78' KZ400B - another rabbit

[canyoncarver]

Awhile back I picked up a 1978 KZ400B with a spare 76' 400 motor for cheap.   It's another rabbit hole, thus the name.  It was registered and running as of late 2016 then supposedly stopped running and sat.  The po apparently lost or sold off a few parts like the tank, coil, left foot rest, and shifter among other things. The engine turns but I haven't gotten as far as trying to fire it up.  I'm doing the homework on it now and trying to decide if I want to sort it out. 

[Nebr_Rex]

Rear sprocket is also incorrect. Should be 15/45.


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[advCo]

I dig it. Bring it back!

...but finish the 750 first 

[john83]

Looks like a barrel of fun.

[canyoncarver]

Rear sprocket is also incorrect. Should be 15/45.

Not the least bit surprising so far.   Chain and sprockets are toast anyway.   My focus right now is figuring out the differences in the various engine versions.  What I have vs, what I'd like to have, etc....

I've been reading kz400.com and also found some good info on kzrider.  A good bit of it were your posts on these bikes.  All input is welcome and appreciated. 

I'm hoping the bottom end on this one is good.   It shift correctly on the lift at least.   If it works out, I'd like to do the 440 head upgrade at some point.  End goal would be a nice streetable rider with some extra oomph over stock. 

[canyoncarver]

I dig it. Bring it back!
...but finish the 750 first 

Yeah, now that I've got one of my YZF750R's reasonably sorted out I want to get back to the 750 twin.  But hey - SHINY!

[doc_rot]

As a big Kawi fan, and having owned a 78 kz400... I would pass. Nothing particularly bad to say about them other than they are boring. not enough power, "good enough" handling, could barely keep up on the freeway. I am a big dude (240lbs) so YMMV. I remember taking that kz400 out for its first ride after spending a bunch of time completely going through it that winter and sadly realizing I would sell that bike immediately. glad I did, thats a nap on wheels. I would focus on your 750 if you want a kawi twin. just my $0.02

[canyoncarver]

As a big Kawi fan, and having owned a 78 kz400... I would pass. Nothing particularly bad to say about them other than they are boring. not enough power, "good enough" handling, could barely keep up on the freeway. I am a big dude (240lbs) so YMMV. I remember taking that kz400 out for its first ride after spending a bunch of time completely going through it that winter and sadly realizing I would sell that bike immediately. glad I did, thats a nap on wheels. I would focus on your 750 if you want a kawi twin. just my $0.02

Yeah, my 750 twin is in the corner, staring at me.   

I appreciate the input.   That's why I posted this.  Haven't really been able to make up my mind. 

I'm a big guy also, it sounds like we are about the same size Doc.  I was half thinking of setting it up for my wife and maybe daughter but its turning out they just aren't that interested.   I never figured it would be any good on the freeway.  I can see a neat little in-town city bike in my head but it needs quite a bit of work to get there.  I have very little in it at this point so I might even make a few bucks if I flip it.  I have a KZ200 single that I finally decided to sell for similar reasons.   Maybe flip the 400 and keep the 200?    Dunno...  I have the itch to see if it runs though.

[canyoncarver]

Found a coil in my part shelves to test with and I got new spark plugs.  I'll have to modify the harness a bit.  I also haven't adjusted points in over 20 years....

I haven't thrown in the towel yet.

[canyoncarver]

And the nice little tank I got a deal on arrived today: