HerrDeacon
Over 1,000 Posts
Hey guys and gals, new guy here from the east coast, Newfoundland to be specific. Name is Perry and I'm 39 years old. I just picked up a 1978 Kawasaki KZ650 three weeks ago with plans on making it into a cafe. Always loved the old Japanese bikes and the cafe style. The bike is in decent condition for its age. It has some missing parts (mirrors, air filter) and some that are less than desirable (seat, exhaust, paint) but these are all things that I am going to change anyway so it was no big deal. The rest of the bike is in good condition and it runs fine. I've already have it stripped down and I'm in the process of cleaning the engine. I'll then move on to painting the frame and making a seat. Should be fun.
This is only my second bike, my first being a Honda CT70 that I had as a kid. I've always loved the KZ's (my brother had a 1979 KZ1000 MKII) and have always dreamed of owning one. I waited this long before getting one because I was working on getting my car (1993 Nissan 240sx) to the state I wanted it. I finally completed the car after turbocharging and painting it over last winter. So this past summer I was on the lookout for a KZ. One finally became available in my area so I jumped at the chance. It is a little rough around the edges and needs a bit of work, but that is something I was also looking for. After finishing my car I need another project to keep me busy this winter. This will also be my first real foray into the world of carbs. Besides the lawn mower
I haven't had any real experience with them, should be fun learning though.
I've been lurking around the site over the past couple of weeks and have gotten a lot of good ideas and inspiration. It also seems that everyone here is very friendly and willing to help but, most importantly, you all have a good sense of humour. Nice to have a place like this to bounce ideas and questions off. I know while working on the 240sx it was always reassuring knowing that there is help online. I hope I don't bug anyone with all my questions.
I've included a couple of pics of my car and "new" bike in its various stages since I bought it, and I'll be sure to post my progress over the winter.
Later,
Perry
This is only my second bike, my first being a Honda CT70 that I had as a kid. I've always loved the KZ's (my brother had a 1979 KZ1000 MKII) and have always dreamed of owning one. I waited this long before getting one because I was working on getting my car (1993 Nissan 240sx) to the state I wanted it. I finally completed the car after turbocharging and painting it over last winter. So this past summer I was on the lookout for a KZ. One finally became available in my area so I jumped at the chance. It is a little rough around the edges and needs a bit of work, but that is something I was also looking for. After finishing my car I need another project to keep me busy this winter. This will also be my first real foray into the world of carbs. Besides the lawn mower
I haven't had any real experience with them, should be fun learning though.I've been lurking around the site over the past couple of weeks and have gotten a lot of good ideas and inspiration. It also seems that everyone here is very friendly and willing to help but, most importantly, you all have a good sense of humour. Nice to have a place like this to bounce ideas and questions off. I know while working on the 240sx it was always reassuring knowing that there is help online. I hope I don't bug anyone with all my questions.
I've included a couple of pics of my car and "new" bike in its various stages since I bought it, and I'll be sure to post my progress over the winter.
Later,
Perry
