1978 kz650 cafe racer

[doopah]

Bought her from a guy that found out he had a baby coming.. Bike was in the middle of the conversion.

As she was when purchased

Rusted with bad idle. In storage for 3-5 months


Work done-
Cleaned carbs
Replaced jets
115 mains n 17.5 pilots I think that's the right term
Replaced fuel lines
Clean filters
Fixed idle- was 3300 to 900-1200
Oil change
New clutch/tach cables
New headlight bracket
Rewired ground n we mounted battery
New front white wall
Removed all rust

Sanded front wire rims n painted black

Polished some things

As she rides today!

Future plans
New power controls, perch, and levers
Replace with mini speedo/tach gauge
Paint frame gold
Fairings white
Upgrade sprocket n chain to gold
Custom swing arm
Rear white wall tire - still searching
Clip on or handlebar raisers
Handle bar mirrors
Retrofit 3" projector into headlight


Please let me know if anyone has any parts n advice on power- bike purs n rides amazing- I think the timing is off cause it's starting to click louder.

 

[jungalist]

clicking noise are probably the valves... so adjust the valves and see if it's gone

 

[doopah]

Thanks! I'll do some adjustments research. How hard would to rate it and any special tools?

 

[HerrDeacon]

Its not too bad of a process but that really depends on your skill level. It can be a bit intimidating at first but the manual goes through the process pretty well step by step. You will need some special tools like feeler gauges and a torque wrench at a minimum. You may also need some shims depending on if some of the clearances need to be adjusted but you won't know this, or what size shims, until you have been in there. Have a look through the manual and read through that section to see if its something you feel comfortable doing.

 

[canyoncarver]

Interesting frame modifications. Did the previous owner do the monoshock conversion and frame changes?

 

[jungalist]

...and a torque wrench at a minimum...

I never used a torque wrench for valve adjustment ???

 

[doopah]

No he bought it with a mono shock. Funny story- my friend that fabricates these cafe racers built it years ago. His second one he's customized

 

[HerrDeacon]

I never used a torque wrench for valve adjustment ???

You need one on the KZ since its shim under bucket and you have to remove the cam shafts to put in new shims. The cam holder bolts are notorious on these bikes for snapping, mainly because people don't use a torque wrench and they don't need much force.

 

[doopah]

Hmm I'll look into it next month when I'm fully moved

 

[jungalist]

You need one on the KZ since its shim under bucket and you have to remove the cam shafts to put in new shims. The cam holder bolts are notorious on these bikes for snapping, mainly because people don't use a torque wrench and they don't need much force.

oh, i see

knowledge +1

 

[doopah]

Anyone upgrade their Perch and levers?

Will be dropping the bike soon for a new paint job, rear fairing and finally a custom leather Seat

 

[doopah]

Update. I know it's almost been a year but- the season is coming up.

Some updates if anyone cares.
installed fuse box- redid all the wiring. Replaced the handlebars, tree top, cables, filters, repainted black.

In the process of upgrading swing arm to 2004 gsx-r 750 rear end. (swingarm, wheel, rotor, brakes calipers) oem gauges- intrument panel, new seat and repaired rear fairing. Should be up and running by mid June..










Before




after paint and plasti dip fairing and tank for fun.

 

[doopah]

after cleaning up the wires.