KZ 400 Kawakazi Almost Finished!!!

[veaone]

I recently picked up a 1978 Kawasaki KZ400 in a pretty good condition. Almost stripped the whole thing down other day. I recently became a big fan of DTT and got really inspired by the work all of you guys do, and hope i can get some help along the way with my build.

 

[veaone]

KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

First thing i need to do is to clean up the engine. I have ordered a gasket set for around $50 and originally was planing on taking the engine apart. Now i think i just might take off the top end and clean that up. Do you think if i should even do that or just paint the engine and put it back on? Also i have a pair of Keihin VB32 Carbs that have been rebuild. Most likely i will need to rejet, but the problem is the jets for this carbs are nowhere to be found. It has a Main, Secondary and Pilot Jet. Would you know where i can find this jets?

 

[Shermanator86]

Re: KZ 400 Project Build

Looks like a pretty clean bike your starting with man, what plans do you have for it?

 

[veaone]

KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

Looks like a pretty clean bike your starting with man, what plans do you have for it?

Thanks! I first was a bit hesitant to tare down such a nice survivor, but i am hoping it will look even better in the future. Currently i plan to tighten up the rear end, put some knobby tires, low profile bars and paint bunch of things. I havent figured it out completely yet, just gonna take it one day at a time and see what looks good.

 

[veaone]

KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

Started some work on the engine last night. Everything looked pretty good inside. Gonna blast it, paint it and put it back together. I am wondering if you should replace piston rings and valves?

 

[veaone]

KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

Slowly moving with my build. Picked up the rubbers and grinned my frame other day. Also build a stand. I am slowly starting to realize how hard it is to do some things. Anyone know the best way to remove engine gaskets? I have been soaking and scrubbing them with all kinds of stuff, doesn't want to come off easy.

 

[hallin222]

Re: KZ 400 Project Build

Dang, that bike looked almost too nice to cut up for a project. I hope you have plans to finish it nicely. Love the knobbies, BTW.

Knobbies are the new Firestones.

..both of which I love the look of.

 

[Yamatech]

Re: KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

A good razer blade and a steady hand do well on gasket removing, you can always buy a gasket scraper, or just use a putty knife. It just takes a little patience and some elbow grease. Looks like you're working in a dungeon, but I like it seems rather peaceful.

 

[veaone]

Re: KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

A good razer blade and a steady hand do well on gasket removing, you can always buy a gasket scraper, or just use a putty knife. It just takes a little patience and some elbow grease. Looks like you're working in a dungeon, but I like it seems rather peaceful.

Thanks! I actually did exactly what you said. Took my time with the putty knife and some aircraft stripper and it's looking good. The garage i am renting is very tiny, but i am making the best of it

 

[veaone]

Re: KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

Got a chance to strip down the frame and the tank and mocked up a battery box. Also painted the rims, next is lacing and truing. I got a feeling it's not gonna be easy.

 

[MILLENNIUM FALCON]

Re: KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

Looking good man. Lacing wheels isn't too hard once you get a little practice but it does take time. I found YouTube to be very helpful when I did mine.

 

[veaone]

Re: KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

Slowly moving along. Wheels been powder coated and i got them laced, trued and rubbers installed. I never thought that putting tires on with tire irons would be such a hard thing to do, so glad its done though. Next is to weld the battery box and fit the fenders. Unfortunately my grinder died after only a month of use.

 

[MotorbikeBruno]

Re: KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

Wow, can't believe you can fit that monster of a tire in the back! haha. Love KZ's keep up the good work. Enjoying this so far... 8)

 

[Nebr_Rex]

Re: KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

Why did you tear down the engine?

 

[Autotek]

Re: KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

That thing looks great, funny I found this stream tonight, I just got my 76 back together. Did not go as far as you are going on this build just a light restoration, and knobbys, yes please.

 

[veaone]

Re: KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

That thing looks great, funny I found this stream tonight, I just got my 76 back together. Did not go as far as you are going on this build just a light restoration, and knobbys, yes please.

Looks really nice and clean. I am ways behind to be anywhere close to it looking like that ; )

 

[veaone]

Re: KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

Wow, can't believe you can fit that monster of a tire in the back! haha. Love KZ's keep up the good work. Enjoying this so far...

Thanks. The rear is 4.5 and the front is 4.0. Rear tire still has a bit of clearance to.

 

[hallin222]

Re: KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

Rear tire still has a bit of clearance to.

We'll see when you put the chain back on.

 

[Autotek]

Re: KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

The chain will clear no problem, it is the chain guard that will not clear. This is my rear with a 4.0

 

[.paul]

KZ 400 Kawakazi Build

That thing looks great, funny I found this stream tonight, I just got my 76 back together. Did not go as far as you are going on this build just a light restoration, and knobbys, yes please.

Is that a tanning bed?