Motorcycle Thread

[JiI]

I would have cafe'd it myself. That was the same bike my dad had when I was little. Loved it. Burned the whole right palm of my hand by gripping a hot muffler when I was five.
Jeff

[Unkl Ian]

Brat Style. ;>) Looks like it could use a smaller tank.

[dutchbeetle]

Originally Posted by jaransonT3

So I have had my KZ400 for a few years now and have really enjoyed riding it. However, when I bought the bike I was looking for a bike to do an old school stripped down bobber style bike. Up til now, I haven't made the time or had the heart to tear into the KZ. That all change today!

I got out of work a little early and it was our first 70 degree day. I went out to the garage with every intention of working on the Sled, by the KZ caught my eye. I thought about going for a ride, but then thought...what would it look like if I just pulled the front fender...gotta start somewhere.

This is what I started with...



By the time I stopped for dinner, this is where I was at...



Pulled the luggage rack, the front fender, the rear fender, the seat, the air cleaner box, the battery and box, the rear turn signals, and the tail light.

I also started cutting up the bent extra frame that I have and cleaned up several of the tubes that I will use to modify the frame. I thought about going hardtail, but decided to keep it a little simpler and keep the shocks. I am just going to relocate the upper shock mount to lower the rear of the bike.

I might have to go to a little stiffer spring on the shock...or maybe up the pre-load because of the change in shock angle. Will just have to see how it feels after making the change.

I did a little photoshopping....this is sort of the plan.



The other rational for starting these changes now is that I am going to pick up an 85 Yamaha 750 Maxim this week from my brother-in-law. It will be my regular bike and the KZ can be the toy that I always wanted it to be.

shorten the front forks and some shorter shocks on the rear would improve the look alot.

[jaransonT3]

I was actually looking to find some longer forks.

Not a lot longer...maybe 4-6". I am happy with the look without them for now.

I made great progress today. I got most of the frame modifications made and mostly welded up. I have to finish welding a couple of the joints and cap off the upper shock mount doghouses.











Then I need to redo some of the wiring, mount the taillights and the seat, and fabricate the new side covers.

[Unkl Ian]

I've got some Ford tail lights, if you are interested. Model A, and ..... something else.

[jaransonT3]

Originally Posted by Unkl Ian

I've got some Ford tail lights, if you are interested. Model A, and ..... something else.

Hmmmm...maybe. I have a couple of small bullet taillights I am going to go with for now.

Thanks.

[MicaL]

Hot or not, but this is my rod...

And more photos: https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/1...25121403232001

[V8Transporter]

Oh, definitely hot! I like the fenders, they go well with the tank and still say, "light and fast."

[richie]

Is that a Ural/Dnepr trans? Can you still kick it? VERY cool!

Originally Posted by MicaL

Hot or not, but this is my rod...

And more photos: https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/1...25121403232001

[MicaL]

Thanks.
The frame and gearbox are from -76 Dnepr. Vw engine is more easy kick than original motor.
Vw test kick video: http://youtu.be/xfI1DMis7pQ

[JiI]

2 kicks and a VW engine starts? I usually go through 2 car batteries just to get mine to sputter! (Not run though, can't make them run.)
Jeff

[Hebster52]

Welcome MicaL! I so love your bike!

[tequilla]

About 1 month ago I picked up a 2013 Harley Sportster 48. I am really enjoying it....... Need to get off my lazy ass and post some pic's

[jaransonT3]

Making progress on the bobber conversion of my KZ400.

I got the frame modifications fully welded and painted.



I also got the seat mounting figured out and mostly fabricated. Just need to weld the front mount to the frame and fab some rubber isolators for the rear mounts.





I am very happy with the results so far.



Still need to get the rear fender mounting figured, modify and mount the battery box, figure out the wiring and mount the taillights, and fabricate the side covers. And of course paint it all.

[V8Transporter]

Your bike just screams HOT ROD. I'm surprised you didn't go with a small rear fender.

[jaransonT3]

Originally Posted by V8Transporter

Your bike just screams HOT ROD. I'm surprised you didn't go with a small rear fender.

THanks. I am using the original front fender as the rear so it is pretty small. I might shorten it up just a bit more, but not much. I am going to mount the taillights to it also.

[JiI]

I start my motorcycle class on the 12th. Considering doing a Ryca CS-1. Might paint it Schwinn Stingray Red.
http://rycamotors.com/
Jeff

[Unkl Ian]

Nice seat John. On the bike, i mean.

[V8Transporter]

Is the front disc drilled? I can't tell from the photos.

[jaransonT3]

Originally Posted by Unkl Ian

Nice seat John. On the bike, i mean.

Yeah, I am really happy with my Unkl Ian cast aluminum seat. Will be leather wrapping it this week I hope.

Originally Posted by V8Transporter

Is the front disc drilled? I can't tell from the photos.

My front rotor is just the stock KZ400 front rotor. It is not cross-drilled.

[DrHax]

Originally Posted by richie

Is that a Ural/Dnepr trans? Can you still kick it? VERY cool!

That was amazing to go through! I have a soft spot for vw powered motorcycles... I just find it to be fuckin' cool

[Unkl Ian]

http://www.mwv2.com/1916-steampunk.html

[DrHax]

Originally Posted by Unkl Ian

http://www.mwv2.com/1916-steampunk.html

That is badass and steam punk

Sent from my Z665C using Tapatalk

[metalmaster1766]

Now that is Bad Ass, Hmmm, if I ever decide to build another bike after I finish the trike I still haven't started, it's gonna be something like that

[V8Transporter]

V-16 two stroke, woof! I love stuff like this fantastic bike, but she must be a real 'ear buster' with those pipes.