1973 Kawasaki 900 Super 4 Z1

wjbrandel · Sep 6, 2024

Finally decided to start a build that I have been putting off for about 20 years.

This is the same bike my dad rode right up until he had to sell it in 1981. I bought this in 2005 intending to get it ready for a birthday present for dad but he passed in December of that year about 3 weeks after I bought it. I plan on doing this as a garage diorama with some tools and a manual scattered about. Dad liked to do his own maintenance on his bike for routine things.

Got the motor started and some other parts painted before I realized my paint booth wasn't working as advertised, realized the problem and ordered some air filters for it. I didn't realize I was out.

mhuskers88 · Sep 6, 2024

Looks good. You've been patient with it this whole time, so a little wait for the air filters is nothing. Cool cycle. Those kits have some great detail.

Pantherman · Sep 6, 2024

wjbrandel said:
Finally decided to start a build that I have been putting off for about 20 years.

View attachment 124139
This is the same bike my dad rode right up until he had to sell it in 1981. I bought this in 2005 intending to get it ready for a birthday present for dad but he passed in December of that year about 3 weeks after I bought it. I plan on doing this as a garage diorama with some tools and a manual scattered about. Dad liked to do his own maintenance on his bike for routine things.

View attachment 124140

View attachment 124141

View attachment 124143

Got the motor started and some other parts painted before I realized my paint booth wasn't working as advertised, realized the problem and ordered some air filters for it. I didn't realize I was out.

Love the story behind the build, thanks for sharing. Looking great so far and also looking forward to the diorama. Pantherman

wjbrandel · Sep 7, 2024

Pantherman said:
Love the story behind the build, thanks for sharing. Looking great so far and also looking forward to the diorama. Pantherman

Thanks, might take a while from the memories and we just got a new kitten and she loves sitting on my shoulder. Makes it hard to work on the model.

wjbrandel · Sep 8, 2024

As you can probably tell I got some more done on the bike (also the panzer 3 but no photos of that yet).

Got the body panels and fuel tank painted, that is the closest I can come to the color of Dad's bike without spending a fortune for the color. If you are curious the color was Kawasaki Imperial Red, a color that was discontinued in '81 if I remember right (probably not

)

The engine is done except for some minor detailing

wjbrandel · Sep 13, 2024

Here is the little beast that keeping me from my models

If she's not in my arms she is on my shoulder looking at the world. Makes it hard to build things.

wjbrandel · Sep 22, 2024

It is amazing how much work you can get done without a kitten in your arms or on your shoulder. Got some more work done on the motorcycle.

And her are the exhaust pipes, headlight and the handlebars and grips ready to be installed.

So far everything is coming together nicely, minus a mistake I had to fix on the forks.

wjbrandel · Sep 24, 2024

Getting closer to the finish. Got the pipes and mufflers on. The handlebars and hoses were a pain, but they finally went into place.

All that is left is to put the clear parts on as well as the kickstand and mirrors, then diorama time.

Bear43 · Sep 24, 2024

I feel your pain. This little munchkin is one of 3 that mama rejected and are taking up my time with bottle feeding instead of finishing my B-25. And your bike is looking really good.

wjbrandel · Sep 25, 2024

The little munchkin is a pretty cat though.

That white kitten (we call her Blizzard) was an abandon as well. I found her while mowing the yard. I am so glad I have an electric mower. If I would have had a gas powered, I probably would have run over her since I wouldn't have heard her, then I would have felt horrid. On a brighter note, we found Blizzard a good home. We can't keep pets where I live without the rent being upped by about $150 a month (yes I looking to move out) and my daughter and I can go see Blizzard when we want to. The new home is about a 20 minute walk from our house.

wjbrandel · Sep 26, 2024

As you can see the model itself is complete (other than a little paint inside the exhaust), now I can start on the diorama. Unfortunately I have to wait on starting it due to a lack of material that I need to get. Probably over the weekend. In the meantime I have the panzer 3 to work on

.

kevin · Sep 26, 2024

Very nice....

wjbrandel · Sep 27, 2024

kevin said:
Very nice....

Thank you Kevin.

TimM63 · Sep 27, 2024

I had a KZ1000 that looked just like that. Nice job on that one.

wjbrandel · Sep 27, 2024

Thanks

wjbrandel · Sep 30, 2024

Started the diorama, I built almost all day yesterday and got the majority of the building done.

Parts of the table, here it is together

wjbrandel · Oct 4, 2024

I got the initial wear and weathering done to part of the diorama. I'll be doing additional weathering and staining to the pieces after I get them glued into place. The base is almost fully painted, just doing some final detailing on it. I'll be posted photos in a day or two when I'm ready to start putting everything together.

wjbrandel · Oct 6, 2024

Coming in to the home stretch.

Everything is in place for the diorama, all that is left is to add some weathering and put the motorcycle in place.

This build has been rough on me, but I'm glad I am doing it.

kevin · Oct 6, 2024

That looks great! Nice touch with the beer cans, they really sell it.

Rimmer · Oct 7, 2024

Amazing work - I love all the little details you have in that.

1973 Kawasaki 900 Super 4 Z1

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