'78 KZ400 Build - Hopefully done before spring

[revmedia]

Finally started on my KZ400 build. Figured this would go pretty quickly, but once I started tearing into it, it got much worse. Carbs were toast. Broken on the inside/ missing pieces. Someone broke off one of the bolts that hold the carb boots on, and just left it. Nice. Pretty much par for the course buying from random people on CL. I've pretty much decided that everyone selling bikes on CL is a liar. But I press on.


I'm building a 1 into 2 manifold for the intake, and I'm gonna use a 34mm Keihin flat slide for it. Swapping the front disc for a drum. Not sure the overall direction yet, we'll see how it progresses.


The last bike I built turned into a cafe/brat hybrid, which I like. Not sure about this one.


This is how I bought her. Sweet fairing and bag set up.

Tank is in pretty good shape. Probably just sand it and clear coat it.

Starting to tear it down.

I like working with copper.

Still need to braze it after I cut it down some and figure out the clearance.

This is what will go on the end.

Well, there it is.

 

[Rocan]

niceeeeeeee

i like it man!

 

[dp9]

I Love copper on old bikes! adds such a vintage touch. it will eventually crack at stress points, but its easy enough to replace and look badass. cant wait to see more pics once you're really into this thing.


got a pic of that cafe/brat bike? sounds cool.

 

[MILLENNIUM FALCON]

I am working on a kz400 build too. I know I wont have mine done by spring, but building them is half the fun. They are great little bikes. I look forward to seeing what you do with it. Good luck

 

[treitz]

Bad ass! Did you build that manifold yourself?

 

[Nebr_Rex]

That's a KZ440A,one year only factory touring model.
Save them parts and sell 'em on e-bay.

 

[revmedia]

I Love copper on old bikes! adds such a vintage touch. it will eventually crack at stress points, but its easy enough to replace and look badass. cant wait to see more pics once you're really into this thing.




got a pic of that cafe/brat bike? sounds cool.

Thank man. Yeah, the downside of how easy copper is to work with is that it cracks. The joints are all press fit, so hopefully that will help it last longer. If the bike suddenly starts running like shit, I guess I'll know why.


Here's a shot of the Suzuki. This was a couple months ago, it's now a bit different, and a bit more finished than it was here. I'll take some updated pics today, and throw them up later if you want.

 

[revmedia]

I am working on a kz400 build too. I know I wont have mine done by spring, but building them is half the fun. They are great little bikes. I look forward to seeing what you do with it. Good luck

Do you know what direction you're going with yours? I could use some inspiration!

 

[revmedia]

Bad ass! Did you build that manifold yourself?

Yeah, I try to make most things myself if I can. I hate paying someone else. I find bike building is a great excuse to learn new skills and buy new tools.

 

[revmedia]

That's a KZ440A,one year only factory touring model.
Save them parts and sell 'em on e-bay.

Yeah, these were pretty rare. I have no idea how I would ship that fairing. Speaking of which, if anyone is local to the Salem/Portland/Vancouver area and you need bike parts, hit me up. I've got about 12 project bikes in the wings and boxes/bins of parts lying around. It's a little out of control.

 

[dp9]

theres not much about that cafe/brat bike that I dont like. I love that seat btw.


I'm helping a friend build an 82 kz750 twin. Kind of different, i know, but here's his inspiration for the build:


http://kzrider.com/archive/viewthread.php?tid=26143

 

[revmedia]

theres not much about that cafe/brat bike that I dont like. I love that seat btw.


I'm helping a friend build an 82 kz750 twin. Kind of different, i know, but here's his inspiration for the build:


http://kzrider.com/archive/viewthread.php?tid=26143

That will be awesome. I love that look. I've got a little VT500 street fighter planned soon. So many projects, not enough hours in the day.

 

[MILLENNIUM FALCON]

I am shooting for the vintage cafe look. Bare bones but sleek and classy looking. I want it to be as light as possible. I just started working on my rearsets today.

Do you know what direction you're going with yours? I could use soing for me inspiration!

 

[revmedia]

I am shooting for the vintage cafe look. Bare bones but sleek and classy looking. I want it to be as light as possible. I just started working on my rearsets today.

Cool. Did you make them, or buy em?

 

[MILLENNIUM FALCON]

I made them here is the link to my build thread http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=22980.new#new

Cool. Did you make them, or buy em?

 

[treitz]

Yeah, I try to make most things myself if I can. I hate paying someone else. I find bike building is a great excuse to learn new skills and buy new tools.

Way cool. If you ever get bored and feel like making another one let me know ;-)

 

[valvesprung]

DUDE!!! You're in the Portland Area? 2 things:

Join our Facebook group:
Rockers NW

Also, I'd be very interested in those factory hard bags for my KZ400. You willing to sell/trade?

My KZ:

 

[treitz]

valvesprung... is that the stock seat pan that you made that seat on?

 

[valvesprung]

It is, I reshaped the original foam and took it to a local upholstery shop to be wrapped

 

[treitz]

It is, I reshaped the original foam and took it to a local upholstery shop to be wrapped

You just made my day! I was going to do exactly that but wasn't sure how it would turn out. Looks exactly how I want mine to.

Did you just cut it the foam down in height or did you shape around the sides too?