Bike of the Month.

Congratulations! 

It is no trivial task to make hand shaped metal display so well!

Pure Art!

 

That. Is. Awesome.

Kudos on a well-deserved BOTM!

Wookie,I plan to send my 78 kz1000 in for consideration but had major cancer surgery so it's been on hold. 

This build is all out bad ass. Nice job and well deserved bot

ronnieV wrote:

Wookie,I plan to send my 78 kz1000 in for consideration but had major cancer surgery so it's been on hold. 

No worries, drop me a mail when you are ready. Main thing is to get back to your old self

What would be the timing chain tensioner that this machine has?

MLMG wrote:

What would be the timing chain tensioner that this machine has?

It has a manual locking one that can't back off under load.
It's the same type most commonly known as an APE tensioner but there are many other manufactures to chose from ( PMC,Legend etc) or you can either make your own or modify the stock semi auto to perform the same function which is actually easier to tension correctly before locking off.

If there was ever any doubt that KZR is a truly “global” forum then this stunner from Leonardo (MLMG) all the way from Uruguay should confirm it to be absolutely true. We have all struggled to obtain parts from time to time but when you read Leonardo’s story and see the insane import duties and laws preventing the import of used parts in his country then the end result is even more impressive. Every detail of this bike is exquisite but I especially like the unique use of “Gulf” colours in the paint scheme. I will leave Leonardo to tell the back story
I am originally from Montevideo, Uruguay, and I bought my motorcycle when I was 27 years old in 2007. Parts have always been hard to find and very expensive here, so you can imagine that it was not in the best condition, but at least it was running. I remember going to Kawasaki Uruguay in 2008 to buy the fuel purge key, which cost a whopping $250 at that time. In 2015, after returning from a trip through the country's interior, the motorcycle started making a loud noise from the timing chain, so I decided to remove the battery and stop using it. However, in 2019, I decided to start its restoration.(I have to mention that import duties here are 100% and it is not allowed to import used motorcycle parts).I started with the frame. I had the frame powder-coated and replaced the bearings and swingarm shaft. I also installed new shocks, as the original ones were of unknown origin. I replaced the axles with new stainless steel ones and installed new wheels. I rebuilt the front suspension. Additionally, I installed Kawasaki LTD fenders, as I liked their shorter and sportier look.While disassembling the engine, the first thing I noticed was that the timing chain guide was missing. As I continued to dismantle it, I couldn't find it anywhere, as it had been shredded and its remnants were blocking the crankshaft lubrication. Luckily, I didn't start the motorcycle again. I decided to replace all the engine bearings and install 72mm pistons, as the cylinders were oval-shaped. I also replaced the valves and valve guides on the cylinder head. Furthermore, I replaced the timing chain and gears, and almost all the screws with new stainless steel ones. I installed a new gear shifter mechanism. I installed an electronic ignition, new clutch plates, new Mikuni SR34 carburettors, and a Delkevic exhaust.I also did the painting myself, as I always liked the style of the Kawasaki Z1 Yellow Tiger, and decided to paint my motorcycle with that reference. I also bought a motorcycle lift, an air compressor, and various specialized tools to carry out the restoration of my motorcycle. It was a long and laborious process, but little by little, I replaced parts, improved components, and adjusted everything to work properly.After changing the engine bearings, pistons, valves, carburettors, and exhaust, the motorcycle began to take shape. The Z1 Yellow Tiger-style paint gave it a classic and sporty look that I loved. I also made sure that all the electrical systems were functioning properly, by installing a new wiring harness, voltage regulator, and appropriate controls. The brakes were also upgraded with new discs, rebuilt callipers, and a new rear master cylinder.Once everything was assembled and functioning correctly, it was exciting to see my restored motorcycle come back to life. After much effort, dedication, and investment of time and money in parts and tools, I finally could enjoy my fully restored motorcycle in Montevideo, Uruguay, despite the challenges of finding parts in my country.The restoration of my motorcycle was a challenging but rewarding project. I learned a lot about motorcycle mechanics, gained new skills and tools, and made new friends in the KZR community, and felt a great satisfaction seeing the final result of my hard work. Now I have a fully restored motorcycle that I can enjoy to the fullest in Montevideo, Uruguay, despite the challenges of finding parts in my country.

 

Gorgeous bike! BOTM just keeps coming through with the eye candy.

Wow.  that is all I can think of for a reply.  Leonardo you have created a work of art under tough circumstances.   Wow  

I am totally impressed with this build 

Great Job  !!!  A well deserved BOTM
Dave

Great job on that beautiful bike!