I did it! I took the plunge!
I ended up buying a z50 (1973) that I found on craigslist. I paid more than I wanted but I the more I think about it, the more I told myself "Get one thats close to complete so you dont have to go digging for parts and spending more money in the long run just to save a few bucks now". The best thing is the Z is complete and its running. The headlight doesnt work though. Previous owner got the bike running and decided to sell it to feed his pocket bike habit. He was a cool guy.
I brought it home and took it for a ride around the block and I was smiling ear to ear
I was hooked as soon as it took off. I gave my 7 year old boy a ride and he was smiling too. He likes to ride but we havent had a bike in a long time.
Ill post some pics soon. Thanks for all the input. And if anyone is interested, the two Z's I posted pictures of are still available here in Phoenix. Check out craigslist.
Let the mods begin!
Marco