valvesprung
Over 1,000 Posts
Some of you have seen my '77 KZ400 and some of you haven't. Well in about 2 weeks none of you will recognize it ;D
The bike was given to me by all of the guys in my wedding party as a bit of a semi-running project (pretty good buddies eh)
It started life something like this, but with a bit more wear and a much more stripped down model (and only 7200 miles!)
After a winter of tinkering we got it running solidly(ish...) and I got to ride it a bit through the summer. The buddy that owned it before me threw on some flat black paint, a set of clubmans. We built a custom fender delete built from scrap metal from around the shop just before she was roadworthy.
and here we are at today. (sorry for the cell pics...I forgot the digi) I spent the day stripping the bike, prepping it for paint, and getting it shot.
Here is the new seat I scored on Ebay. I paid $68 buck including shipping for this seat and a re-wrapped factory seat.
Next came the header wrap. It was something I've been considering for a while and got on such a roll today that I just bit the bullet and made it happen. I'm pretty happy with it being my first time.
Then I busted out the steel wool and started shedding the years off of the bare metal and chrome
(10 mins of work...)
I dropped the wheels off at the shop to have the RoadRiders installed and they've ordered up a fresh set of shoes for front and rear. I've also got a custom built regulator and rectifier from www.oregonmotorcycles.com ready to throw on. The tank and side covers are at our paint shop being sprayed with Crystal White Pearl, which is a pearl flake rather than a liquid pearl which gives it a very crisp white finish that really looks amazing in the sun. I'm thinking I'll have them finished with a satin clear once done, but I'm undecided...
I've been saving and collecting for a while so today felt like a huge triumph and I can't wait to finish. I suspect it'll be just one more full day to finish (reinstall exhaust, tank, shoes, wheels, and give it a full tune up and adjust all of the chains etc... I also want to chop the frame and build new mounts for the rear turn signals. Eventually I'll also be adding an H4 headlamp with integrated turns, fork boots, and a set of adjustable clip ons. Hope you all enjoy.
The bike was given to me by all of the guys in my wedding party as a bit of a semi-running project (pretty good buddies eh)
It started life something like this, but with a bit more wear and a much more stripped down model (and only 7200 miles!)
After a winter of tinkering we got it running solidly(ish...) and I got to ride it a bit through the summer. The buddy that owned it before me threw on some flat black paint, a set of clubmans. We built a custom fender delete built from scrap metal from around the shop just before she was roadworthy.
and here we are at today. (sorry for the cell pics...I forgot the digi) I spent the day stripping the bike, prepping it for paint, and getting it shot.
Here is the new seat I scored on Ebay. I paid $68 buck including shipping for this seat and a re-wrapped factory seat.
Next came the header wrap. It was something I've been considering for a while and got on such a roll today that I just bit the bullet and made it happen. I'm pretty happy with it being my first time.
Then I busted out the steel wool and started shedding the years off of the bare metal and chrome
(10 mins of work...)
I dropped the wheels off at the shop to have the RoadRiders installed and they've ordered up a fresh set of shoes for front and rear. I've also got a custom built regulator and rectifier from www.oregonmotorcycles.com ready to throw on. The tank and side covers are at our paint shop being sprayed with Crystal White Pearl, which is a pearl flake rather than a liquid pearl which gives it a very crisp white finish that really looks amazing in the sun. I'm thinking I'll have them finished with a satin clear once done, but I'm undecided...
I've been saving and collecting for a while so today felt like a huge triumph and I can't wait to finish. I suspect it'll be just one more full day to finish (reinstall exhaust, tank, shoes, wheels, and give it a full tune up and adjust all of the chains etc... I also want to chop the frame and build new mounts for the rear turn signals. Eventually I'll also be adding an H4 headlamp with integrated turns, fork boots, and a set of adjustable clip ons. Hope you all enjoy.
Doesn't look like there is much space between the roof and the garage opening.
