$50 Bike and the Start of a New Project!
- thejameswilliam
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
Getting it home was... quite the endeavour.
Attachment IMG_0433.JPG not found
This thing is rough, really rough. The engine looks good, but it's been sitting outside without spark plugs or a carb for who knows how long. Looks like this is going to be a 'from the ground up' type of build! But, can't beat a good frame and engine for $50.
Attachment IMG_0440.JPG not found
This is the middle of the second day. Most of the screw bolts were stripped so it's taking forever getting this thing apart. Now that it's mostly naked I'm hitting the pencil and paper to do some planning. Does anyone have good advice for making/finding a solid looking tank?
Attachment IMG_0446.JPG not found
I wanna go full vintage looking cafe on this. Thinking bronze and green for the colors. All gauges and indicators will take inspiration from steampunk. Stripping all unnecessary items. Only including indicator items that make it street legal. I've got access to 3d printers and lazer cutters, so I'm going to have a field day!
kz550
thejameswilliam
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- ThatGPzGuy
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
- More Sparky than Speed Racer
- Posts: 1489
- Thank you received: 385
You may want to consider some subframe surgery to get rid of the "swayback" look.
Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- SWest
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
- 10 22 2014
- Posts: 22994
- Thank you received: 2753
Steve
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- KZJOE900
- Offline
- Admin
Current project 76 KZ900 (This was a Vetter model)
76 KZ900
81 XJ550H SECA (Current Project)
82 XJ550R SECA
Past:
86 FJ1200
74 Z1900
72 CB450
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- thejameswilliam
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
Yeah, I'm working today to get the engine pulled apart to see what damage is in there. Hopefully not much. /-: If there is, I'm not too worried about it, It's already been worth the $50. Two day's entertainment!
kz550
thejameswilliam
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- thejameswilliam
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
kz550
thejameswilliam
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- thejameswilliam
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
ThatGPzGuy wrote: Welcome. The KZ550 is an awesome engine.
You may want to consider some subframe surgery to get rid of the "swayback" look.
I was thinking of that, yeah. I am a welder so the sky's the limit. But I found some pretty slick builds where they matched the seat to the bend in the top of the frame, and it looked super cool. Gotta mock that up and see how comfy it is....
I'm not sure if I'm going to need to modify the front end. I probably wont, considering it's my first build.
Here's the bike.
custom-bikes-for-sale.com/wp-content/cus...12-06-1-1024x682.jpg
This solution is cool too
kz550
thejameswilliam
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- GPzMOD750
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 1365
- Thank you received: 148
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Tyler
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 845
- Thank you received: 92
swest wrote: I'd keep it stock. :dry:
Steve
That one ain't exactly a survivor Steve. It a good candidate for a cafe/bob/chop job. Its a $50 blank canvas.
Now when its a pristine barn find with all original parts that looks like its just rolled off the dealer floor.... Yeah then I'm with you.
If I knew what I was doing all the time life wouldn't be any fun.
'80 KZ650 E 700cc, dyna ignition and coils, frame up restoration, daily driver
'81 KZ1300 A3 full restoration, custom big bore pistons, 1400cc 6 cylinder super bike
"77 KZ650 B1 - Barn Find, work in progeress
"74 Yamaha DT 400 Enduro
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- SWest
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
- 10 22 2014
- Posts: 22994
- Thank you received: 2753
Steve
Bossie took polishing and a little paint. Bought new fenders but I could have bought used off eBay for much less.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- ThatGPzGuy
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
- More Sparky than Speed Racer
- Posts: 1489
- Thank you received: 385
thejameswilliam wrote: [I was thinking of that, yeah. I am a welder so the sky's the limit. But I found some pretty slick builds where they matched the seat to the bend in the top of the frame, and it looked super cool. Gotta mock that up and see how comfy it is....
I'm not sure if I'm going to need to modify the front end. I probably wont, considering it's my first build.
Here's the bike.
custom-bikes-for-sale.com/wp-content/cus...12-06-1-1024x682.jpg
This solution is cool too
That is a pretty good solution. Still, if you can do it I would consider straightening that out and bringing the shock more upright. Looks too much like a LTD/Special.
Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Kwaker2000
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 163
- Thank you received: 23
Attachment 11208641_10204055397492747_7103710536410419396_n.jpg not found
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.