76 KZ400 Cafe

I agree with these guys. Yours is coming along just fine. These early KZ400s already have a nice, simple look: thin, great looking frame, nice lines. The only thing I really don't like too much is the factory handlebars but that's easy enough to fix and you already have. All they need is cleaned up a little, modernized a little where you see fit, etc. I've taken a similar route as you and I sure love my bike - though I really dig your seat, I definitely have to get one of those too. I wish I could help more with the brake light but fortunately for me my rear light swap was easy. My next step is swapping out the points ignition for the electronic ignition from an 81-83 440. All the parts are on my desk right now, I just need a day of a little warmer weather so I can get out in the garage and do it. After that I'm going to upgrade the headlight to one that takes bulbs and then I'll be in search of shocks. I'll probably go for a pair like Millenium Falcon put on his, they look really good. One small upgrade at a time... may not be "wild" but she's mine and I like her just fine! :)
 
Swivel said:
Neat seat,but I would give the regulator at least one inch of clearance from the battery in case it gets hot and fails.Some sort of hole or vents in the tailpiece would be a good idea to allow some air flow.The factories always place them so they can get some air flow and some even have small computer type fans on them to keep them cool.They have fins on them for a reason Y'know.You could even paint the tail like a model ocean liner and mount a tiny funnel in anticipation of the firey event.
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my regulator is still in the stock position. that tail is not mine. thanks fir the information though .
 
Sorry I didnt mean to thread jack you build with my massive picures. >: ???

mudchicken said:
my regulator is still in the stock position. that tail is not mine. thanks fir the information though .
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Okay on to the next issue I have to take care of. The brake light and plate bracket! I want to run the light and keep it clean the picture I have shown has it behind the seat but the way I have it now is tucked up nice under the seat. I would like to do something like this but the issue is once I put my fat a$$ on the seat the suspension squats down. I can get my fingers flat under the bracket and tire. This is okay if the suspension isnt going to move but we all know that wont happen. I am even tossing around getting another light and changing the location to mount at the side off the shock. So here is what im looking for, IDEAS! anything ya got throw my way. Thanks in advance for the help.
 

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That looks like the same tail light I got from Dime City. If that's the case, just remove the license plate bracket from the tail light and shock mount the bracket. They should separate easily. I may end up having to do that with mine.
 
Swivel said:
Turn the light upside down and run the plate up in the air.It's a bit Harley style I know,but you will show off more of the rubber and thats never a bad thing.
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Im not following you. Sorry, im having a blonde moment. Maybe I do follow you but I am wondering what about the plate light then?
barnabasantioch said:
That looks like the same tail light I got from Dime City. If that's the case, just remove the license plate bracket from the tail light and shock mount the bracket. They should separate easily. I may end up having to do that with mine.
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I understand what your saying but what about the light for the plate? I think its needed for the state of PA. I dont plan on getting the bike inspected so I dont want to cause any unwanted attention. ;)......well at least from Johnny Law.
 
Get a set of these and don't look back:
http://www.mikesxs.net/product/06-3642.html

I did a set of the non-progressive ones and they help immensely. They'll raise the back a bit which will help, and they're also a good bit stiffer. The change in stance will quicken your steering a bit and should remove the issue of rubbing in the rear.

They other option is I have a set of black KZ650 shocks which would probably help as well $25 + shipping
 
Wait do I want progressive or non progressive? Anyone running these? http://www.ebay.com/itm/170534444121?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
 
Hey there dirty bird. I am running non progressive RYF shocks on my kz, and I love them. They are much stiffer than the stock pogo sticks. They still do travel quite a bit. I adjusted the preload on them and now they are riding great. However with your clearance issues you might want the progressive spring, although they really won't do much until the last few mm of travel. They do have a threaded length adjustment that you can use to gain maybe and extra 3/4"-1" if you need it. This is just me telling you my opinion, I'm not saying Its right or that i know whats best. I'm just telling you what I know. Good Luck.


mudchicken said:
Wait do I want progressive or non progressive? Anyone running these? http://www.ebay.com/itm/170534444121?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
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MILLENNIUM FALCON said:
Hey there dirty bird. I am running non progressive RYF shocks on my kz, and I love them. They are much stiffer than the stock pogo sticks. They still do travel quite a bit. I adjusted the preload on them and now they are riding great. However with your clearance issues you might want the progressive spring, although they really won't do much until the last few mm of travel. They do have a threaded length adjustment that you can use to gain maybe and extra 3/4"-1" if you need it. This is just me telling you my opinion, I'm not saying Its right or that i know whats best. I'm just telling you what I know. Good Luck.
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Do you know who you ordered them from on ebay? I think everything I am seeing are progressive springs. What thread adjusts the height? I was gonna order the 340mm lenght to bring the rear up a little. What length did you get? I only see 320 and 340 the 320 is stock length 20mm is less than an inch so I dont see it changing a whole lot on the bike. And as always thanks for your help and input. One day I gotta get up your way and buy you a beer!
 
Progressive will I've you the benefit of comfort and stiffness together, I just wanted a fully chrome shock in a specific length so I went with the standard
 
this is the seller i bought my shocks from. the length is correct but they appear to have the progressive springs. i hope this helps. I'm glad to help out wherever I can, good luck. 8)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-Shock-Air-Absorbers-Quad-PIt-Bike-Gokart-ATV-White-/180478877557?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item2a05611f75
 
valvesprung said:
Progressive will I've you the benefit of comfort and stiffness together, I just wanted a fully chrome shock in a specific length so I went with the standard
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got it. thanks!
 
MILLENNIUM FALCON said:
this is the seller i bought my shocks from. the length is correct but they appear to have the progressive springs. i hope this helps. I'm glad to help out wherever I can, good luck. 8)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-Shock-Air-Absorbers-Quad-PIt-Bike-Gokart-ATV-White-/180478877557?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item2a05611f75
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that's the place i found them at. i think im gonna order a set. thanks again!
 
Swivel said:
mudchicken...I mean spin the tail light and plate mount 180 degrees as you view it from the rear of the bike .The brake light will work of course and the plate light will point skywards towards the re-drilled tax plate,Understand now?
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i get ya. thanks for the smack to the head.
 
Just ordered the ebay piggybacks. Hopefully they work. Might strip the spring paint and powder coat them kaw green.
 
Well we did some cutting and some welding tonight. We pulled the cover off the seat and trimmed the pan welded some brackets to mount the light. Pulled the seat cover back and attached it and gazingo! What ya's think? Im happy with it and I have the needed clearance under the plate. Gotta thank my buddy Bill for kicking me in the arse to do it, and helping me with his mad welding and fab skills.
 

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Looks great! Seems like you'll need to lower the angle on the plate bracket though. What did you end up spending on the seat including the shipping?
 
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