Budget cafe build 79 750

[wcysl]

This is a build I did at the end of Summer 2013. Started August 1st and was riding it September 10th.
It was already cut up bad. The old owner was going to make a bobber. I was going to the café style. I say café style, but am mostly using the box of parts and bits I have laying around. Very interesting bike these twins are!

 

[wcysl]

The previous owner had drilled the frame and welded bolts for the shock mounts...not a good idea to me. So I made and welded on some gussets. Fitting the rear tail seat pan and rear light.

 

[wcysl]

Frame and Motor cleaned and painted, wiring harness out. Working on single speedo mount.

 

[wcysl]

Well started putting on some more parts and things are moving quick. Bought a headlight with led turn signals built in...I like the look, but it took a little work to get it to fit the bucket. Also bought tail light with turn signals built in too. Cut and fabricated a piece of aluminum to mount it.
Factory speedometer will work on my new mount. Also built the idiot lights right into it...going for a steamlined but old school look.

 

[wcysl]

Here is a shot of the speedo with the led's on...neutral light and right turn...caught it mid flash. Body work is ready for paint.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Subscribed!!!

 

[whitetrash]

I have wanted one of these Kawis for a while now. They make beautiful café racers. Looking good so far. Budget builds are the best.

 

[wcysl]

Finally have time to post the rest of the build.
This is after a friend wrapped up my new paint job.
Peach was the color I was going for....and we got it. It will get some sort of stripes, open to ideas?
Came up with the color based on paint he had laying around....and some mixing. DID not want metal flake or metallic.
Ignition is where the old seat lock was on the side cover.
At least 18 years since this old bike had run.

 

[wcysl]

So after all of that it was time to get it running.
First time trying to get it running it was a 375 running on 1 cylinder. Took the carbs back off and found a little more crud to blow out.
Well it is a 750 twin, running on both cylinders.
Hey I did realize that using my blow gun off my compressor really works well if you use a ball fill needle, like what you would use to fill a basketball. 1 piece of tape around the end and boom all the air pressure goes through the tip!
I decided to go naked on the tank emblems, and painted the 750 badges to match for now!

So after 18 year of being ready for scrap! I was able to put 30 miles on it, (no seat pad yet). Shifted well pulled and pulled hard.
Total cost to go through wiring (new spade fuses, add a couple accessories, paint frame clean carbs...did not remove 1 single jet...did not even break the rack apart, misc paints and cleaners, set the timing (Yes it is advanced because of the pods and 2-1 header), new plugs (yes one size colder than stock) change the oil, grease all bearings, new brake pads, flush calipers, k&n air (conical pods) very important not to use the round to oval (if your keeping the side covers!), new petcock, header wrap, Including purchase of bike $1360. still needed a seat pad!
Still not done...but it was rideable.

 

[wcysl]

Here is the bike finished with the new seat pad. I put to semi gloss black stripes down the tank and tail. Had to give it a number....decided on the year?
This was a quick build for me. If anyone is building some thing and needs help or info let me know. I am happy to help.
The last 2 pictures are with one of my other bikes, last ride before winter. The yellow 78 kz650 I built last year...can give info on that build if anyone is interested.

 

[txrenegade]

That engine and frame look great! What paint type and color did you use on the engine?

 

[wcysl]

That engine and frame look great! What paint type and color did you use on the engine?

The engine was very badly oxidized. I used a foaming degreaser a small brass and small stainless steel wire brush, along with a sanding pad. It took some time to thoroughly clean and prep the surface.
I used off the shelf VHT engine enamel. I started with their engine primer then a light paint gray color. Using very light coats. Finished with their cast Iron color. The reason I used the light gray to coat everything, was to make all areas more visible.
As I covered with the darker paint I knew if I was missing or not getting even coverage.
I can say (thanks to a leaking petcock...now replaced, that the paint does okay at resisting gas spilled on it.
Gas poured down the side of the engine.
I can tell you that the engine enamel resists gas and oil far better than their 2000 degree header exhaust paint tried that on another bike.