Building a bike from parts?

Would building kz440 out of individual parts be a crazy way of going about having a bike?
I only ask as if I was to get a kz440 ltd I've got my eye on, I would only end up keeping the engine with a modified frame - everything else wouldn't fit into my plan so I would need to get rid. I suppose the parts could be sold, but this could be a hassle.

I could get a kz440 engine (no electrical parts on it though) with a kz400 frame and 440 ltd swingarm and go from there.

I'm just seeking the wisdom of this knowledgeable forum.

Thank you!

,I would recommend starting with a complete running bike, something that you know is sound to begin with. (you can sell the leftover parts or keep them and offer them when you sell the bike on,to sweeten the deal, or maybe you decide later to return it to stock.) . Building a bike from bits can be a real money pit,especially when its finished and you cant get the bugger running right. (That engine that you spent hours polishing and painting to get it looking just right has to come out and get stripped down because it keeps jumping out of 2nd gear!!???-for example)

It might get kind of expensive & time consuming tracking down every needed part.

Kind of related. years ago I heard about a Honda CB of some sort that was built from NOS parts from EB. I have no idea what it cost but I bet it was expensive.


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I have a 76 KZ900 that started from a frame & title. Most parts are modified. Every single part is from different bikes from over the years. Different short block, pistons, barrel, head, cams, carbs, front end, body work, rims, spokes, recovered seat, calipers, M/C, gauges, wiring harness, braided cables and hoses.
But from drag racing years ago, I had access to 1000's of parts & over 25 bikes. All before the internet! When old rusted Z1's & KZ900's were had for a $100 dollars! The same time I threw out stock exhaust pipes! And center stands! And cut air boxes in 1/2 to take out!
But, it still is a 20 year old pile of dust sitting, always been on the back burner. Life, health and making money had priorities first!
I'll still make a part and add stuff to it, here and there.
And my old Harley FLH has seniority!
I just dressed the Ol Lady up to take her to Church on Sunday!
Good Luck! Just Do It! Ebay is full of parts.

Yes! They can Co-Exist!!!! 2014 picture! At least I don't have a Prius in the driveway! :laugh:
Merry Christmas To All!
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.kyle wrote: Would building kz440 out of individual parts be a crazy way of going about having a bike?

Unless you have money to burn I'd say yes. You will spend 2-3X more building the bike than it will be worth in the end. Some will argue cheap entertainment which may be true (depending on your current entertainment budget), but not a cheap project overall in most cases. And realize that bobbers/choppers/cafe bikes are typically not worth much and have a limited market appeal so plan accordingly.

Yep, it might be and probably will be not cheap. But there are also advantages, if you make things right:

1) the result is exactly the bike you wish to have;
2) the result is equivalent of new motorcycle;

But main reason to try - it might be fascinating, I tried once and since couldn't stop to play this game. My first project, so to say mix of Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda and custom made parts:

I basically started with a frame and engine cases with this one. It took a year, a lot of cash and literally sucked the life out me. By spring time it will have laced wheels and 4-4 pipes.

I think if you want to build a bike from parts, do it. There are a lot of people who have used parts for sale, some cheaper then others. Just be sure that they are good, and not garbage. Ignition system and fuel system should be new.

Thank you to everyone that commented! Some nice bikes got posted up as well.

Seeing as it will be my first road bike (I don't even have a license yet) I figured the easiest thing to do would be to get a full bike, so that's what I did - a 1980 kz440 ltd. That way I get to learn road bikes and if I enjoy making it into a cafe racer, the next bike could always be built from parts.

Thank you once again!

I'm just finishing this one after buying it 26 months ago. It took more time than I expected because I had issues with the kickshaft....the bike had a close ratio tranny and I didn't know that the kicker wouldn't work with that tranny. When you take a bike apart you find a lot of interesting things. This one had hot cams, 26 mm carbs, was bored out to 1015 cc and of course had a different tranny. The bike was owned by a mechanic, which figures when you look at the third photo. The fourth one was a little frame problem that required welding.

First photo is what it looked like in October/16. Second photo was taken today. Third and fourth ones were taken during disassembly.

hardrockminer wrote: I'm just finishing this one after buying it 26 months ago.

It may have taken 26 months, but you turned it into a beautiful bike!!! Congrats!!! Ed