650kz 1981 cafe project - first timer

[jlar]

I'm new to this! and I have found some awesome stuff on the site so far. thanks jeffw, caferacer650, six206, and HerrDeacon (and loads of others) for posting your projects. They have been great for me!

So I bought a kz650 1981 a few weeks ago. I found it for a reasonable price, and loved it the moment I saw it - had to have it! This is my second bike ever, and the first time doing major work.

My first project: the seat.

 

[jlar]

shaping and fiberglassing

 

[jlar]

after I fiberglassed the first layer, the hardener and resin didn't cure, so I just went outside an blow dried it a bit. Its weird, because it cured fine in the mixing bucket.. I also just mixed a little bit more resin with double the hardener to see if a small layer of resin would help cure it. I'm a bit stuck, hoping I dont have to make a new seat.

 

[MJPriceisright]

doing a nice job there! if possible, could you take a step back and get a full side view of the bike? just looking at that radius you chose to slope the hump, looks pretty extreme. other than that youre doing an awesome job man!

 

[jlar]

ya, I think it might be a bit sloppy, I wanted it to fit my battery and electrical... check the whole pic out. let me know whatcha think. Its going to sit a bit lower (maybe an inch) after I saw some metal pieces sticking out of the bike...

 

[jlar]

I think the back looks a bit bigger because of the angle.. It doesn't seam that big when I look at it.. hum..

 

[jlar]

Yesterday I went and bought a air compressor and a few tools, like a grinder and a hand saw so I could remove some tabs on the frame. I was able to shape my seat a bit better, and see if the design sucked, but I think it's alright - we'll see once I paint.

Here is the progress, and a mock up of the color and style i'm going for.

speaking of paint, I was thinking of painting my engine matte black, or regular black... is it possible to make it look nice and last long without powder coating?

 

[kopcicle]

If you plan on continuing the theme you might want to look up member "viet" for his universal rearsets .
If you ever consider major engine upgrades I have an idea or three ;-)

~kop

 

[MJPriceisright]

I think this is what MJPrice meant about the Hump Slope...I also shortened the seat area and overhang a bit....Not as good as your method (Mine is pretty much cut n paste but you get the idea)

yes sir indeed. needs a good radius instead of being so sharp to rise up for the hump.

 

[jlar]

Oh my... you are amazing! I get the diagram, and see what you mean. I wasn't offended at the least, just stoked for the insight. 8)