First bike, first build

[vondikka]

       Whats up DTT!  I've always wanted to ride a motorcycle but never got around to getting my liscence for some reason. A co-workertold me about the MSF course and i signed up. I took the class in May and scored 100% in the writing and riding test. and was the best rider in the class.

I had been researching different types and styles of bikes and had decided to go the cafe route.  After alot of searching craigslist i came across a 78 kz650 in decent running condition, 20k  for $1200. i negotiated down to $800 and brought it home.

Here's how it looked

[vondikka]

    I rode it for a day or two to figure out what needed to be done. Then i pulled it into my barn and the fun began. I started the project with no previous mechanical knowledge other than some routine car maintenance, so i bought a shop manual , books on electric, chassis, engines, maintenance, and did a ton of research online. I also aquired a bunch of tools from my father that he no longer had use for.

I worked on it for a few weeksto get it safe and roadworthy for the summer. Here's what i had done so far...

-points and condenser
-new brake pads
-wheel bearings
-Bridgesone BT45V tires  110 front 130 rear  =+ heavy duty tubes
-painted rims semi-gloss black
-clubman bars
-rear fender delete
-new grips
-fzr front master cylinder and lever
-stainless brake line
-bar end mirrors
-mini turn signals DCC
-rebuilt forks
-throttle and clutch cables
-carb sync
-valve clearance check
-plugs, oil+filter, air filter, battery, fuel filter

After that i was ready to ride all summer.  Here's how it looked up until a few weeks ago.

[vondikka]

mini signals

[VonYinzer]

Welcome to DTT. Those KZs can be killer machines. With 20k on the clock a good thorough inspection of the top end may be in order. You always have to assume that the previous owners were less that stellar at maintaining your bike. You seem to be doing all the right stuff so far otherwise.

Now... One other point, and please don't take this the wrong way.

Your enthusiasm about doing so well in your MSF is understandable. Congrats on that. But, be very wary of over confidence as a new rider. It takes a lot of miles in the saddle before your skills are really up to par. There's plenty of older guys here who have been riding for decades that will tell you that they're still learning and building their abilities every time they get on a bike. Have fun, ride every chance you get but always be vigilant and ride within your abilities. You'll push the limits and grow as a rider when its right. Just remember that even though these machines are a gateway to a semse of freedom and excitement unparalleled by most anything on land, they also don't give a rats ass whether you live or die. Its your job to keep yourself alive. People in cars, pedestrians, dogs, etc... They also dont care about your safety. Again, its up to you to stay out of trouble. The MSF course teaches you some great basics. I took it myself years back. But smart, aware real world experience is the only true way to amass the knowledge and abilities you'll need to enjoy this life on two wheels for years to come.

Not sure where your located, but if there's a racetrack near you look into some race schooling or track days. Its always better to test your abilities on a closed course than on the street. You'll learn extremely valuable lessons that you'll use in everyday riding. Lessons that may save your ass one day.

Ok... Lecture over. Good luck with the KZ and keep the updates coming! See ya on the road.

[DreadRock]

Welcome to the site man and Von is 100% right when  it comes to riding in the real world . Great job on the test very good start !!!!!

[vondikka]

thanks guys. I completely agree with you Von. Although i am confident in my abilities as of right now, i'm not cocky. I realize i have much to learn and am extremely vigilant when riding.  I'm 28 now so i'm not as fearless or reckless as i was ten years ago. I've done some shit in cars that you couldn't believe. But that was then. I focus more on safety now that im alittle older and wiser. You still wont catch me in a neon riding jacket though.

anyway, ive got some more pics of the progress i've made. started fabricating some mounts for the cafe seat.

While gathering some tools at my parents' house, i stumbled upon a brand new(still  in box) Hobart 140 MIG welder kit. It came with everything i needed to get started. My dad had purchased it but never used it, so he just gave it to me!  I had never welded before so i did some more research and bought a bunch steel to practice with. Once i was confident that my welds to be strong i went to work on the subframe.

I detabbed it, cut off the rear section, and then fabricated the seat mounts.  they seem to have come out well. i banged on them with a hammer and applied some torque and they held strong. the seat fit on perfect. Just gotta drill some hole to mount the seat and finish the battery box & electronics compartment

[vondikka]

chopped and primed the front fender and wrapped the exhaust. I got the wrap from ebay for $30. Titanium color, 2"x50'.  had about 15-20' left over.  I broke my last steel tie so had to resort to a hose clamp for now.

I had my girlfriend took all these photos so i apologize for the strange angles

[VonYinzer]

Nice. Keep it up man. Best way to learn is by doing. 

[Mr. Sinister]

Nice work so far. You're just like me, first bike, first build. I did the same thing, just hold your nose and jump in!! 

[vondikka]

[attachment:2]C:\fakepath\bars.jpg[/attachment]

[vondikka]

some progress

[sheatona]

You are absolutely going to love the crap out of that machine. I drug home it's 1982 sibling months ago and it's been the most comfortable "steel" machine I've ever been on, I actually bought a Ducati in the middle of my progress to give me something turn key to ride for the time being, and I still cant wait to get my Kawi on the road, my 600$ craigslist find is literally my prize possession lol.

You got a solid start with the riding class and a great bike to start with. I look forward to see your progress.