Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.
We noticed you are blocking ads. DO THE TON only works with community supporters. Most are active members of the site with small businesses. Please consider disabling your ad blocking tool and checking out the businesses that help keep our site up and free.
Re: KZ550 bob/chop/cafe? Exhaust idea finally done!
MotorbikeBruno said:
Not yet...but have you been to the axle/fork size chart or thread we have on here? Its unbelievable how much info in it. Could be a great place to start. I would assume that some spacers could be made for different rims etc.
Re: KZ550 bob/chop/cafe? Exhaust idea finally done!
I got a kz750t with the same mag setup, drum in the rear. Switched over to a 18' rear with disk. I found a junk 81' kz750 4, took the rear swingarm and 18" mag with disk setup. Had to do a some grinding to make it fit and will have just weld up the rear support for bracket that holds the rear master cylinder. I'm guessing the 550 isn't much different as far as making the rear swing arm fit.
Re: KZ550 bob/chop/cafe? Exhaust idea finally done!
You are correct, it's darn near a straight bolt on. Money and time has gotten the best of me in recent months, I started cleaning carbs on the side to make some money for my upcoming wedding in January....the bikes I COULD have bought/made with that money....haha. I'll be getting back to this one. Have some updates since last. New headlight, Got an Acewell gauge with digital tach and speedo. And finishing up some jetting (since they never made any bigger pilot jets and NOBODY has any that would fit...darn you Taikei carbs!) So I've been drilling them out with these INSANELY tiny drill bits.
Re: KZ550 bob/chop/cafe? Exhaust idea finally done!
Well, I am pleased to say that I have finally gotten back to this bike!!!! Drilled the pilots and she idles great now!!!! I got a vid for those who like to hear it. So, final specs so far on jets are Drilled Pilots to #79 drill bit, which is .038 compared to the stock .032 and it seems to be working great. Mains are Keihin 105s if I remember right. In the video there's a slight hesitation from closed to WOT, but the bike had only been running for 20 seconds or so, and not warmed up fully, so I'm not too worried there.
Re: KZ550 bob/chop/cafe? Exhaust idea finally done!
Got some more done today. Cleaned out the front brake, blasted the caliper so its not peeling black all over , and took it for a quick test drive. LOADS of power, so I must have assembled the engine correctly! Here's some more pics. Next up is the front headlight/gauge cover idea. Not sure where to start on it...so I'll just jump in. Also got some more side pics etc. Not set on the color yet, but I needed some basis for visual so I blacked out the tank and tail piece. Maybe just chill and do a silver frame and it will look nice. I originally wanted to do another color, but the engine might look out of place being all black and silver. Always open to suggestions. ONWARD!!
Re: KZ550 bob/chop/cafe? Exhaust idea finally done!
Got the Acewell wired up. I haven't done any of the blinkers, neutral switch etc..but I did do the tach which is a little off for now, I'll dial that in later. First pic is of it's nice glow! Second pic is when I turned the bike on, to show the digital tach working!
Re: KZ550 bob/chop/cafe? Exhaust idea finally done!
looking good. i had the same trapezoid master cylinder and it was trashed. i found a set of ZX636 master and calipers. the 636 master is 14mm same as the KZ.
Its a Custom Chrome part number. I'd say it cut things down about half! (but its still MAYYYYBE too loud.) I've only driven the bike maybe 1/4 mile since having them on...so I can't really report, only that I left the tangs inside there and those provide some decent backpressure, which is what I needed/wanted and from straight pipes it really did cut down on the sound decibels.
Re: KZ550 bob/chop/cafe? Exhaust idea finally done!
nice job-
you need some nice gaitor straps-i make some s/s wind up ones that the old triumphs used- will add to the finished bike, in my opinion there should not be hose clamps anywere on a bike.....i see your in mn too-you get to the cities for events?
joe
Re: KZ550 bob/chop/cafe? Exhaust idea finally done!
Haha, yeah I'm on one heck of a budget (practically nothing) since I'm getting married in January this next year (hence the really cheap hose clamps! But I'll look into your gaitor straps for sure! I'm thinking for now this is going to be a build it to ride it, and slowly pretty things up as I go along. I saw you had a 612 area code on your phone number on your site! Yeah I'm about 15 min from Washington Ave if I run straight down 35W. I'm just up in Circle Pines (near Blaine). If you know of any events I should be going to, let me know!
Re: KZ550 bob/chop/cafe? Exhaust idea finally done!
Not a ton tonight, but I did solve my seat issue I was having. Made some bracket things I can weld to the frame like their original ones. Should make it a flat spot and easier to make a real seat pan for. I decided I wanted to make the seat and tail piece come off as one. Here's the pics of those parts I made.
Got the balls to weld up the rear today. Feels good. My welding isn't perfect, but I think it turned out ok. Here's the back end buttoned up, and then I took the rear hoop and scooped out the inside so I can put the rear light in there. Should work great. Next up: Drilling holes for the lights to come through!
I've got a HH187 (Hobart Handler 187) Runs on 220v and its a MIG and I use gas. Right now using C25 but have full Argon if needed too, and I'm still learning quite a bit, but I can tell you one thing, I've come a LONGGGGGG way from the first birdshit welds and instead of sticking 2 pieces of metal together, they are actually welded. Thanks to a few guys along the way that said I wasn't getting enough penetration. Turn the heat up! ;D
Drilled a couple of the holes for the lights, pics later today as I keep going on that.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
Here's some more pics. Next up is the front headlight/gauge cover idea. Not sure where to start on it...so I'll just jump in. Also got some more side pics etc. Not set on the color yet, but I needed some basis for visual so I blacked out the tank and tail piece. Maybe just chill and do a silver frame and it will look nice. I originally wanted to do another color, but the engine might look out of place being all black and silver. Always open to suggestions. ONWARD!! 
