- Posts: 19
- Thank you received: 2
Hello!
- elfolan
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Excited to learn about my first Kawasaki twin
Less
More
17 Apr 2022 16:25 - 17 Apr 2022 17:19 #865628
by elfolan
1976 KZ400 S2
Hello! was created by elfolan
Picked up a 76 KZ400 S2 just yesterday. My first motorcycle in about 6 years and my very first Kawasaki.
In a previous life, I lived in the UK and rode a Suzuki Bandit 600 pretty much every day. Events have brought me to New England in the US and I've found myself itching to get back into bikes.
I learned a tonne tinkering around on the bandit but I always wanted to delve deeper into the engine and I've wanted to take on a restoration project for a very long time.
This bike is definitely going to be a project. First things first I need to check the fundamentals and figure out if the engine will run. If that works then both wheels have significant rust damage and need replaced. It definitely needs new forks and possibly a new swingarm. It's gonna be fun!
The previous owner said it had been sitting in a barn for the past twenty years. He couldn't find the key but he did have the original title from 1976/77 which I found pretty amusing.
I enjoy restoring vintage tools and putting them back to work so I will be chuffed if I can get this thing back in working order.
I love finding these communities and delving into all the collective knowledge and experience. Hopefully I'll be able to contribute a little something here and there too!
In a previous life, I lived in the UK and rode a Suzuki Bandit 600 pretty much every day. Events have brought me to New England in the US and I've found myself itching to get back into bikes.
I learned a tonne tinkering around on the bandit but I always wanted to delve deeper into the engine and I've wanted to take on a restoration project for a very long time.
This bike is definitely going to be a project. First things first I need to check the fundamentals and figure out if the engine will run. If that works then both wheels have significant rust damage and need replaced. It definitely needs new forks and possibly a new swingarm. It's gonna be fun!
The previous owner said it had been sitting in a barn for the past twenty years. He couldn't find the key but he did have the original title from 1976/77 which I found pretty amusing.
I enjoy restoring vintage tools and putting them back to work so I will be chuffed if I can get this thing back in working order.
I love finding these communities and delving into all the collective knowledge and experience. Hopefully I'll be able to contribute a little something here and there too!
1976 KZ400 S2
Last edit: 17 Apr 2022 17:19 by Street Fighter LTD.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- azman857
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
Less
More
- Posts: 495
- Thank you received: 112
17 Apr 2022 18:16 #865634
by azman857
I don't have a plan and I'm sticken' to it! '77 KZ 650 / 750 GPz custom project in progress
Replied by azman857 on topic Hello!
Looks like some good bones to start with.
Welcome to our group. Thanks for the pics. We love pics. Please keep us informed of your progress.
Welcome to our group. Thanks for the pics. We love pics. Please keep us informed of your progress.
I don't have a plan and I'm sticken' to it! '77 KZ 650 / 750 GPz custom project in progress
The following user(s) said Thank You: elfolan
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- TexasKZ
- Offline
- Platinum Member
Less
More
- Posts: 7572
- Thank you received: 2236
17 Apr 2022 18:32 #865635
by TexasKZ
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
Replied by TexasKZ on topic Hello!
Welcome aboard! Thanks for saving another one from the scrap heap.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
The following user(s) said Thank You: elfolan
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Wookie58
- Offline
- Moderator
Less
More
- Posts: 4127
- Thank you received: 2354
18 Apr 2022 01:15 #865648
by Wookie58
Replied by Wookie58 on topic Hello!
The following user(s) said Thank You: elfolan
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- ThatGPzGuy
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
- More Sparky than Speed Racer
Less
More
- Posts: 1489
- Thank you received: 385
18 Apr 2022 05:27 #865656
by ThatGPzGuy
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"
Replied by ThatGPzGuy on topic Hello!
Welcome. You have a quite a project on your hands but when you are done... the KZ400 is a fun bike to ride. You have a front drum brake, so you won't have to deal with the unobtanium front caliper seal.
For the missing key, locate the number on the lock and then contact the member here who makes keys or hit up eBay.
For the missing key, locate the number on the lock and then contact the member here who makes keys or hit up eBay.
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"
The following user(s) said Thank You: elfolan
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- elfolan
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Excited to learn about my first Kawasaki twin
Less
More
- Posts: 19
- Thank you received: 2
18 Apr 2022 18:43 #865719
by elfolan
1976 KZ400 S2
Replied by elfolan on topic Hello!
Thank you. It'll take me some time but I'm ok with that.
Thanks for the tip, I've contacted the member here and should be on my way to sorting out a key. One step at a time right!
Thanks for the tip, I've contacted the member here and should be on my way to sorting out a key. One step at a time right!
1976 KZ400 S2
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- rstnick
- Offline
- User
Less
More
- Posts: 4373
- Thank you received: 377
19 Apr 2022 13:50 - 19 Apr 2022 13:51 #865772
by rstnick
Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
Replied by rstnick on topic Hello!
Welcome to KZR!
I will have your key made and sent tomorrow.
By the looks of your bike, I suggest some lubrication in the keyholes.
Silcone Lube works well, or any lube you may be able to get into the keyhole.
WD40 dries fairly quick, but can work to start.
I will have your key made and sent tomorrow.
By the looks of your bike, I suggest some lubrication in the keyholes.
Silcone Lube works well, or any lube you may be able to get into the keyhole.
WD40 dries fairly quick, but can work to start.
Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
Last edit: 19 Apr 2022 13:51 by rstnick.
The following user(s) said Thank You: elfolan
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- elfolan
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Excited to learn about my first Kawasaki twin
Less
More
- Posts: 19
- Thank you received: 2
19 Apr 2022 18:28 #865782
by elfolan
1976 KZ400 S2
Replied by elfolan on topic Hello!
Thanks so much! When I brought it home I really expected the no key thing to be a much bigger headache. Really appreciate your skills and willingness to offer assistance.
Thanks for the tip on silicone lubricant, I'll pick some up tomorrow. The keyholes are the first in a long queue of things that need some lubricant...
I did have the pleasure of clearing out an abandoned mouse nest behind the side panel when I was chasing down the key code. Quite an adventure.
Thanks for the tip on silicone lubricant, I'll pick some up tomorrow. The keyholes are the first in a long queue of things that need some lubricant...
I did have the pleasure of clearing out an abandoned mouse nest behind the side panel when I was chasing down the key code. Quite an adventure.
1976 KZ400 S2
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.