THE KAWASAKI TWIN OWNERS FORUM

Coldeye · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 2:55 am Post subject: 1978 KZ400 b1 Racer

Well, I got motivated this week and took care of some stuff that has been getting put off for too long. Not to mention the wife has my work shop cluttered with holiday boxes. Driving me crazy, but that is another story.

Lets start out with a picture of the project. The stuff I worked on was making a set of clip-ons, making a seat pan, and last but not least found this low cost direct bolt in petcock. The petcock does not have a vacum, but who needs it. Also comes with a reserve and filters. I will update with more info on it when I get back to the carbs. Next step will be to mount the foam for the seat, remove the center stand and start sorting the wiring. until next time.....

le formal loic · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 8:23 am Post subject:

Good projet! Very Happy

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Z400 D4 77 http://kawasaki-kz400.blog4ever.com/blog/index-185329.html

Coldeye · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 9:29 pm Post subject:

Well I'm out of mock up. Still have a few things to gather, but It's a green light after taking it for a quick spin around the block. I am now convinced this bike was just starving for attention when i found it. Knock on wood, but it seems to have no major problems. The tranny was the last concern, but it felt butter smooth both up and down in the gears. Exhaust is cool, but reaaly loud. I will try to find some small baffles or make a new system. So far everthing is staying close to budget. I always make two lists. One is what I want. Then I see how much I can do without by red lining the luxury items and leaving only necessary items. I will put the engine in next week as it is getting a make over.

Thats all for now.

faffi · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 9:59 pm Post subject:

Sounds good, then thumbs up

BTW, what is that green chop in the background? It looks like there is a shaft drive exiting up front, but I cannot see it continue all the way to the final drive/rear wheel hub Confused

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Odd Ivar - gone, but not forgotten

Ibsen · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 10:10 pm Post subject:

It's quite a change. And the frame looks very good. I like it. Smile

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www.kz400.com - 1975 KZ400S - Honda CB650
Small is beautiful! thumbs up

Coldeye · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:17 pm Post subject:

Funny, I do the same thing when people post thier pictures; I always try to see what I can find in the background. This old scooter has changed a little from the picture, but here she is on a sunny day. Proud 1970/71 Triumph Bobber, my first attempt at building a bike.

Ibsen · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:20 pm Post subject:

And not a bad attempt either. Looks very clean. Smile

_________________
www.kz400.com - 1975 KZ400S - Honda CB650
Small is beautiful! thumbs up

Coldeye · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:21 pm Post subject:

Thanks!

faffi · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:28 pm Post subject:

Very cool! I much prefer tall, narrow wheels to those ultra-wide rubber they fit these days, makes the bikes looks really lite. Almost like the old board trackers Cool

_________________
Odd Ivar - gone, but not forgotten

Anonymous · Guest

wow...the frame looks fantastic...good stuff. Very Happy

Anonymous · Guest

I like the frame too. The silver and blue is a sweet combination Cool

Glen · Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 1:35 pm Post subject:

Very..very nice mate.

The frame almost looks 'lighter' now it is silver,...like thinner tubing, and I love the blue,...does it have a name/code ?? kingfisher blue ??

Keep up the good work ;-)

Glen

claudio75 · Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 1:54 pm Post subject:

Congratulations, Coldeye; nice job !
_________________
One who knows is better than ten who seek.
Odd Ivar gone, but not forgotten.

le formal loic · Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 2:11 pm Post subject:

nice work
nice workshop Cool

_________________
Z400 D4 77 http://kawasaki-kz400.blog4ever.com/blog/index-185329.html

Coldeye · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 12:28 am Post subject:

Thank you guys for the kind compliments.,

I thought the frame was extremely light compared to my Triumph frame. It felt more like a heavy bicycle when I was lifting it. The silver is a bit slimming. As for the color code on the blue paint, I really don't know. It appears to resemble the stock color that kawi used, but I know it has been repainted. I was thinking about removing the paint due to a couple flaws and a few very small dents in the tank, but I think I am going to leave it for now. I can't wait to get my motor detailed and put back in. I found some really cool chin sheng tires for dirt cheap. Thay are called barracuda's and they look very racey. The only problem is I think I may have ordered the wrong sizes. I went 110/90/18 in front and 120/90/18 rear. We'll see.