‘79 Kz650B - Semi-Trackbike Build

[Streetfighterkz]

how is the pricing?

It was pretty good. I got ding’d an adjustment fee for not meeting the minimum order quantity but found a code for 15% off. Total was $33.51. I was looking at material on eBay and a sheet of .125 x 12” x 12” was around 1/2 that. I saved a bunch of time for my labor and it’s better than I could do with hand tools too.

Later, Doug

 

[doc_rot]

nice work. I have a HF 20 ton press and one of these swag offroad kits. can bend most anything you'd find on a motorcycle or car. a good tool investment for someone like yourself.

SWAG 20 TON Finger Brake DIY Builder Kit

20 TON Finger Brake Press DIY Builder Kit Press Brake kit comes un-assembled, you do the final assembly and welding. Designed to fit the Harbor Freight 20 ton hydraulic press Item # 32879, 60603 & 70603. Press brake kit includes an adjustable back stop for accurate and repeatable bends. . The...

www.swagoffroad.com

 

[Maritime]

nice work. I have a HF 20 ton press and one of these swag offroad kits. can bend most anything you'd find on a motorcycle or car. a good tool investment for someone like yourself.

http://[URL]https://www.swagoffroad.com/products/swag-20-ton-finger-brake-diy-builder-kit

[/URL]

How Did I not know this existed. I have the press and now I will be getting that brake for Christmas from Santa since I know him well and can swing it LOL.

 

[Streetfighterkz]

I have a HF 20 ton press and one of these swag offroad kits. can bend most anything you'd find on a motorcycle or car. a good tool investment for someone like yourself.

I’ve been wanting a setup like that for a long time, just don’t have the floor space for a press.

I have an older, cruder version of a vise brake similar to the one that Eastwood sells.

Eastwood 6 Inch Vise Mount Press Metal Brake

Make reinforcement channels, ribs and much more all with one convenient, easy to store tool.

www.eastwood.com

It works pretty well on 3/16” and thinner narrow flat bars. It was a real core on the full width of my bracket though.

Later, Doug


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Streetfighterkz]

Finally got around to machining my rear caliper bracket from my 3D printed prototype. Only took almost a year to start it…

Later, Doug

 

[Luugo86]

looks good man

 

[Streetfighterkz]

I was reluctant to do any frame mods, but I’m not restoring the bike nor is there much value if I ever did. Since grab handles are hard to find and I’m planning on using small aftermarket LED signals anyways, the stock brackets were ugly and unneeded. Out came the cut-off wheel, flapper wheel, file and sander. An hour later and the unsightly bracket was gone. Next up are the passenger peg/muffler mount brackets.

Later, Doug

 

[Streetfighterkz]

Cut off the muffler brackets, stock brake pedal stop tab and rear M/C mount (not original to the bike). I ended up using a Sawzall to cut the M/C tab as there was so much weld I wasn’t completely comfortable just trying to cut the welds. I still need to smooth the welds on the inside of the frame rail. I’ll do that when I break the bike down for paint, etc.

Later, Doug

 

[Streetfighterkz]

I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for rear turn signals. I figured an integrated LED taillight would be nice but no one makes one for the Honda taillight I’m using. I picked up a busted Cbr929RR light from eBay for cheap. The screw holes were about perfect to lining up but the board was too tall and no way to trim it without damaging the lighting circuits.

So I went and found another taillight in pieces this time for a Ducati Monster. A wee bit of notching and it fits great. Even the grommet plugs the old light socket well.

Later, Doug

 

[chesterburnet]

There's something very satisfying about de-tabbing and removing unused brackets off of a motorcycle frame.

 

[chesterburnet]

There's something very satisfying about de-tabbing and removing unused brackets off of a motorcycle frame.

 

[Streetfighterkz]

Designed and fabbed up a rear undertail for the bike since I no longer have, nor want, the stock rear fender. Pretty complex shape but Siemens NX has a really good Sheet Metal module. I printed the flat pattern at full scale and used 14ga 5052 aluminum

Later, Doug

 

[adventurco]

Looks good!

 

[Streetfighterkz]

So I’m at the point of tearing the bike down for painting, polishing etc. I’ve come to a cross roads on what to do with my existing 4–1 header. It’s rusty but not pitted as far as I can tell. I got a quote from Jet-Hot Coatings for $215 to blast and coat it not including shipping to and from them. A new 304SS header from Delkevic is $290. However, 1) I already fabbed a mid-pipe based on the outlet of the MAC header 2) I’m not a fan of the short collector and ugly pie-cut joint right after the Delkevic collector.

Thoughts on Jet-hot vs Delkevic vs sanding and some sort of home coating.

Later, Doug

 

[irk miller]

I did a chrome powder on a midpipe I made to match the chrome headers. I was really happy with the results. I say if you like the tune of the current exhaust, nothing wrong with doing a blast and powder over going for the Delkevic. The powder on mine has a bit of an orange peel, so I suspect a pro shop would've come out much closer to true chrome. It's worth seeing some samples, if they have them.

 

[Streetfighterkz]

I did a chrome powder on a midpipe I made to match the chrome headers. I was really happy with the results. I say if you like the tune of the current exhaust, nothing wrong with doing a blast and powder over going for the Delkevic. The powder on mine has a bit of an orange peel, so I suspect a pro shop would've come out much closer to true chrome. It's worth seeing some samples, if they have them.

The Jet-hot Classic coating is supposed to look like polished SS. I’ve not seen their work up close and not sure how I could really. Probably leaning toward having them coat my header even if it will be more $$.

Later, Doug

 

[Streetfighterkz]

Getting down to the final few tasks I can do before tearing the bike down. One of the things that needed done before painting the bodywork was trimming the right side cover to clear the M/C reservoir. A little time with some files and it should be good to go.

And welded on a couple nuts for attaching the rear fender eliminator.

Made a To-Do for probably the first time ever for a bike I’ve worked on/built. Normally, I just make mental lists.

Started pulling the bike apart finally. Still need to do a couple things up front before the tank and forks can be pulled off.

Later, Doug

 

[doc_rot]

I always make lists for stuff like this. It helps me break it down into manageable tasks and stay on track. usually i just write it out on a piece of a cardboard box and tape it to the wall. lol

 

[Streetfighterkz]

This is probably the first real list I’ve made for any of my projects or bikes I’ve worked on. Previously, it’s all been in mental lists!

Later, Doug

 

[Streetfighterkz]

Blew the bike apart last night and placed the engine on my stand. I’m wanting to scrub the engine down some while it’s out of the frame. It actually pretty clean but has some dirt and grime in the hard to reach spots, of course.

Hoping the weather takes a turn for the better so I can paint the frame once I get done cleaning it up.

Later, Doug