Saving a '81 KZ750-E
- Mikaw
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Re: Saving a '81 KZ750-E
23 Jun 2020 14:22Scirocco wrote: I don´t know if Rick Brett (kawaparts@aol.com) and member Kidkawie are the same person.
For me Kidkawie made the best reproduction steering head VIN sticker!!!
I bet Kidkawie will know!
I’ll share a repop sticker after I get home. That darn responsibility thing called work is being a rock in my shoe right now.
1976 KZ 900 A4
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
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- Mikaw
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Re: Saving a '81 KZ750-E
23 Jun 2020 14:25
Skidmark, your blasting cabinet will love you.
1976 KZ 900 A4
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Skidmark
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Re: Saving a '81 KZ750-E
23 Jun 2020 14:32
Yeah, it's working much better now!
Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
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- Mikaw
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Re: Saving a '81 KZ750-E
23 Jun 2020 18:38
1976 KZ 900 A4
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Skidmark
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Re: Saving a '81 KZ750-E
23 Jun 2020 18:55
Those look really good. I will put mine on the steering head when I remove the forks for the reseal. And since it's been a couple pages since this thread was green... 

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
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- Skidmark
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Re: Saving a '81 KZ750-E
30 Jun 2020 11:15
I just found out the two lower rod bearings I ordered from CMS in the UK are in Fort Worth, TX today. It shipped three weeks ago, so I am considering this good progress. I have heard people say it took Int'l shipments over two months to arrive to them on some things. Since I have a week long fishing trip planned soon, they will arrive the day before I leave (isn't that how things always work out?!).
Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
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- Daftrusty
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Re: Saving a '81 KZ750-E
06 Jul 2020 16:09
Skidmark,
Sorry, I just saw your private message today, which is probably way too late. But I will post up this info incase someone finds it useful.
I also had issues finding enough black rod bearing shells, so I found that Kawasaki changed the material content for the zr-7 rod bearings and gave them new part numbers and changed one of the color codes. I am currently using zr-7 Black connecting rod bearings (part # 92028-1921) in my kz750e motor and they are a direct replacement.
Keep up the good work, your entire project is AMAZING!
Kz750 connecting rod bearing thickness and color codes
zr-7 connecting rod bearing thickness and color codes
Sorry, I just saw your private message today, which is probably way too late. But I will post up this info incase someone finds it useful.
I also had issues finding enough black rod bearing shells, so I found that Kawasaki changed the material content for the zr-7 rod bearings and gave them new part numbers and changed one of the color codes. I am currently using zr-7 Black connecting rod bearings (part # 92028-1921) in my kz750e motor and they are a direct replacement.
Keep up the good work, your entire project is AMAZING!
Kz750 connecting rod bearing thickness and color codes
zr-7 connecting rod bearing thickness and color codes
1990 zr550
kz750e
650/750 6-speed Transmission Swap
kz750e
650/750 6-speed Transmission Swap
The following user(s) said Thank You: Scirocco, Skidmark
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- Skidmark
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Re: Saving a '81 KZ750-E
23 Jul 2020 15:17
A clear sign I have too many pokers in the fire. I'm getting disappointed with my lack of progress on this bike. I hope to be back at it soon.

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
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- Skidmark
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Re: Saving a '81 KZ750-E
03 Aug 2020 13:09
July just came and went... finally the schedule smoothed out back to normal. Finally made some Kawi time! Let's get this paint finish prep started. First step - masking the oil galleries. I got the high temp urethane masking plugs that was recommended on here.
The gaskets are getting paint stripper applied to soften them up. Once the sealing surfaces are clean, I will tape off the surfaces I don't want affected. I plan on using my blast cabinet, so everything needs really good protection.
The gaskets are getting paint stripper applied to soften them up. Once the sealing surfaces are clean, I will tape off the surfaces I don't want affected. I plan on using my blast cabinet, so everything needs really good protection.
Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
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- Skidmark
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Re: Saving a '81 KZ750-E
05 Aug 2020 09:20
Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
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- Kaylinator
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Re: Saving a '81 KZ750-E
05 Aug 2020 10:51
Just read through the whole thread. Looking good.
For folks reading this in the future, Metal Rescue works wonders. It's also what Johnny's Vintage Motorcycle uses to save gas tanks.
For folks reading this in the future, Metal Rescue works wonders. It's also what Johnny's Vintage Motorcycle uses to save gas tanks.
1978 KZ1000-A2
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613296-1978-kz1000-a2-barn-find
1978 KZ400-B1
2022 Z900RS SE
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613296-1978-kz1000-a2-barn-find
1978 KZ400-B1
2022 Z900RS SE
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- Mikaw
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Re: Saving a '81 KZ750-E
05 Aug 2020 11:46
Those plugs are a good fit... Nice find
:lol:

1976 KZ 900 A4
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.