KZ550 build thread. "Little Bastard"
- Thread starter six206
- Start date
six206
Active Member
Re: KZ550 build thread. Gross Cafe!
Ive been thinking about clip ons. I can modify the stock headlight mounts There's a few crotch rockets that are being parted out right now on craigslist so I want to see if they have anything that I can use. A newer front master cylinder and clutch lever would be cool.
Ive been thinking about clip ons. I can modify the stock headlight mounts There's a few crotch rockets that are being parted out right now on craigslist so I want to see if they have anything that I can use. A newer front master cylinder and clutch lever would be cool.
MotorbikeBruno
Over 1,000 Posts
Re: KZ550 build thread. Gross Cafe!
Well, one thing I remember I had to do, was during the carb sync, I had to put the slides all at their lowest setting. Since they are mechanical carbs, they are completely dependent on the throttle cable (no vacuum operated slides) If you don't have a sync gauge, NOW is the time to spend the 90 bucks for either a Motion Pro (non mercury) or some of the other style. Also, If I were you, I'd put some mini drag baffles in like I did. Gave it some decent backpressure that was needed for sure. It idles much better that way. And I think it may cure your lean issue too. You can buy new Main jets for the thing at your local shop if they carry old jets, so you don't have to drill them out...I'm running 110's if I remember right (which I may not so I should really go check!)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5-SHORT-LOUVERED-EXHAUST-BAFFLE-free-shipping-2-/150595698810?hash=item231034007a&item=150595698810&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr
Well, one thing I remember I had to do, was during the carb sync, I had to put the slides all at their lowest setting. Since they are mechanical carbs, they are completely dependent on the throttle cable (no vacuum operated slides) If you don't have a sync gauge, NOW is the time to spend the 90 bucks for either a Motion Pro (non mercury) or some of the other style. Also, If I were you, I'd put some mini drag baffles in like I did. Gave it some decent backpressure that was needed for sure. It idles much better that way. And I think it may cure your lean issue too. You can buy new Main jets for the thing at your local shop if they carry old jets, so you don't have to drill them out...I'm running 110's if I remember right (which I may not so I should really go check!)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5-SHORT-LOUVERED-EXHAUST-BAFFLE-free-shipping-2-/150595698810?hash=item231034007a&item=150595698810&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr
six206
Active Member
Re: KZ550 build thread. Gross Cafe!
I know it needs some back pressure... thanks for the link, I can fab up something that looks like that. I've made baffles for lake pipes on hot rods before with smaller tubes and then pack them with baffle material (like steel wool but heat resistant) I'm going to go home today and play with making a baffle that will fit into the collector at the end of header. I have a box full of header bends and scrap from other projects. I think the ID of the collector is a little smaller than 2.5". I'll post what I come up with.
I know it needs some back pressure... thanks for the link, I can fab up something that looks like that. I've made baffles for lake pipes on hot rods before with smaller tubes and then pack them with baffle material (like steel wool but heat resistant) I'm going to go home today and play with making a baffle that will fit into the collector at the end of header. I have a box full of header bends and scrap from other projects. I think the ID of the collector is a little smaller than 2.5". I'll post what I come up with.
MotorbikeBruno
Over 1,000 Posts
Re: KZ550 build thread. Gross Cafe!
Sounds good. I think it will help immensely.
Sounds good. I think it will help immensely.
six206
Active Member
Re: KZ550 build thread. Gross Cafe!
So I made a quick and dirty baffle out of exhaust pipe reducers (sorry no pics) that fit snugly inside the pipe... drilled it full of holes and packed it with a stainless dish scrubber. Made a little difference but not a whole lot. A little quieter too. I still can't get it down to idle speed, not enough fuel to match the air. The rest of the range is fine though. I'll make the pilots 1 size bigger and see what happens.
So I made a quick and dirty baffle out of exhaust pipe reducers (sorry no pics) that fit snugly inside the pipe... drilled it full of holes and packed it with a stainless dish scrubber. Made a little difference but not a whole lot. A little quieter too. I still can't get it down to idle speed, not enough fuel to match the air. The rest of the range is fine though. I'll make the pilots 1 size bigger and see what happens.
six206
Active Member
Re: KZ550 build thread. Gross Cafe!
Finally!!! got it to idle at 14-1500. Went up one size on pilot jets. The filters and baffle helped a lot. I'll try and get a video up of it running. Because the carbs are still a little out of sync it sounds like an old drag bike when it's idling, just lumpy pop. HAHAH
Finally!!! got it to idle at 14-1500. Went up one size on pilot jets. The filters and baffle helped a lot. I'll try and get a video up of it running. Because the carbs are still a little out of sync it sounds like an old drag bike when it's idling, just lumpy pop. HAHAH
MotorbikeBruno
Over 1,000 Posts
Re: KZ550 build thread. Gross Cafe!
Isn't that sound amazing!? When I first fired it up I was like WTF? Out of this little 550? My dad loves the sound (although he says it IS a bit loud). Congrats on getting her to run right man! Synchronizing makes it that much better. Get some video, I'm diggin' this build. I didn't notice Vonyinzer's post above, but for what it's worth, I agree with him. I love my Clip-on's and they are WAY more comfortable than the clubmans...keep it up.
Isn't that sound amazing!? When I first fired it up I was like WTF? Out of this little 550? My dad loves the sound (although he says it IS a bit loud). Congrats on getting her to run right man! Synchronizing makes it that much better. Get some video, I'm diggin' this build. I didn't notice Vonyinzer's post above, but for what it's worth, I agree with him. I love my Clip-on's and they are WAY more comfortable than the clubmans...keep it up.
seth.sundquist
New Member
Re: KZ550 build thread. Gross Cafe!
very nice scoot man. ill be following this close as im currently doing a 650.
very nice scoot man. ill be following this close as im currently doing a 650.
six206
Active Member
Re: KZ550 build thread. Gross Cafe!
Yeah, I thought the same thing. All that coming out of a little 550. No wonder all the drag bikes are out of bigger Kawas. Speaking of which this company is awesome.
http://kzzone.com/
If I do another one I'll put a little money in the motor and it will destroy everything on the street. I really like their reed valve covers. I was just going to cut mine and braze the holes shut, but now I'm considering these- http://kzzone.com/billet.html
And thanks Seth, but this is the real scoot. 29ccs of pure power.
Yeah, I thought the same thing. All that coming out of a little 550. No wonder all the drag bikes are out of bigger Kawas. Speaking of which this company is awesome.
http://kzzone.com/
If I do another one I'll put a little money in the motor and it will destroy everything on the street. I really like their reed valve covers. I was just going to cut mine and braze the holes shut, but now I'm considering these- http://kzzone.com/billet.html
And thanks Seth, but this is the real scoot. 29ccs of pure power.
six206
Active Member
Okay, here's an update.
Went to a local V-twin shop and picked up a pretty decent Harley front fender for FREE! to make a quarter fender for the rear. It was in really good shape and the guy that runs the shop was really cool. He had tons of questions about the bike, "I've never really been into the JAP stuff but you kids are doing some cool shit." He also showed me his nitro drag bike... You have to have several screws loose to sit on a motor that burns nitro-methane. So I came home and welded up a little shark fin looking bracket out of aluminum with some holes in it to hold it in place.
Then it was on to wiring. I've wired tons of cars before and its easy, so much space to hide shit but I don't know how you guys do it with turn signals and and neutral lights and all that. I knew from the beginning the only wires I needed were for GO and STOP and a headlight. I didn't think I was going to get everything to fit into the tail...
Before I trimmed everything to fit I fired it up to make sure everything was good.
http://youtu.be/ISV4IBRrO9M
But I did. The battery, starter solenoid, my homemade electronic ignition and rectifier are all crammed into about a 8" x 5" space. Here it is all tidied up.
Also found out today that honda locking gas caps don't take a real key (mine doesn't at least) I went to a lock smith and asked to get a key mad and he said $50, I said I would rather get a new on off fleabay and went home. I drilled the rivet that holds the cap on took it off and realized that there were no tumblers in the cylinder. just needed some WD40 to free it up and I was good to go. Also the petcock bung on the tank is 1/2" pipe thread, so with some hardware fittings and and $1.99 fuel filter I was ready to roll.
Here she it before the maiden voyage. Felt awesome on the road but I still need to play with the jetting, after about 6500 rpm it starts popping and spitting like its starving for fuel. but every where else it's awesome. Just popped it to 6th gear and cruised some back roads for a while until a polite police officer asked me to go home and leave it in the garage until I get some tags. He then showed me a pic of his bobber that hes working on and said he knows the feeling and he did the same thing last week.
Gotta sort out the bar situation but gawdamn this thing is fun.
Went to a local V-twin shop and picked up a pretty decent Harley front fender for FREE! to make a quarter fender for the rear. It was in really good shape and the guy that runs the shop was really cool. He had tons of questions about the bike, "I've never really been into the JAP stuff but you kids are doing some cool shit." He also showed me his nitro drag bike... You have to have several screws loose to sit on a motor that burns nitro-methane. So I came home and welded up a little shark fin looking bracket out of aluminum with some holes in it to hold it in place.
Then it was on to wiring. I've wired tons of cars before and its easy, so much space to hide shit but I don't know how you guys do it with turn signals and and neutral lights and all that. I knew from the beginning the only wires I needed were for GO and STOP and a headlight. I didn't think I was going to get everything to fit into the tail...
Before I trimmed everything to fit I fired it up to make sure everything was good.
http://youtu.be/ISV4IBRrO9M
But I did. The battery, starter solenoid, my homemade electronic ignition and rectifier are all crammed into about a 8" x 5" space. Here it is all tidied up.
Also found out today that honda locking gas caps don't take a real key (mine doesn't at least) I went to a lock smith and asked to get a key mad and he said $50, I said I would rather get a new on off fleabay and went home. I drilled the rivet that holds the cap on took it off and realized that there were no tumblers in the cylinder. just needed some WD40 to free it up and I was good to go. Also the petcock bung on the tank is 1/2" pipe thread, so with some hardware fittings and and $1.99 fuel filter I was ready to roll.
Here she it before the maiden voyage. Felt awesome on the road but I still need to play with the jetting, after about 6500 rpm it starts popping and spitting like its starving for fuel. but every where else it's awesome. Just popped it to 6th gear and cruised some back roads for a while until a polite police officer asked me to go home and leave it in the garage until I get some tags. He then showed me a pic of his bobber that hes working on and said he knows the feeling and he did the same thing last week.
Gotta sort out the bar situation but gawdamn this thing is fun.
MotorbikeBruno
Over 1,000 Posts
Congrats man! One of the fastest builds on here! haha
tonofun
New Member
Looking good neighbor! You are a creative SOB.......I mean that in a good way LOL. Next time you are up in Cruces, lets talk bikes. Im feelin the handmade items on your bike, ie: velos, seat etc. I have a couple of projects going on now. My older Bro...who is retired jumped on the wagon with me and is now doing a RZ350. Keep in touch. Again the "little bastard" is lookin sweet!!
six206
Active Member
Thanks, I'm getting my plate tomorrow so we will see how it dose on the way to Las Cruces. Also made a bar end mirror out of yet another flea market find. I just machined a pug for the bars and then cut the mounting bracket off the mirror and threaded it. Worked out pretty well I think.
Cosmetics are going coming but are pretty far down on the list. I want to leave the tail bare metal and maybe just do a scallop design on the side of the tank and leave the rest bare as well. What do you guys think?
Cosmetics are going coming but are pretty far down on the list. I want to leave the tail bare metal and maybe just do a scallop design on the side of the tank and leave the rest bare as well. What do you guys think?
casper3043
Active Member
i'm really like the bare metal look...thinking about stripping the paint of my kz650 tank. hmmmmmm
AWDimprezal
New Member
Holy shit, someone else using a honda tank! Fantastic, check out my 750...
six206
Active Member
Good eye on the tank! Yeah, while i was digging through the pile of tanks at the junk yard I found that one and knew it had to be that tank. And the lines fit that frame so well I didn't want to fuck it up by smashing in some knee dents. The trick was getting it sit level but it worked out great.
six206
Active Member
Nothing new really other than a seat. Made a pan and covered it in nice saddle leather. It's temporary for the moment because I'm having another one done by a friend at Rocket Buster Boots here in El Paso http://www.rocketbuster.com/ Check them out! It's going to take a while though.
I've got about 500 miles on it now and have been commuting to work for 2 weeks (50 miles round trip) and the little bastard hasn't missed a beat.
I've got about 500 miles on it now and have been commuting to work for 2 weeks (50 miles round trip) and the little bastard hasn't missed a beat.
