Bike of the Month.

That black Magnum is one of the coolest Kawas i have seen .

OK we are back in the USA to kick off 2024 with this stunning renovation from Ron (RonnieV). Ron's 78 was an unloved and butchered example which now looks as God and KHI intended. Even more impressive is the way that Ron got straight back onto the project as soon as he was able following significant health issues (and with the next project waiting in the wings), "big Z" for  "big man" total respect Ron.
I purchased this bike a few years ago with intention on doing it how I would have back 25 years or so. I t was a half ass Cafe chopped up KZ that ran sweet with decent miles. I took it down to the frame for mostly a cosmetic redo with the period correct kerker,29s,dyna and for me I always thought mags on these look great. Don't get me wrong, I'm a lover of the spokes as well, just not this time.So about 1 1/2 years Into it, part time of course, cancer put a halt on the build.But thanks to the good Lord and great doctors I'm cancer free.About 3 -4 months ago my son and I got back on it. We were having issues with wiring so I ordered a replacement loom from z1 and now it’s perfect. I'm proud to say she's a runner, I still waiting on small things I forgot to order like the chain guard and such, but here she is, back to her former glory and soon on to my next 78 I have waiting. 

Great looking bike! 

Wow.  Awesome KZ1000 Ron

Beautiful bike—congratulations, Ron.

One word: WOW!

Beautiful bike!

That's the best red for a vintage zed!

H.

Really nice bike !!!!
Great survivors    Ronnie and the KZ
Dave

Wauw a real beauty, agree about the mags

We are staying in the USA this month for our first twin since the relaunch of BOTM (one of our long term members is also threatening to send me a stroker triple  ) , variety is "the spice of life" and Russ has done some great work on this bike. So over to Russ (RustyB1)

I bought the bike in July 2022 for $600.00.  It was complete but somewhat rough looking. It was purchased from the original owner, who bought it new in Pennsylvania in Sept. of '76. He moved to the Chicago area in 1983 and was so scared of the big city traffic that he parked it soon after, It was garage-kept but never even started during all those years. When I saw the bike I gave it a good once-over. The engine kicked over freely, it had a clear title and just over 11,000 miles on the clock. I decided to take a chance. I also picked up a parts bike from a friend just in case.
I tore it down to frame and engine after a scrub and pressure wash. Then in no particular order- with help from close friends Jeff & Rob Cleaned out & sealed fuel tank, rebuilt carbs & removed oil pan to ensure that take-up screen wasn't clogged. Adjusted valves repacked wheel bearings and fitted new tires and tubes. NOS 1 pc. cush drive rubber, rebuilt brake callipers & Installed master cylinder/lever from a 2009 650 Ninja  to get brake light switch on the lever instead or the inline hydraulic switch.
Replaced body side covers and chain guard with those from a later LTD model and completed a dual disc upgrade for front brakes. Also had rear brake rotor drilled to match front units. Touch-up paint where needed on frame, had the following items powder coated- fork legs, swingarm, headlight ears. turn signal stems, cylinder head cover, gauge pods, mirror brackets, rear grab bars.
Alphabet header was ceramic coated and a new badge made for it. It was on the bike when I bought it!
Had local NAPA store colour match and mix paint into aerosol cans, painted body parts myself using that paint and Martin Senour 2K clearcoat , also in spray cans. Finished that with wet sand, hand rub and hand polish. Installed new seat from Texavina, made custom bracket for tail light/license plate and also modified grab rail into 2 pieces
> -Modified rear fender to move it up and forward about 2", shortened turn signal stalks & added smaller K & S marker lights and I also shortened OEM front fender. Got rid of "3rd leg" on center stand and made custom stop for it. Replaced rear shocks with Ikon Basix plus LOTS of little details.
Start to finish- about 9 months, after putting it all back together (the engine was not disassembled) we hooked up the battery, put fuel in the tank, turned it on & hit the starter button... After sitting idle for 40 years it fired up in about ten seconds and sounded like it had been ridden the day before!!!  It sounds great is great fun to ride. I've never owned a twin before- They're a whole different animal I put about 1,300 miles on it this summer and plan on many more in the future.

 

Congrats and nice work! 

Super Clean !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!