kawasaki z1000 A1

[archer]

Hi everyone out there, I am a new member of this site and have two bikes at the moment.
The first is a Honda 400 4 f2 which I am in the process of restoring and a Kawasaki z1000 A1 1977 which is in amazing condition for it's age.
I just have a question about the z1000, since buying and riding this bike I in the first few weeks took it relatively easy on the throttle because it was a lot larger bike than I have ridden before but after a short time I open it up and it pulls like a train in every gear and as it approaches 6000 revs I stops pulling and seems to have run out of revs.
Just to let you know the history, the bike has 27000 on the clock and is fitted with a 4 in to one Harris with a race baffle which sounds wicked and also has a K and N filter fitted.
Had a look at the filter and it looks a little dirty so I have bought the correct cleaner and oil kit but have not got around to cleaning it yet, but I don't think this is the problem because it dose not look that dirty but will give it a clean since I have got it out.
Correct me if I am wrong but I would expect this bike to rev up to 8500 ish,
I am wondering if the main jets are the right size for the Harris and also thinking about fuel starvation ( is the fuel tap big enough, although as far as I can see it looks standard.
There are individual fuel filters that are fitted to each of the carbs but I would have thought that if these were the problem the carb bowls would be being emptied of fuel and the bike would stutter and this is not the case.
It starts on the button every time andruns as smooth as silk so it's a little bit of a mystery to me.
If anyone out there's own this model or a z1 I would appreciate a little advice on the matter I don't want to spend loads of money out for something that is perfectly normal.

Look forward to your replies Archer[/img]

[Willopotomas]

Hi Archer.. Welcome to the forum!

Does the Z1 have any sort of pipe work coming from the exhaust rocker boxes back to the air box?

I had an 83' KZ1100 for a few years and had similar problems to what you describe. It would get to around 5000rpm and just stop pulling, would be a bugger to start and the fuel mileage return was really really crap. It was like this until I took out the pipe that goes from the rocker box to the air box and blocked all the vacuum takes off's up. After that it was like a totally different bike. Started easier, pulled much better and revved to silly-rpm.. but above all else the fuel economy went through the roof!

If it's not that.. Take the lids off the carbs and check the diaphragms aren't split or have holes in.

[archer]

Hi willopotomas,

Thanks for the advice , I will have a look over the weekend.
Was this pipework you removed something that the previous owner had fitted or was it from standard and what was it,s original function except for ruining your fuel consumption.

Regards Archer

Hi Archer.. Welcome to the forum!

Does the Z1 have any sort of pipe work coming from the exhaust rocker boxes back to the air box?

I had an 83' KZ1100 for a few years and had similar problems to what you describe. It would get to around 5000rpm and just stop pulling, would be a bugger to start and the fuel mileage return was really really crap. It was like this until I took out the pipe that goes from the rocker box to the air box and blocked all the vacuum takes off's up. After that it was like a totally different bike. Started easier, pulled much better and revved to silly-rpm.. but above all else the fuel economy went through the roof!

If it's not that.. Take the lids off the carbs and check the diaphragms aren't split or have holes in.

[D-Rider]

Hi Archer - welcome to the forum.

I've no experience of Z1s - though Will and Paddy should be able to help (as Will has already) - maybe others too.

I've a CB400F1 in need of a lot of work - I've had it since it was a year old.
One of these days I'll get it back on the road.
Gio has one in bits too.

[archer]

Hi D-Rider,

That's for the reply, nice to see that someone in the forum is also doing up a 400 4, I have sold one recently and then bought a very scruffy bike which I have completely sripped down.
Been alittle short of time lately but have had the wheels rebuilt and had the frame and all the brackets etc powder coated and will be starting to assemble it over the winter.
Looking in to having the engine aqua blasted but have not found anyone locally to do it yet.
I like the 400 4 because it is a very nice bike to ride and the parts are readily available from Davidsilvers and on ebay.

Regards Archer

[Willopotomas]

I could water blast your cases.. but there wouldn't be a lot left afterwards (my trade is waterjet cutting..lol..)..

The pipe work was fitted as standard. It's part of an emission control system.. That's if yours has it. My bike was an import from the USA, so had all the mumbojumbo for their silly reg's.

The list for these kind of problems is endless and can be a right pain in the arse to trace.. AKA a 'red herring'.. My first thoughts would be to have a look at what's already been suggested.. If no good, we'll explore the other options.

[archer]

Hi Willopotomas

My z1000 is the uk version but I will check for the pipework tomorrow, just cleaned the K and N filter today and just letting it dry over night before re oiling.
Will try and look at the carbs over the weekend demanding daughter permitting.