78 KZ650B Cafe - Redux

[sbruton]

I bought a bunch of new parts a couple of weeks ago (tires, sprockets, chain, oil, filters, braided line etc) and finally got some time to make a bit more progress.

New Spitfires and a nice braided line for the front brake:



Wheels mounted, front brake bled, new rear sprocket:  (ignore the goofy colours of the seat and tank, they will be repainted shortly)





My pipes were in tough shape and I like the look of the stockers so I decided to mod them.  I had a friend of mine cut the mufflers and end caps off, remove the cross over pipe and punch the baffles out and then weld the ends back on.  I'm interested to fire the bike up with them and see how they sound.  If they are too loud I will try something else, but it's worth a try.  I also wrapped the headers and painted the pipes black and hope to get them mounted tomorrow....

More to come shortly! 

[sbruton]

I wrapped, painted and installed my pipes yesterday.  I kinda goofed on the header wrap and cut the first piece too short so I wrapped them all the same length.  I would have liked the wrap to come further back - but what can ya do?  I may use some of the excess to add some later but for now it will do:





I will post some vid later so you can hear them.  I like the sound of them but have not ridden the bike yet to really get a feel for them.  Personally I think it suits the bike, but probably would not go this route for a long distance type bike.

Next on the list is new chain, new C/S sprocket and finally PAINT!! 

[sbruton]

I installed my chain/ sprockets over the weekend and started to paint.... Here's a sneak preview - (the brown strips on the tank will match the seat):







With any luck I'll get everything mounted up this week for a maiden voyage on the weekend.  Then I can start tuning (carb sync and possible jets)...

[GreatDane]

Great project! I own a KZ650 too ('79 D with an F-engine), so this nice an inspiring. I'm really looking forward to see the bike done, I'm a bit sceptical about the scheme, but I'm ready to be surprised when you're done (it's all about different taste, which is a good thing)

Have fun building!

-Kasper/GreatDane

[STRETCH-CB]

hell yeah, looking great.

[sbruton]

Hi all,

I'm getting near the finish line (for now!)....

I cleared coated the tank and seat and set them on the bike to snap a few quick pics.  What are your thoughts?







Hopefully this weekend I'll get it out for a rip and take some better pics>

[STRETCH-CB]

Hell yeah! That looks great. Good job.

[casper3043]

i like the new look...did you get that kickstart pedal welded on? i also have a kz650 which is "in progress" at the moment. did you start wrapping the pipes after the exhaust collars? i'm waiting to get mine back and already have some black exhaust wrap and paint. the only difference is my pipes are straight out, not turned up like yours.

[JustinLonghorn]

Looks damn good, man. I'd ride it.

Plus, the "Give em the boot" Hellcat poster is rad.

[sbruton]

did you get that kickstart pedal welded on?
did you start wrapping the pipes after the exhaust collars?

Hi Casper,

Yeah... I cut the original kicker peg off and had the pedal welded on.  It only took a few minutes to do, but my buddy is a pretty skilled welder and has the necessary gear! 

Yes.  The wrap has to start after the collars otherwise the collars will not fit and the pipes won't bolt up to your cylinders correctly.  Take your time with the wrap... make sure you wet the cloth well and wrap it as tight as possible.  I used 2 rolls to do all 4 pipes....

Stretch/ Justin - thanks for the comments!   I think that poster came from the Give 'em the Boot V compiliation from 2006... seems like just yesterday!  Great tunes for sure.

[Sunflash]

Like I said on 650.info I have been following you here too.  Looking forward to getting mine to this point.  Looking good for sure.

[andycafe]

Hell yeah! That looks great. Good job.

+1 for sure

[sbruton]

Thanks again fella's!

Sunflash - Great to see another KZ650 in the works.  if you have any questions feel free to PM me on either of the boards and I'll do what I can to help.  I have another 78 B in my garage that's waiting for some love... just have to decide what to do!

[Sunflash]

I don't have a thread here but have one rolling on 650.info and the bike is running great, I am doing the cosmetics and will be tearing down and rebuilding the motor in the fall or as soon as I have anouther bike up and running.

[canyoncarver]

Looks damn good, man. I'd ride it.

Plus, the "Give em the boot" Hellcat poster is rad.

Ditto on the poster, is that Lars Fredrikson?