1980 KZ550 Kawasaki "Nadene" build

[steveinwa]

Nadene is looking fine.  I had a Nadene once...

Thanks, my Grandma used to take us camping and motorcycle  riding every weekend, she drove a little black MG, she was a great one, gave me my love of motorcycles.

[steveinwa]

Strips after painting, then after destressing, have to add a little brown wash to the tank to make it look a little more worn.

[steveinwa]

Put the front wheel on temporary to look at ride height, looking cool and started working on the rear hub.

[steveinwa]

Started working on her again my Kawasaki KZ550 Nadene.
Powder coated the wheels 20% black
Started re-assembly
Painted and polished the motor and put back in the bike
Bought new shocks, have to give them a try for $100 bucks but need to build bottom mount.

[hillsy]

Don't those shocks come with an alternative bottom mount? They're made to fit everything, after all.

[steveinwa]

No didn't have the right bottom piece but it just screws on so I think I can fab a mount

[japstar]

Love the dented and worn out striped look on the tank man.

Did you powdercoat or spray paint the engine? It looks great.

I love the look of those engines, but I hate the fact that they don't have a kcickstart and you can't fit the kickstart of another bike on them. Aside from that, neat little engines 

[alzcbz]

This guy works on those shocks. If you need an eyelet for the lower mount, I think he sells them.
http://chrislivengood.net/wp/product/model-0-rebuild/

[steveinwa]

Thanks for the tip, I see he has them for $22 and they don't look like they will break

[steveinwa]

Love the dented and worn out striped look on the tank man.

Did you powdercoat or spray paint the engine? It looks great.

I love the look of those engines, but I hate the fact that they don't have a kcickstart and you can't fit the kickstart of another bike on them. Aside from that, neat little engines 

Thanks, I wanted it to look distressed and the tank had a bunch of bondo fixes so wire brushed that stuff off
I just used BBQ paint on the motor, going to see how that lasts, it's not a show bike so as long as it doesn't peel. Looking to do a re-build in the future so will bead blast it then and try another paint. Yes wish it had a kick start it would be perfect.

[MotorbikeBruno]

Signing on. Love the KZ550's   One of my favorite motorcycles I've ever owned.  This one is looking great so far!

[steveinwa]

Signing on. Love the KZ550's   One of my favorite motorcycles I've ever owned.  This one is looking great so far!

Thanks! taking my time, glad it's finally getting warm here, my shed is pretty small to work in.

[MotorbikeBruno]

Thanks! taking my time, glad it's finally getting warm here, my shed is pretty small to work in.

Well, it's coming along nicely, even if it's being worked on in a shed Can't wait to see the finished bike. 

[steveinwa]

Back to work on the KZ, bought a seat, pretty nice quality but probably recover once the bike is done, put the carbs back on (not cleaned yet, left them as it was when running). Started re-attaching the wiring harness and bought some #18 male and female waterproof bullet connectors for a good price on eBay.
Also bought a MIG welder so learning that.

[MotorbikeBruno]

Good stuff