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New member here, new owner of an '84 ZN1300.
For years I've been looking for one and finally found it in Dayton, OH on ebay a couple of weeks ago. I won!!!!
For what I paid and the story behind it ($2200, traded in at a new bike dealer and sold at auction to a small shop who cleaned it up and resold to me) I wasn't expecting much. What I found was a bike that looks as if it has been pretty well maintained, pleasant surprise, but probably not ridden much lately.
Anyway, I enjoy working on my bikes but in the last few years I've been having difficulty finding the time for maintenance, let alone sorting out a 30 year old bike that's been sitting in someone's garage for who know how many years.
Does anyone know a competent mechanic experienced with '80s touring bikes in NE Ohio?

Another Newbie, Welcome!! Just finished posting to another newbie like 2 minutes ago.

In answer to your question - they're all right here. Don't be afraid to dive in to your mechanical issues yourself. This machine's not that complicated. Yup it's big but underneath it's probably as simple as it gets for "technology". If you need a service manual you can find it at the bottom right hand corner of the "Home" tab I believe.

Also, PLEASE visit the FAQ tab and read through the searchable FAQ's. There are some inherent issues with these bikes that you really need to understand and ensure yourself that they've been corrected. Cam chain tensioner issue is a must. If your new machine has not been corrected, you could slip the timing chain by one tooth and bend the valves. The FAQ page has the answer for this issue and if your machine has been fixed you're lucky.
Also, If it's been sitting for a long time, chances are that the carbs will need cleaning. Member "Scotch" has a posted blog under the "Blog" button with an excellent write up on rebuilding the carbs.

Again, welcome aboard and enjoy!!

Kawboy (John)

Thanks for the quick response Kawboy.
Although I'm new to Kawasaki six cylinder I am not new to motorcycle repair and maintenance. I agree with you...the set up on these seems pretty straight forward considering how advanced they were for their time.
I asked the same question about a local mechanic on the AVA site, and got about the same answer, and no answer from some. Guess I shouldn't be surprised, these forums are created by people who work on their own bikes for discussion with other people who work on their own bikes.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. I am downloading the service manuals now. If I can't find someone close with a good knowledge of these old bikes I will be getting into it myself, and sure I'll return often for info and more advice.

Welcome to KZ1300.COM Ray!

I'm glad you found the manuals. We've seen plenty but WE STILL WANT PICS!

Welcome again
Bill

Welcome from Switzerland and good luck..

Holger

Hi Ray welcome to the forum. You are right about need creating the forum. I worked for many years in the bike game but on Hondas and despite of having owned my Z13 since new it has been so reliable that I really don't know that much about them and have found this forum to be a wonderful resource.