Kawasaki, 1976 Kawasaki KZ900

This 1976 Kawasaki KZ900 was acquired in September 1985, Work included refinishing the bodywork in metallic green, polishing aluminum components, overhauling the wheels with replacement DID rims and stainless-steel spokes, painting the frame, swingarm, and ancillaries, and replacing the control switches, cables, lighting components, and fuel petcock. Equipment includes a four-into-one Kerker exhaust system, four Mikuni carburetors, a stepped two-up seat from a KZ900 LTD version, a passenger grab rail, replacement chrome fenders, a single front disc brake, and both electric and kick starters. Service performed in July 2022 included ultrasonically cleaning and rebuilding the carburetors, ceramic-coating the exhaust, adjusting the valve lash and camshaft tensioner, polishing and repainting the aluminum engine covers, replacing the battery, and changing the oil.

The fuel tank, side covers, and tail section were refinished in metallic green paint and are adorned with green and gold pinstriping during the refurbishment. Equipment includes dual mirrors, street lighting, replacement turn signal stacks, and both center and side stands, and brightwork consists of replacement chrome fenders, a passenger grab bar, and headlight ears.

Replacement chrome DID rims measuring 19″ front and 18″ rear were laced to polished aluminum hubs using stainless-steel spokes and wear Bridgestone tires showing 2010 date codes. Suspension consists of a conventional fork with polished lowers as well as a set of Progressive Suspension preload-adjustable shocks mounted to the swingarm. Braking is from a single disc up front and a drum at the rear.

The chrome handlebar is mounted ahead of a 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer with a 9k-rpm redline, and a central indicator stack. The five-digit odometer shows 14k miles, 10k of which have been ridden under current ownership. The instrument housings were repainted during the refurbishment.

The air-cooled 903cc DOHC inline-four was rated at 82 horsepower when new and features a set of Mikuni VM26 carburetors, a Kerker four-into-one exhaust system, and both an electric starter and a kickstarter. The engine was removed and cleaned, and the aluminum covers were polished in 2012. Service in July 2022 included flushing the fuel system, ultrasonically cleaning and rebuilding the carburetors, ceramic-coating the exhaust, adjusting the valve lash and camshaft tensioner, polishing and repainting the aluminum engine covers, replacing the battery, and changing the oil.

Power is transferred to the rear wheel through a multi-disc wet clutch, a five-speed transmission, and a drive chain. The front and rear sprockets as well as the chain and tensioners were replaced in 2012.