David_W
Active Member
Meet the Maxim:
Recently got it and struggled with what to do to it. Rode it some and decided to embark on a cafe racer build for it. I've been waiting for things to be delivered, and they've finally made it!
KZ650 tank
Universal "cafe racer" seat from across the big pond. I know... I'm not expecting much, but I do like the looks of it.
When I get the issues with getting all of that on the bike (changes to the subframe, etc) I'm going to be getting clipons-maybe, tail light, turn signals, and new brackets for a headlight...all that jazz. Probably a head light too.. We'll see. Maybe rearsets. I want to switch the shift pattern so it matches my race bike. We'll see how tight the riding position is with that though.
As far as mechanics the bike is running fine (for now) more on that in a second.. I've serviced the forks, changed the brake pads and fluid-cleaned the caliper, etc. I plan to run pods because I think it looks a lot cleaner than the air box, and to put it shortly I just want to. Once I get things situated I'll be doing a wiring "spring cleaning" with my dad. He's a wizard with this stuff.
So I've done some "mock-up" if you want to call it that..
Obviously have some kinks to work out, but the general idea is there. Quick aside.. The tank is SUPPOSEDLY the only year that they made that color combo.. It's in pretty good shape.. Should I avoid stripping it and painting/eventually knee-denting it? I thought it would have a longer wheel base than that.. Looks kinda quirky
Any how.. Here is the first kink:
I'm about to go see if I can simply switch out the petcocks... Hope springs eternal right? They valves are in similar positions, however the maxim tank's valve is slightly more forward. With that being said the horizontal piece on the KZ tank that is hitting the frame is in a vertical position on the maxim tank. Probably sound like a raving idiot thinking this could possibly work, but whatever.
Once I get the tank squared away I'm going to look into making a bracket to slightly pick up the rear in an effort to straighten out the top lines. I want to allow the tank and seat to flow so any adjustments to that will be minor.
Next post. Addressing the "running good for now" statement...
Sent from my iPhone using DO THE TON
Recently got it and struggled with what to do to it. Rode it some and decided to embark on a cafe racer build for it. I've been waiting for things to be delivered, and they've finally made it!
KZ650 tank
Universal "cafe racer" seat from across the big pond. I know... I'm not expecting much, but I do like the looks of it.
When I get the issues with getting all of that on the bike (changes to the subframe, etc) I'm going to be getting clipons-maybe, tail light, turn signals, and new brackets for a headlight...all that jazz. Probably a head light too.. We'll see. Maybe rearsets. I want to switch the shift pattern so it matches my race bike. We'll see how tight the riding position is with that though.
As far as mechanics the bike is running fine (for now) more on that in a second.. I've serviced the forks, changed the brake pads and fluid-cleaned the caliper, etc. I plan to run pods because I think it looks a lot cleaner than the air box, and to put it shortly I just want to. Once I get things situated I'll be doing a wiring "spring cleaning" with my dad. He's a wizard with this stuff.
So I've done some "mock-up" if you want to call it that..
Obviously have some kinks to work out, but the general idea is there. Quick aside.. The tank is SUPPOSEDLY the only year that they made that color combo.. It's in pretty good shape.. Should I avoid stripping it and painting/eventually knee-denting it? I thought it would have a longer wheel base than that.. Looks kinda quirky
Any how.. Here is the first kink:
I'm about to go see if I can simply switch out the petcocks... Hope springs eternal right? They valves are in similar positions, however the maxim tank's valve is slightly more forward. With that being said the horizontal piece on the KZ tank that is hitting the frame is in a vertical position on the maxim tank. Probably sound like a raving idiot thinking this could possibly work, but whatever.
Once I get the tank squared away I'm going to look into making a bracket to slightly pick up the rear in an effort to straighten out the top lines. I want to allow the tank and seat to flow so any adjustments to that will be minor.
Next post. Addressing the "running good for now" statement...
Sent from my iPhone using DO THE TON