1979 Kawasaki KZ650 C3 "Blue Bessie"
- Thread starter mark13018
- Start date
compoundcycles
Been Around the Block
looks fun
mark13018
"In the age of information, ignorance is a choice
Thanks a lot guys for the flattery 
The bike is coming along pretty good. Slower than what I would like but I am working on the cafe as well as 3 others right now.
With just getting my PS4 today my progress may slow for a little bit ;D
As far as updates, there isn't much but here is what I have and it is getting close. The dash/gauges are a little high in the pics and I need to fab up a bracket for them. I got the headlight on and some other things. The seat is supposed to be done soon and I'll have it on there.
The bike is coming along pretty good. Slower than what I would like but I am working on the cafe as well as 3 others right now.
With just getting my PS4 today my progress may slow for a little bit ;D
veaone said:
As far as updates, there isn't much but here is what I have and it is getting close. The dash/gauges are a little high in the pics and I need to fab up a bracket for them. I got the headlight on and some other things. The seat is supposed to be done soon and I'll have it on there.
mark13018
"In the age of information, ignorance is a choice
Had a little time before I went into work for my 70 hr work weeks.
Roughly fabbed up what I'm going to use for the bracket for the mono shock top. I'm going to put an angle and end piece on the one with the open end and put the shock tabs on when welding. The bottom was much easier because the knuckle connects right at the lower portion of the frame that's already there so just two tabs welded onto that and that's done.
After this I just need the rear sprocket hub machined down a bit (I think the measurement was 4.3mm but it's written down at home) and MAYBE I'll flop that engine out and just rattle can enamel the frame and reassemble before spring. This one doesn't have much work left to be done
Roughly fabbed up what I'm going to use for the bracket for the mono shock top. I'm going to put an angle and end piece on the one with the open end and put the shock tabs on when welding. The bottom was much easier because the knuckle connects right at the lower portion of the frame that's already there so just two tabs welded onto that and that's done.
After this I just need the rear sprocket hub machined down a bit (I think the measurement was 4.3mm but it's written down at home) and MAYBE I'll flop that engine out and just rattle can enamel the frame and reassemble before spring. This one doesn't have much work left to be done
mark13018
"In the age of information, ignorance is a choice
We have a major blizzard here and I can't drive to work :'( hahaha... So I worked in the garage instead. I got the mono shock done... Here are some pictures with most of the details.
Now I'm debating whether I should tear down to clean up a little more and paint the frame this winter or no?
I am liking how it is turning out.. My seat is still unfinished but out for upholstery now.
Now I'm debating whether I should tear down to clean up a little more and paint the frame this winter or no?
I am liking how it is turning out.. My seat is still unfinished but out for upholstery now.
Streetfighterkz
Been Around the Block
Nice job on the stance. I think it looks perfect.
Later, Doug
Later, Doug
mark13018
"In the age of information, ignorance is a choice
Got a welder and welded for the first time, after practice of course, on the girders for the tabs on the bottom side of the monoshock.
Painted the rear section of the frame since most of it has been changed, shaved, or added to and I don't want it to rust before I do the frame up right later.
Got new sprockets and chain mounted, I had to have a local machine shop take off 6mm from the sprocket hub even after I got the 3/8" offset front sprocket... I also bought the JT high performance X-ring chain for it. Not an o-ring. I think it lines up damn near perfectly now.
Just shoved all the electrics in the spot where I want them but the aren't organized yet. I also need to find a different battery, possibly smaller and definitely sealed. I may need to hide it sideways.
Got new levers and a new clutch line on and the sprocket cover on.
I'm sure I'm forgetting some things. It was a late night and a lot of work.
Here's some pics.
Painted the rear section of the frame since most of it has been changed, shaved, or added to and I don't want it to rust before I do the frame up right later.
Got new sprockets and chain mounted, I had to have a local machine shop take off 6mm from the sprocket hub even after I got the 3/8" offset front sprocket... I also bought the JT high performance X-ring chain for it. Not an o-ring. I think it lines up damn near perfectly now.
Just shoved all the electrics in the spot where I want them but the aren't organized yet. I also need to find a different battery, possibly smaller and definitely sealed. I may need to hide it sideways.
Got new levers and a new clutch line on and the sprocket cover on.
I'm sure I'm forgetting some things. It was a late night and a lot of work.
Here's some pics.
The_Stache
Been Around the Block
Wow. This thing looks wild! I don't know if it's the seat or the swingarm, maybe both. It looks stretched to the max!
Good work. My first bike was a KZ. Love it.
Good work. My first bike was a KZ. Love it.
mark13018
"In the age of information, ignorance is a choice
So, hooked up a battery to it and she fired right up!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
I still have more work to finish on it but it is small things, usually those are the ones that take the longest though unfortunately.
If you've been following the thread you know all about the bike.
Here's a video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mv2-NPfMsc
( I can't figure out how to embed the youtube video )
I still have more work to finish on it but it is small things, usually those are the ones that take the longest though unfortunately.
If you've been following the thread you know all about the bike.
Here's a video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mv2-NPfMsc
( I can't figure out how to embed the youtube video
)
mark13018
"In the age of information, ignorance is a choice
FINALLY!!! My seat is complete!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I have the carbs back off because the shitty aftermarket bowl gaskets were leaking even though my fuel level was within specs (2.5mm-4.5mm).
The fork seals need replaced, brakes gone through, and a custom mount for my dash and I think that's it to get it on the road.
Anyways, here are pictures of the seat sitting on it. ;D ;D
I have the carbs back off because the shitty aftermarket bowl gaskets were leaking even though my fuel level was within specs (2.5mm-4.5mm).
The fork seals need replaced, brakes gone through, and a custom mount for my dash and I think that's it to get it on the road.
Anyways, here are pictures of the seat sitting on it. ;D ;D
mark13018
"In the age of information, ignorance is a choice
Ok, Been awhile so I'm going to bomb you with some photos and the bike running now.
It is finished and I'm going to ride it tomorrow. If plans stay and it doesn't freaking rain
I mocked up my electronics tray with cardboard then bent some aluminum to make the finial draft.
Got band new Michelin shoes.
rebuilt the forks and in the process one of the bottom bolts came free with the impact faster than I thought I it spilled on the floor. They were about half as full as they needed to be at 7oz and it was very very nasty... I've tried about 5 different brands of fork seals and this time I used all balls. Not impressed at all with KS, K&L, and bike master. OEM ones are nice if you can find them at all let alone a decent price.
I had to cut the sprocket cover in three places, one due to the FZR1000 swing arm, and to for the offset x-ring chain rubbing where it flairs inwards.
Used a CRF450 rear brake reservoir to conceal and conserve space and it turn out VERY nicely. I had to custom weld and make brackets for me to be able to actually use it though. ;D (clearances are SUPER TIGHT!!)
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It is finished and I'm going to ride it tomorrow. If plans stay and it doesn't freaking rain
I mocked up my electronics tray with cardboard then bent some aluminum to make the finial draft.
Got band new Michelin shoes.
rebuilt the forks and in the process one of the bottom bolts came free with the impact faster than I thought I it spilled on the floor. They were about half as full as they needed to be at 7oz and it was very very nasty... I've tried about 5 different brands of fork seals and this time I used all balls. Not impressed at all with KS, K&L, and bike master. OEM ones are nice if you can find them at all let alone a decent price.
I had to cut the sprocket cover in three places, one due to the FZR1000 swing arm, and to for the offset x-ring chain rubbing where it flairs inwards.
Used a CRF450 rear brake reservoir to conceal and conserve space and it turn out VERY nicely. I had to custom weld and make brackets for me to be able to actually use it though. ;D (clearances are SUPER TIGHT!!)
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