KZR's Bikes of the Month for 2024

7th Gear Designs

More
04 Feb 2024 08:31 #894820 by Feanor_twh
Replied by Feanor_twh on topic 7th Gear Designs

Just got a text message from Jim last night . Hopefully this will be resolved soon.

message

I'll finally be getting the controller next week. Just talked to the developer,he's programming a batch for me today.


that’s all for now 
I'm glad, I was already beginning to give up on the matter again...

We will wait again.

Thank you very much again for your help mate.

(1976) Kawasaki KZ400-D3. All original, but: electronic reg/rec (Oregon Motorcycle Parts), new handlebar controls (w/ PASS/HORN/lights switch, LED dash lights (superbrightleds.com), Dynatek coil (3ohm), MAC mufflers, HEL brake hoses, rubber fork boots, 4.00 rear tyre (Dunlop K70), chromed chainguard

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
16 Apr 2024 10:33 #897707 by riturbo
Replied by riturbo on topic 7th Gear Designs
Hi got some news from Jim yesterday.
 

He said he sent it twice and it was returned to him . Hopefully it’s the correct address . Let us know if /when it arrives.

derrek

Gpz 750 turbo The one I ride
Gpz 750 turbo Not finished
Gpz 750 turbo Not started
Gpz 550 1981
Gpz 550 1983
Bunch of other junk

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
16 Apr 2024 10:42 #897708 by Wookie58
Replied by Wookie58 on topic 7th Gear Designs
It seems that sending stuff to Spain is quite challenging as Carlos will testify   Spanish customs rejected a couple of parcels from the UK that eventually got there with UPS (albeit with crazy duty and tax charges that where more than the parts)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
16 Apr 2024 12:13 - 16 Apr 2024 12:14 #897711 by Feanor_twh
Replied by Feanor_twh on topic 7th Gear Designs
He also wrote to me, saying the same thing. It's good that at least the other shipments weren't lost.

Shipping to Spain sometimes brings problems but I have many successful shipments all the time.

I think he could have notified me about the return so they could try to ship it another way.

I'll let you know as soon as I know more, thanks.

(1976) Kawasaki KZ400-D3. All original, but: electronic reg/rec (Oregon Motorcycle Parts), new handlebar controls (w/ PASS/HORN/lights switch, LED dash lights (superbrightleds.com), Dynatek coil (3ohm), MAC mufflers, HEL brake hoses, rubber fork boots, 4.00 rear tyre (Dunlop K70), chromed chainguard
Last edit: 16 Apr 2024 12:14 by Feanor_twh.
The following user(s) said Thank You: riturbo

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 May 2024 06:30 - 11 May 2024 06:35 #898878 by Feanor_twh
Replied by Feanor_twh on topic 7th Gear Designs
The package has finally arrived. This is the content I received:

 

It seems that everything necessary is there, but no assembly instructions are included, nor any reference to obtain them.

With a little research I discovered that Power Arc does provide assembly instructions on their website. It also appears that 7thgeardesigns is simply a reseller of Power Arc, with apparently no modifications to the product at all.

Maybe he has programmed the specific power curve for the KZ400 into the chip? I'll ask Power Arc to see if I can find out anything, since this man Jim decided to stop answering my emails over a year ago.

Thanks to all those who have helped me with this, especially riturbo. I will post in this thread everything I find out about this ignition and its assembly and experience of use, for anyone who may find it useful.

(1976) Kawasaki KZ400-D3. All original, but: electronic reg/rec (Oregon Motorcycle Parts), new handlebar controls (w/ PASS/HORN/lights switch, LED dash lights (superbrightleds.com), Dynatek coil (3ohm), MAC mufflers, HEL brake hoses, rubber fork boots, 4.00 rear tyre (Dunlop K70), chromed chainguard
Last edit: 11 May 2024 06:35 by Feanor_twh.
The following user(s) said Thank You: TexasKZ, riturbo, howardhb

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 May 2024 09:44 #898884 by Bloobaba
Replied by Bloobaba on topic 7th Gear Designs
I think it is possible to make one from a Gpz550H part with a ZX sensor, a tci and a 550H coil and a homemade cam. I made an ignition for my triple with this assembly with EX500 coils (Gpz500S). I confirm the shortage of certain electronic components. In the industry, we had shortages, after COVID 19, of electrical equipment to operate the machines (power electronics). Now it's better but it's more expensive.

Z400F 84 (ZR400B1)
Gpz900R 84
500 H1 73
Gpz550H1

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 May 2024 05:32 - 12 May 2024 05:33 #898917 by riturbo
Replied by riturbo on topic 7th Gear Designs

The package has finally arrived. This is the content I received:

 

It seems that everything necessary is there, but no assembly instructions are included, nor any reference to obtain them.

With a little research I discovered that Power Arc does provide assembly instructions on their website. It also appears that 7thgeardesigns is simply a reseller of Power Arc, with apparently no modifications to the product at all.

Maybe he has programmed the specific power curve for the KZ400 into the chip? I'll ask Power Arc to see if I can find out anything, since this man Jim decided to stop answering my emails over a year ago.

Thanks to all those who have helped me with this, especially riturbo. I will post in this thread everything I find out about this ignition and its assembly and experience of use, for anyone who may find it useful.
Well glad you got it . Hopefully it was worth the wait. Let us know how it works out once you figure out how to get it installed. 

Gpz 750 turbo The one I ride
Gpz 750 turbo Not finished
Gpz 750 turbo Not started
Gpz 550 1981
Gpz 550 1983
Bunch of other junk
Last edit: 12 May 2024 05:33 by riturbo.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • DoctoRot
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Oh, the usual... I bowl, I drive around...
More
12 May 2024 13:42 - 12 May 2024 13:44 #898929 by DoctoRot
Replied by DoctoRot on topic 7th Gear Designs
It’s a fairly easy install. I still have my instructions somewhere. If you need them I can go take a look. The main problem is once you remove the factory advancer you loose the ability to turn the engine over with it. You can do it with the kickstarter to turn the engine over for valve adjustments, etc. sometimes you will need to pull the stator cover so you have a way to turn the engine over.


If you’re up for a little extra work I also verify TDC as I personally found the stock timing mark was 2 degrees off. 

make sure you are using resistor plugs. 
Last edit: 12 May 2024 13:44 by DoctoRot.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 Aug 2024 07:17 #903094 by Feanor_twh
Replied by Feanor_twh on topic 7th Gear Designs

It’s a fairly easy install. I still have my instructions somewhere. If you need them I can go take a look. The main problem is once you remove the factory advancer you loose the ability to turn the engine over with it. You can do it with the kickstarter to turn the engine over for valve adjustments, etc. sometimes you will need to pull the stator cover so you have a way to turn the engine over.


If you’re up for a little extra work I also verify TDC as I personally found the stock timing mark was 2 degrees off.
I found a way to preserve the position marks and the ability to rotate the crankshaft:
 
I removed the counterweights and the friction bushing
 
I placed spacers to adjust the pickup plate to the height of the axis, and fixed the optical disc directly under the 17mm nut 

I previously cut out that window so I could see the position of the crankshaft.

I didn't feel like checking the TDC, maybe later. Now I will continue with the assembly, to see if everything finally works well.
 

(1976) Kawasaki KZ400-D3. All original, but: electronic reg/rec (Oregon Motorcycle Parts), new handlebar controls (w/ PASS/HORN/lights switch, LED dash lights (superbrightleds.com), Dynatek coil (3ohm), MAC mufflers, HEL brake hoses, rubber fork boots, 4.00 rear tyre (Dunlop K70), chromed chainguard
The following user(s) said Thank You: riturbo, Scirocco, howardhb

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
09 Sep 2024 02:57 #904114 by Feanor_twh
Replied by Feanor_twh on topic 7th Gear Designs
I finally finished the assembly.

The bike started the first time, which was a good sign that everything was going well.

When testing it I noticed from the first moment a better throttle response and more power at low RPMs, as if I had obtained some extra HP. At high RPM the final power is probably the same. But clearly this wakes up the KZ400 engine, it feels more lively, less lazy.

The only bad thing I have seen is an increase in detonations during deceleration (I already had them before but now there are more). I loosened the pilot screws 1/2 and I have a feeling it fixed it but I have to test further.

Thank you all. I will post about future impressions and things I discover.

(1976) Kawasaki KZ400-D3. All original, but: electronic reg/rec (Oregon Motorcycle Parts), new handlebar controls (w/ PASS/HORN/lights switch, LED dash lights (superbrightleds.com), Dynatek coil (3ohm), MAC mufflers, HEL brake hoses, rubber fork boots, 4.00 rear tyre (Dunlop K70), chromed chainguard
The following user(s) said Thank You: Nerdy, howardhb, Wookie58

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
20 Sep 2024 03:46 #904482 by Feanor_twh
Replied by Feanor_twh on topic 7th Gear Designs
The bike revs up with difficulty above 5,500 rpm. It feels like the spark is too early / the power curve is incorrect. I didn't want to push it because I think it could be dangerous.

Any ideas? It must be the ignition because with the points the bike revved up above 8,000 rpm without any problem other than a lot of vibrations.

It is true that below 5,500 rpm it goes better than ever.

(1976) Kawasaki KZ400-D3. All original, but: electronic reg/rec (Oregon Motorcycle Parts), new handlebar controls (w/ PASS/HORN/lights switch, LED dash lights (superbrightleds.com), Dynatek coil (3ohm), MAC mufflers, HEL brake hoses, rubber fork boots, 4.00 rear tyre (Dunlop K70), chromed chainguard

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
20 Sep 2024 04:18 - 20 Sep 2024 07:21 #904483 by Wookie58
Replied by Wookie58 on topic 7th Gear Designs
You can check the ignition advance with an "adjustable" timing light. Set the engine speed at the required revs then dial in the timing light until the TDC mark is aligned. You can then read the advance data from the display on the timing light
PS: have you grounded the brown and blue wires as per the fitting instructions ?
Last edit: 20 Sep 2024 07:21 by Wookie58.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum

If you like KZR Please consider making a donation. Thank you.

KZRider is free, but not without cost.

Please consider chipping in a few bucks to help cover the cost of running the KZR servers.