Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Looking good! The brake stay and swing arm came out great - did wonder about the bolts

I'm very jealous of the shop. I'm trying to figure out how to build something on my tiny European section and the best plan I can come up with fits a single bike with a small spray booth at the back. Would love to have some proper space like we had growing up back home. Bit expensive over here though

When I retired, my wife and I bought a home on an acre of land. The last 25 years our home was on a 7000 sq ft plot. Now are front yard alone is 6000 sq ft. It is a bit surreal having this much space, and our dog(s) are in heaven!

Sounds nice - there may be hope for me yet (if I ever head back home).

Working on the tail end today. Took apart the tail light and blasted all the rusty parts. I decided to clean and fit the rear fender back up. It didn't take long to decide the rear fender needed a serious trim job!


I took a large chunk off.
The only thing hanging below the tail section will be the license plate and bracket.

I'm just gonna leave this dirty old thing on the table over here.

I started to clean the wiring harness yesterday. By the time I got to the main bracket holding most of the components, and got rid of the spider webs and egg sacs, it was obvious the bracket requires refinishing (like everything else on this bike!). Now that I have blasted it clean, I am realizing I have enough parts to warrant another run to the powder coat shop. I was wrestling with the idea of repainting a lot of pieces myself, but the winter temps here are not friendly to painting. Besides, powder coat is stronger, better looking, and more scratch resistant than paint.

I got my new cylinder head studs in the mail the other day. Several of the stock studs have rust on them. Since I am increasing the compression to 10.5:1, I figured it would be a good idea to get new ones. I got the APE brand racing studs. They are much thicker than stock. Contemplating putting the lower end back into the frame for the sole purpose of holding the engine while removing the stock studs. This would also allow me to get my chain length determined so I can cut it to length (went from a 630 to 530 chain and sprockets).

I still need to finish the gauge cluster mount, but I think I have to have the new speedometer before I can finalize the design. Since I went with a modern front end, it is no longer able to cable drive the stock speedometer. The Honda used an electronic sender off the motor for its speedometer. I have been searching the internet for a GPS speedometer, but most are set up to mount into a panel (dashboard). Another issue I am finding is very few actually show the back of the gauge they are selling. I would like to try and reduce or eliminate the need to make a decorative bezel to house the new gauge, while getting a face that looks decent next to the stock tachometer. Really not having much luck in this regard. It would be really nice to look at and hold one prior to purchasing, but I live in an area that does not have any retailers carrying these type of parts. On top of that, the nearest motorcycle salvage yard is 3 hours away and in another state.

More parts back from powder coat! Dropped them off yesterday. Can't say enough good about this local shop!

I disassembled the tach for two reasons - refinish the bezels due to mild rust, and black out the light green around the edge of the gauge. I think it looks cleaner this way. Posting a pic of the stock speedo for comparison.

The tail light is back together as well.

My solution to needing to move the gauge cluster away from the handlebars. Instead of using spacers to raise the mount plane, I am lowering the headlight mount. This will make the dash area look much cleaner.

I ground the welds smooth on the top side. Still some edge contouring needed, but this will be the new gauge position, from the rider's view. I'm thinking about painting the bracket with wrinkle finish paint. It would make a nice accent to the dash.