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Frame modification
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I am seriously considering modifying my kz750 e standard a more cruiser style. I went to the extent of buying a 750 spectre rear fender and ordered the spectre rear grab bar. At this point, I realized I am going to have to chop the frame a bit. My question is that if I were to cut the very end of the frame off (just behind the blinker mount...pic provided), would it make the frame structurally unstable and unsafe????
Southern Maryland, USA
1980 KZ250 LTD (traded, but still missed)
1982 KZ750 E3 (Cafe Project) (Dyna-S, Dyna Coils, V&H 4-1, K&N Pods, 6 Sigma Jet Kit, Acewell Computer, Woodcraft Clip-ons, Custom Rewire)
1966 A1 Samurai (Restoration Project)
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KZ1000 P (For a "touring" bike)
Z1 (need I...
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- loudhvx
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If you weld a little brace across the where you chop it, that would help if you're worried. The existing brace there only helps to control bending, but not twisting, so you want something that stops the twisting. A small flat plate across the back of the cut tubes should do it.
If you really want the cruiser look, in the end, it will probably be cheaper and far less work to just get a non-running LTD.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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Thanks for the reply!
Southern Maryland, USA
1980 KZ250 LTD (traded, but still missed)
1982 KZ750 E3 (Cafe Project) (Dyna-S, Dyna Coils, V&H 4-1, K&N Pods, 6 Sigma Jet Kit, Acewell Computer, Woodcraft Clip-ons, Custom Rewire)
1966 A1 Samurai (Restoration Project)
Wish List:
KZ1000 P (For a "touring" bike)
Z1 (need I...
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If you really want the cruiser look, in the end, it will probably be cheaper and far less work to just get a non-running LTD.
I don't know about cheaper...I can definitely find some CHEAP parts on eBay (and have). Maybe less work...but then again, not really if it doesn't run!
Southern Maryland, USA
1980 KZ250 LTD (traded, but still missed)
1982 KZ750 E3 (Cafe Project) (Dyna-S, Dyna Coils, V&H 4-1, K&N Pods, 6 Sigma Jet Kit, Acewell Computer, Woodcraft Clip-ons, Custom Rewire)
1966 A1 Samurai (Restoration Project)
Wish List:
KZ1000 P (For a "touring" bike)
Z1 (need I...
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- loudhvx
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The LTD should have a nice fat 16" wheel and the frame will already look appropriate for the wheel. The e model may just end up looking too tall in the middle and back. Of course you could chop up the frame too.
But you'll probably want the longer fork tubes of the LTD model too.
So it's hard to say really. IF the right LTD comes along it'd be a no brainer, but waiting for one may feel like an itch you can't scratch.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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- loudhvx
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chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/mcy/1277509978.html
When looking, make sure it's a four and not a twin, obviously.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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- KawiConvert
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1978 KZ650 D1 ~ Carb jetting: 107.5 & 20 & 4th groove with pods and 4-1 Exhaust
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If you do weld a piece back in there, make sure it will clear the tire with the shocks compressed. Seems like a no brainer, but you'd be surprised.
I checked, and it would be in the way of the spectre fender. Though, after thinking about it, the spectre rear grab bar will serve a similar purpose when securely installed. I think I will be ok without welding.
Southern Maryland, USA
1980 KZ250 LTD (traded, but still missed)
1982 KZ750 E3 (Cafe Project) (Dyna-S, Dyna Coils, V&H 4-1, K&N Pods, 6 Sigma Jet Kit, Acewell Computer, Woodcraft Clip-ons, Custom Rewire)
1966 A1 Samurai (Restoration Project)
Wish List:
KZ1000 P (For a "touring" bike)
Z1 (need I...
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1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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Thanks TONS for your reply! Your bike looks great. Is your rear end lowered? If so...how did you do it? Also, it is hard to tell from that pic, but did you lower the front end by hiking up the forks higher into the tree? If so...how does it ride like that? I'm DYING to lower this bike. I love the clearance, but hate not being able to flat foot it at lights and stop signs. Oh...and as far as the off-center wheel. I think that is an old kz thing. My 80 kz 250 was slightly off, and my 82 kz750 is slightly off too.
Thanks,
Clutch
Southern Maryland, USA
1980 KZ250 LTD (traded, but still missed)
1982 KZ750 E3 (Cafe Project) (Dyna-S, Dyna Coils, V&H 4-1, K&N Pods, 6 Sigma Jet Kit, Acewell Computer, Woodcraft Clip-ons, Custom Rewire)
1966 A1 Samurai (Restoration Project)
Wish List:
KZ1000 P (For a "touring" bike)
Z1 (need I...
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