I will be watching this one. 
My KZ440 / KZ400 Cafe Project(s) – Turbocharged 440, Daily 400
- Thread starter mcge8241
- Start date
scarlson06
Brat Tracker?
I just read through what you have hear and i'll be watching this as well now. Excited for that turbo.
Got bored yesterday and have essentially finished the KZ400, here are some pics and a video:
KZ400 Cafe Racer - Cold Start
The only thing I am not very fond of on this bike is the seat. Might look into one of those foam/cover deals. Not sure, but I don't want to spend a fortune on this bike, and want to get working on the KZ440 now.
Anyways, I JUST got some insurance put on this bike and will be getting a plate on Tuesday after the Labor Day holiday, so I can ride her around town finally! Only a few things left to finish...I need a license plate bracket/light and need to decide where to mount the plate. Also the turn signal blinker hates my LEDs, when you try to indicate all four lights just turn on constant. I ordered a "no load" blinker on eBay yesterday, which should fix this issue.
Besides that, there is probably a bit more of clutch adjustment to be done (wouldnt move at all when it was in gear, and now it seems to slip at high-rpm). That and I need to find some SS zipties to hang the muffler from because the hose clamps I am using now look like shit. I might also just go out and get a new battery too...this old one seems to be circling the drain, so to speak. Other than that...it's really done. Just need to get my new helmet (also ordered) and ride the thing!
As for the turbo 440, I'm still in the planning stages. I can't decide if I want to mount the turbo in front of the engine, or under the seat. I think under the seat would look much cooler, but it would be more difficult to fabricate pipes, the intake manifold/plenum, and it would be hot! In-front of the engine gives me much more room for intake-related fabrication, but at the expense of looking good. Thoughts? I might try to mock some stuff up in photoshop to see how bad it really would look...
But I've almost decided to run Microsquirt on this bike (EFI standalone conversion). The unit has been on sale latley, and I could pick one up for less than $200. I might just jump on it the next time they are having a sale...that's a steal of a deal.
Until next time...I'll be riding finally!
KZ400 Cafe Racer - Cold Start
The only thing I am not very fond of on this bike is the seat. Might look into one of those foam/cover deals. Not sure, but I don't want to spend a fortune on this bike, and want to get working on the KZ440 now.
Anyways, I JUST got some insurance put on this bike and will be getting a plate on Tuesday after the Labor Day holiday, so I can ride her around town finally! Only a few things left to finish...I need a license plate bracket/light and need to decide where to mount the plate. Also the turn signal blinker hates my LEDs, when you try to indicate all four lights just turn on constant. I ordered a "no load" blinker on eBay yesterday, which should fix this issue.
Besides that, there is probably a bit more of clutch adjustment to be done (wouldnt move at all when it was in gear, and now it seems to slip at high-rpm). That and I need to find some SS zipties to hang the muffler from because the hose clamps I am using now look like shit. I might also just go out and get a new battery too...this old one seems to be circling the drain, so to speak. Other than that...it's really done. Just need to get my new helmet (also ordered) and ride the thing!
As for the turbo 440, I'm still in the planning stages. I can't decide if I want to mount the turbo in front of the engine, or under the seat. I think under the seat would look much cooler, but it would be more difficult to fabricate pipes, the intake manifold/plenum, and it would be hot! In-front of the engine gives me much more room for intake-related fabrication, but at the expense of looking good. Thoughts? I might try to mock some stuff up in photoshop to see how bad it really would look...
But I've almost decided to run Microsquirt on this bike (EFI standalone conversion). The unit has been on sale latley, and I could pick one up for less than $200. I might just jump on it the next time they are having a sale...that's a steal of a deal.
Until next time...I'll be riding finally!
Shermanator86
Big guy on a little bike
the 400 will be a nice little run around, kind of liking the can, fmf? As for the front mount turbo looking good, it's a turbo on a 440 anywhere is going to look badass imo haha, might look a bit messy but I'm usally one for function over form anyway.
The can is actually off a Yamaha WR450. I got it for free from a buddy who parts out bikes/atvs/jetskis/etc. I took out the silencer and just slapped it on. I actually like the sound a lot...I was afraid it would be too quiet and I would have to rip it off and run open header!
Got it plated and took the KZ400 for it's first ride in what must have been a few years.
LOVE, love, love the bike. It's got a few issues, but I'm sorting through all of them. The drum brakes suck, I can't stop nearly as quickly as I could on my Buell...I actually went to stop for a red light and ended up rolling right through the intersection and stalling. I very much mis-calculated, and should have just opened it up.
That being said, there does not seem to be as much power as I thought there would be. It struggles on the highway unless I am drafting someone. I highly doubt she'd do the ton even if I had the gearing.
Also the clutch seems to be slipping up top. Not sure if that means the oil should be different, or what. I'll have to look into any adjustments I might be able to make.
Finally, I suspect the carbs need to be dialed in a bit to get the "best" power. Im not too familiar with carbed bike (or points adjustment or anything like that), but I feel like she should be at least a little bit quicker... or it's just that she is struggling to haul my fat ass around.
Either way, I love the thing. It's a riot to ride and I essentially put it together from a box of parts. More pics as the rest of my misc. stuff comes in over the next week or two.
LOVE, love, love the bike. It's got a few issues, but I'm sorting through all of them. The drum brakes suck, I can't stop nearly as quickly as I could on my Buell...I actually went to stop for a red light and ended up rolling right through the intersection and stalling. I very much mis-calculated, and should have just opened it up.
That being said, there does not seem to be as much power as I thought there would be. It struggles on the highway unless I am drafting someone. I highly doubt she'd do the ton even if I had the gearing.
Also the clutch seems to be slipping up top. Not sure if that means the oil should be different, or what. I'll have to look into any adjustments I might be able to make.
Finally, I suspect the carbs need to be dialed in a bit to get the "best" power. Im not too familiar with carbed bike (or points adjustment or anything like that), but I feel like she should be at least a little bit quicker... or it's just that she is struggling to haul my fat ass around.
Either way, I love the thing. It's a riot to ride and I essentially put it together from a box of parts. More pics as the rest of my misc. stuff comes in over the next week or two.
The turbo on the front of the bike would be your best bet. It's right near the headers and will require a lot less plumbing. As you mentioned, that thing gets damn hot, too.
If you're going to make the switch to EFI, get ready for some engineering challenges. Your bike, in its stock form, doesn't likely supply enough wattage to run everything you'll need. A necessary addition for EFI is, of course, the ECU, related sensors, and the injectors, but you're also going to need a fuel pump. An oil pump to scavenge the return line will also be a good investment to keep the turbo from burning oil and/or blowing seals (this will actually be a necessity if your turbo is mounted below the level of your sump). You'll need to plumb all new fuel lines and fab intake headers (hopefully fed from a plenum). If you're ready to tackle it, I would love to follow along.
If you're going to make the switch to EFI, get ready for some engineering challenges. Your bike, in its stock form, doesn't likely supply enough wattage to run everything you'll need. A necessary addition for EFI is, of course, the ECU, related sensors, and the injectors, but you're also going to need a fuel pump. An oil pump to scavenge the return line will also be a good investment to keep the turbo from burning oil and/or blowing seals (this will actually be a necessity if your turbo is mounted below the level of your sump). You'll need to plumb all new fuel lines and fab intake headers (hopefully fed from a plenum). If you're ready to tackle it, I would love to follow along.
reelinfeele
Been Around the Block
The ton will be difficult. Easier if you are less than 150lbs. I have a blast on mine.
For what it's worth, top speed is a function of horsepower and coefficient of drag. Weight only affects how quickly you accelerate, not your terminal velocity.
In theory, a 300 pound guy on a bike will go just as fast as a 150 pound guy on the same bike, so long as they have the same wind resistance.
In theory, a 300 pound guy on a bike will go just as fast as a 150 pound guy on the same bike, so long as they have the same wind resistance.
Electrical and mechanical fabrication is not really a concern, it's just time. I've done way, way, way more complicated modifications and fabrication that I anticipate on this bike.
I'm going to make the efi switch a winter project, and do it right...one step at a time.
Yeah I'm just over 200. Absent a down-hill slope and an empty expressway, I wont be hitting 100mph on this bike, ever. I dont really plan to even ride it on the expressway to be honest...more fun around town anyways.
I'm going to make the efi switch a winter project, and do it right...one step at a time.
Yeah I'm just over 200. Absent a down-hill slope and an empty expressway, I wont be hitting 100mph on this bike, ever. I dont really plan to even ride it on the expressway to be honest...more fun around town anyways.
I've put about 100 miles on the bike and have really enjoyed riding it. There are a few issues with it, but all of them are fairly manageable...small oil leak from one of the lash adjustment covers (new gasket ordered), and erratic idle RPM (new carb holders ordered). Besides that, the only thing worth mentioning is that the shitty chinese masterlink that I had used broke and I threw the chain off the bike while riding yesterday. Got a legit masterlink and all is well now.
Anyways, onto some of the more fun stuff... I've decided to do a "fighter jet" theme for the turbo 440 bike...seems only appropriate, as the bike is going to sound like a jet engine. SO! I've ordered some stuff to help with this!
First up are some gauges from a MIG-15...airspeed and tach. I have no intention of actually using these gauges, only the gauge face will be used...stock KZ440 "guts" will be transplanted. The tach will be identical, the speedo won't line up at all, but the displayed units will be "close enough" that I will know if I am doing 50mph v 20mph v 100mph.
And finally, for my engine start button, I have a missile fire button from a British Harrier:
More pics, of course, as the project moves forward.
Anyways, onto some of the more fun stuff... I've decided to do a "fighter jet" theme for the turbo 440 bike...seems only appropriate, as the bike is going to sound like a jet engine. SO! I've ordered some stuff to help with this!
First up are some gauges from a MIG-15...airspeed and tach. I have no intention of actually using these gauges, only the gauge face will be used...stock KZ440 "guts" will be transplanted. The tach will be identical, the speedo won't line up at all, but the displayed units will be "close enough" that I will know if I am doing 50mph v 20mph v 100mph.
And finally, for my engine start button, I have a missile fire button from a British Harrier:
More pics, of course, as the project moves forward.
ariel.714 o/c
Monkey see monkey do is all i see now days!
Hey man i was just wondering if you had any spare engine parts to the kz 400 that you might want to off?
I like the gauges. I actualy put a functioning airspeed gauge on my kz400. They are a great conversation piece.
mcge8241 said:I've put about 100 miles on the bike and have really enjoyed riding it. There are a few issues with it, but all of them are fairly manageable...small oil leak from one of the lash adjustment covers (new gasket ordered), and erratic idle RPM (new carb holders ordered). Besides that, the only thing worth mentioning is that the shitty chinese masterlink that I had used broke and I threw the chain off the bike while riding yesterday. Got a legit masterlink and all is well now.
Anyways, onto some of the more fun stuff... I've decided to do a "fighter jet" theme for the turbo 440 bike...seems only appropriate, as the bike is going to sound like a jet engine. SO! I've ordered some stuff to help with this!
First up are some gauges from a MIG-15...airspeed and tach. I have no intention of actually using these gauges, only the gauge face will be used...stock KZ440 "guts" will be transplanted. The tach will be identical, the speedo won't line up at all, but the displayed units will be "close enough" that I will know if I am doing 50mph v 20mph v 100mph.
And finally, for my engine start button, I have a missile fire button from a British Harrier:
More pics, of course, as the project moves forward.
Moving right along. Been riding the 400 and loving it. I've had a few problems, working through them one at a time. Pretty bad oil leaks at first, and extremely erratic idle. Pods, carb adjustment, etc. All messing it up. I also ordered new tires, a new chain and sprockets, and some other goodies. The thing is still a riot!
Havent made much progress on the 440...been helping my buddy with his XL350 and have been up to other nonsense. I picked up a third project bike; a 1980 KZ650 inline 4. It's a complete bike (with a crapload of extra stuff) and the guy delivered it for $100 with a title. I may just use the brakes / wheels / swingarm for my 440 (much beefier and will take the extra power) and part out the rest, or I might actually work on the KZ650 too, at a later point. It's a pretty clean bike...talked to the previous owner for a long time about it. He was the second owner, he hooned the shit out of it, and really knew what he was doing. He thought it was lower on power at one point, so he did a compression test and one cyl was a bit low. He tore it down intending to rebuild it bigger, but found that the rings had just lined up one one cylinder. He got bored and never put it back together. So, yea, the engine is fully dissassembled and in boxes, but it all seems to be there. Going to go through it in a bit and take some pics. Might just do a quick hone and re-assemble the bitch. Or, might sell it off as a project to someone after I take what I want and sell what has real value. Thoughts/opinions?
Pics later today!
Havent made much progress on the 440...been helping my buddy with his XL350 and have been up to other nonsense. I picked up a third project bike; a 1980 KZ650 inline 4. It's a complete bike (with a crapload of extra stuff) and the guy delivered it for $100 with a title. I may just use the brakes / wheels / swingarm for my 440 (much beefier and will take the extra power) and part out the rest, or I might actually work on the KZ650 too, at a later point. It's a pretty clean bike...talked to the previous owner for a long time about it. He was the second owner, he hooned the shit out of it, and really knew what he was doing. He thought it was lower on power at one point, so he did a compression test and one cyl was a bit low. He tore it down intending to rebuild it bigger, but found that the rings had just lined up one one cylinder. He got bored and never put it back together. So, yea, the engine is fully dissassembled and in boxes, but it all seems to be there. Going to go through it in a bit and take some pics. Might just do a quick hone and re-assemble the bitch. Or, might sell it off as a project to someone after I take what I want and sell what has real value. Thoughts/opinions?
Pics later today!
No time for a super detailed update, but needless to say this bike is pretty much done (the 400). Take a look; had a seat modified and covered ($105 bucks for material and labor), got new shocks, painted the wheels, put new tires on, put some vinyl on, etc.
Also finally fixed the oil leak by replacing some o-rings on the rocker arm eccentric shafts.
Hope you guys love it as much as I do!
Also finally fixed the oil leak by replacing some o-rings on the rocker arm eccentric shafts.
Hope you guys love it as much as I do!
modifiedamerican
Been Around the Block
very nice
