham's of Manorbier" (my new home), ordered

a set of Dyna coils and had the regulator removed.

Electrics now sound, but she was misfiring a bit, smoking a bit excessively

and not firing properly on all 6 cylinders. Planned to ride her for a couple

of months, get the last of summer and book her in for major engine work -

because of the tight frame engine needs to come out for any major work.

Riding her between garage visits the starter motor clutch exploded on me!!!!

Then the reliant shaft bearing went, got these fixed then decided to have

new stainless downpipes fitted (a job that needed doing before next MOT) at

"Gazelle" in Cardigan.

Now, sound electrics, sound exhaust, dodgy engine. After getting a more

pronounced rattle (suspecting the cam chain not tightening properly I booked

her in for the major work).

One new cam chain, guides, new gasket set, new piston rings, new valves, new

temp. gauge, new clutch (part from Pete F, fellow member) (and a lot of

polishing and spraying of removed engine parts/casings/carbs by me), clean

carbs etc. later and she's sounding sweet.

The rev counter cable went last week and the throttle cable snapped this

week - it's never-fuckin'-ending!!

Summary:

It's been/being hard work, but I do love my 13 and ride her every day

religiously (mechanical failures allowing). I've tracked down a few leads

for bits and parts. And many thanks to all the advice and help I've had from

club members, and will hopefully meet up with some of you over summer.

To do:

When I get round to it/have the money, I want to get the seats

re-upholstered, give her a re-spray, new back-end exhausts...