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Aloha Mr Hand Z1R
Junior Member
Posts: 11
Registered: 4-10-2005
Location: Humboldt County, CA
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![[*]](./images/xpsilver/default_icon.gif) posted on 6-10-2005 at 20:28 |
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Seems like most people are posting about their 650's.. interesting. Do they create more passion, excitement, good memorys than the big boys?
maybe... I happened to be lucky enought to stumble into a 650 when I was 18. I worked in a med. size company and a buddy was selling his bike and I
wanted it. (1980 650 F). Everybody in the company discouraged me, because it had been owned by 2 or 3 other employees and they all had a rep for
abusing it. Stupid me. I bought it anyway for $500... In 1988 it had 34,000 miles on it and I rode it for another 30,000 miles over the next three
years when I reluctantly traded it for my Z1R box-bike. Interestingly, most of the time I owned it, it was painted Mad-Max black (primer).
One miserable day I spun a rod bearing (ran it out of oil, stupid, stupid). I got used crank and rod assy and it just sat because the manual said I
needed new rings, gaskets, seals, o-rings... yadda yadda... one day I was looking at it longingly and just started putting it together.... what do you
know... it RAN, for another 20,000 miles or so. THAT'S why I ride KZ's. and they look sweet.
Dyin' ain't much of a livin' boy. -Josey Wales
78 Z1R
56 Chevy Nomad
55 Chevy 2dr HT
69 Bronco
2 mountain bikes
2 road bikes
2 BMX bikes
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ejshotgun
Member
Posts: 169
Registered: 18-7-2005
Location: Fort Smith AR
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Mood: KickedBack
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 posted on 6-10-2005 at 21:21 |
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From reading these posts you'd think that the only thing in life worth living for is riding. Except for that one girl.......oh, yea we're
talking about riding BIKES, KZ's to be precise.
Well, I've been riding off/on for the past 29yrs. and my first bike was a '76 KZ900, I put 33,000 miles on that baby in less than a year.
I've had lots of different bikes through the years and I got out of riding (because of bad/stupid choices) for about 6 years. I got separated
than got another fiancé and then I came to my senses when my fiancé decided she didn't want me any longer. Well I traded one "ride"
for another "RIDE" and got my '77LTD-KZ1000. The funny thing is I was wanting a V-twin but with the prices I said "piss on
that" I can find a damn good in-line four and ride circles around them guys.
The really odd thing was when I decided that I was going to get an in-line four the LTD popped up. A year younger/100cc larger than my '76 900.
And now here I am away from home is some of the most gorgeous riding country around and I don't have my "RIDE" DAMMIT!!!! (doing
some work for a company away from home with a rented truck).
Were was I oh, yea....
I love my KZ because it loves me!
:D:cool::o:P
'77 LTD 1000 B1--Mac 4:1 exhaust
On the road without my Bike, CRAP!!!!
Old enough to know better!
Young enough to do it!
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Dave Sloan
Junior Member
Posts: 19
Registered: 8-7-2005
Location: Brisbane Australia
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 03:43 |
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I bought my z650 in '79, it used to be advertised as the 750 eater and it ran great. Its been all over Southern Africa with me and when we moved
to Australia she can with.'Love the styling, althoough there have been a lot of mods along the way. two four seat, gsxr 3 spoke mags and 4 pot
calipers with floating discs, suz swing arm, fibreglass guards, 810 kit, flowed head, andrews #20 cams and lastly feul injection using gpz1100
throttle bodies and injectors. I love this bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Mcdroid
Senior Member
Posts: 296
Registered: 10-11-2003
Location: close to Houston, TX
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Mood: ohoh
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 04:28 |
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My bikes give me a chubby.
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oldcuda68
Junior Member
Posts: 18
Registered: 11-9-2005
Location: Woodsfield, Ohio
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Mood: good
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 05:00 |
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I have always tried to be different.. When I decided to by a Kawasaki KZ650 in 1978 because everyone rode Hondas. Well turns out that there must be
some magic to them because I was attracted back to team green after 25 plus years. I have never been so excited about a project for years. My wife
even commented on my new obsession. It is contagious because now she is looking for a 440 LTD like she had before we were married.
It must be a virus or something!
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!!!!!!:D:D
1980 KZ750H LTD
2000 Arctic Cat 4x4
97 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
84 Dodge Power Ram 4" lift
78 Jeep CJ-5 on 38" Boggers
Just Kaw's and Mopars!!!!
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ltdrider
Posting Freak
Posts: 615
Registered: 1-2-2005
Location: Palmdale, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: let's ride
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 06:25 |
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In '76 I was riding a Honda XL350 (street legal). I saw the KZ900 at the dealer, but couldn't swing the price. So I saved up for a year.
But in '77, the 900 was discontinued, and 1000 was the new muscle bike. For grins, I test rode a new KZ650. Compared to that Honda dirt bike,
the Kaw was smooth as silk. The speed limit back then was 55, and 60 felt like 30 on that bike. Sold the Honda, bought the KZ650, and never looked
back.
It took me another 28 years to find the 900 that I always wanted.
Oh, and back then, Harleys weren't even a consideration. They were owned by AMF, and were pooly-built bikes. Every new Harley on the
dealer's floor had a drip pan under it. Very low-tech compared to the Kaws.
KZ900LTD (Red Blaze)
Restoring to Original.
'With enough beer & time, anything is possible.'
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dannyg40
Member
Posts: 52
Registered: 21-8-2005
Location: Chicago
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 07:08 |
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I have always had on/off or strictly dirt bikes. I had a Suzuki GT350 back around 82'. Bought a brand new 2004 KLR 650 2 years ago. Sold that
since it wasnt the greatest for being on the street to long. The high center of gravity on the bike had made it rough trying to travel any distance at
speeds above 50 MPH. Friend of mine had a mint 1980 KZ1000. He sold it back around 1995, but I always liked the way the bike looked. Went to some
dealers looking at new bikes, but didnt want to get into any payments for a bike I would be riding locally. Started looking on E-bay for bikes for
around $1000 or so. Almost bought a Honda XL500. I let it go since I had a KLR and didnt want to get back into the on/off bike again since I had
already sold that type of bike. Looked at Honda CB's, nighthawks, but kept going back to the KZ's. They are a very reliable bike, and I
like the way they look and sound.
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farmer fred
Senior Member
Posts: 219
Registered: 22-10-2004
Location: Knoxville, TN USA
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Mood: zoom!
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 07:34 |
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Because I got it free, and after fixing the motor, I really liked they way it was built and like the way it runs.
Fred Sahms
Knoxville, TN
78 KZ1000 LTD freebie
loads of other crap
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Sactown900
Junior Member
Posts: 38
Registered: 21-9-2005
Location: Sacramento, CA
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Mood: Positive
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 07:40 |
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I have always LOVED motorcycles.
When Kawasaki "one-upped" Honda in 73 with the Z-1, I thought, "This is it, the most outrageous bike ever, has arrived." The
profile of the engine reminds me of the profile of a 68 Triumph Bonneville, to me, the most beautifull engine ever built. I will walk all the way
across a parking lot, to take a 2nd look at someone's KZ900. Now, if I could just slow down life alittle, to actually work on mine. If I did
not have this one, I would probably find a "running" KZ1000 LTD to stretch and slam.
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mysticwolf
Member
Posts: 95
Registered: 20-6-2005
Location: Auburn, Indiana
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Mood: going again :
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 09:02 |
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I bought mine in 1980 from a friend who bought it brand new. I wanted it from the day he bought it, and when the oppertunity arose, I bought it, for
$1100.00 I have had it ever sence. In the 25 years ive owned it, 2 other people have rode it, my best friend ( at the time ) and my brother inlaw, I
just didnt trust anyone else on it. Love the way it rides, and the way it sounds, and the way it kicks rice rockets in the ass:D
76 kz 900 board out to 1015, milled head, cutback gears, custom ppg paint job, barnett racing clutch, vance&hines header, lots of chrome, with
more to come. love the smell of 115 oct. racing fuel coming out the header.
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Les Holt
Newbie
Posts: 1
Registered: 3-10-2005
Location: west central Indiana
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 09:42 |
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New here and this is my first post. Mine started at 12 yrs old with an old kaw 90. Years later, married, job, kids, coworker got an old 650SR from a
family member and didn't want it, but I did. Rode it for probly 2 yrs. By that time I was hooked. I went to 750's, yes, they will spank a
650 with some work. My favorite was an 81 LTD with an 810 kit, gpz cams, ported gpz head, 29 smooths, stretched 5" on stock shocks relocated on
the swing arm. Can you say 10.60's all day long and go anywhere you want! Then went to a 76 900 with an 1197 kit, web cams, ported head 33
smooths, raked and stretched. Handling similar to what I would assume an old 50's dump truck would but blinding fast on the street. Zipp tied
750 LTD side covers on it and proceeded to take to the street. You would be supprised how many kids on plastic bike didn't notice. Their mistake
but the look on their face was great when the battle was over and they realized they had been schooled by an old kaw.
Now after being out it for 10 years and the kids done gokart racing. I'm taking the plunge back in. Just bought 2 900's for a whole $250,
1 74 and 1 76 and both seem to be pretty complete. Actually drug 1 out the weeds. Guy said they had been sitting for more than 10 years so I've
got my work for this winter. Still would like to find another 750 LTD to put one of these 900 engines in to go play with. I get some picks I'll
post them. Might want your safety glasses, these thinks look horid.
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indykaw77
Member
Posts: 165
Registered: 19-5-2005
Location: On the road...AGAIN!!
Member Is Offline
Mood: just chillin
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 09:44 |
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My first bike was a KZ400 LTD. Bought it before the ink was dry on the divorce! LOL! Anyways, was fun to ride and all, but buddies had bigger 4
cyl's and I knew i hadda move up. A guy worked at the dealership I did had (still has) a 75 900. Fell in love with that look and knew I hadda
have one. Opportunity presented itself one day and I was proud owner of my '77 KZ1000A.
Only rode it 1 1/2 seasons before joining Marines. Guy with the 900 stored it in his garage. 14 years later when i moved home.....we fired it up and
away i went.
I love this bike. Period. Perfect blend of looks, performance, and handling. And thanks to this site, it just gets better. Wont EVER part with it!
Remember......When it's all said and done....there's USUALLY more SAID than Done!!"
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KZJohn
Senior Member
Posts: 439
Registered: 20-5-2004
Location: Riverside/West Covina CA.
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Mood: ready2race
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 10:45 |
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While I was mending after totaling my Yamaha, my wife mentioned that her stepfather had a bike in the back of his garage that had been sitting for a
while. She called him up and asked if he still had the bike and would he consider selling it. Yes and yes. That weekend I was proud new owner of a
KZ900. All I had to do now was wait for the cast to come off and let the fun begin. Before he died of cancer I would stop by his place and tell him
about the bike show I was just at or the trip I had just came from on "his bike". It made him happy to see the bike restored and being
used and apreceiated.
76 KZ900A4,71 Hon CL350, 77 Hon CB550, 85 Hon CR250R , Yam. XS 750S
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pant412
Junior Member
Posts: 14
Registered: 3-8-2005
Location: Maryland
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Mood: extremely happy
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 10:55 |
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I have always wanted a bike since before I got married. Had to deal with a lot of issues, especially the wife not wanting me to have one.
So I had to go behind her back. I could only get something that I could pay cash for and the kz1000 happened to be there at the right place and price
at the right time. I also was looking for a particular style of bike and the kz fit the bill.
Now if I can only keep it out of the shop and get some riding time!:D
John
I'll be the last man to let you down.
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dutchz
Member
Posts: 61
Registered: 7-7-2005
Location: San Diego CA
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Mood: beer=breakfast
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 12:10 |
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I had always wanted a bike, but never got around to taking all the expensive required classes and didn't like the stringent displacement rules
back in Holland for new riders.
I started looking for a bike earlier this year, didn't know sh*t about bikes but liked the late 60s - early 70s standards. Looked at cafed-out
Hondas, BMWs, old brits, H1 and H2's. Read about the Z1 too, loved the looks and the promise of unadulterated speed (boys will be boys right).
Watched ebay, didn't think I could ever afford one... Almost bought a non-running GS750 for cheap but trusted my instincts - that thing was
messed up.
Then a Z1 popped up locally and I just had to have it... It sat for 12 yrs before I bought it, ran rough and it turned out to have bad compression in
one cylinder. I probably paid a bit more than it was worth according to the state of 'tune' - like I said I didn't know sh*t when I
bought it - the dealer said awww just keep the choke on a bit she likes it that way.
She's running sweet now and the topend refresh is due this month... Can't wait to have her all done up nice :D
Another cool thing about these big Zs is there's plenty of aftermarket stuff out there because of the race/drag thing...
1974 Z1A
4-2 crossover header
scooter battery
tomaselli adj. clubmans
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Walt
Posting Freak
Posts: 912
Registered: 11-7-2003
Location: Ohio
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Mood: got rice?
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 12:19 |
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I ride a KZ because that is the only bike my mother will let me ride!.........:D
Walt
'82 750 Gpz
A wise man never plays leap frog with a unicorn.
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GargantuChet
Junior Member
Posts: 21
Registered: 21-9-2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
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Mood: KZ rides again
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 12:20 |
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Got one for cheap, let it sit way too long, way too unprotected and let some rust start to develop.
Now I've caught the bug, gotten my license, and fallen in love with the looks and comfort of the KZ. It's got everything I need, and
nothing I don't.
It sounds good too!
Chet
1978 KZ650SR (first bike, but it won't be the last!)
When I die I want people to say: 'Gee that guy owed me a lot of money' -- Jack Handey
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galaxian
Senior Member
Posts: 484
Registered: 17-12-2002
Location: chicago
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| posted on 7-10-2005 at 12:48 |
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Cheap with good looks to boot Thats why i got one. I am talking about bikes really i am.
Oh and after the zx7 conversion it will have 43mm forks and 6 piston brakes and a fat 180 tire so...
[Edited on 7-10-2005 by galaxian]
1979 kz650 c3
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kawasakikid38
Member
Posts: 86
Registered: 8-4-2005
Location: PA.
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Mood: chillin
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| posted on 8-10-2005 at 05:06 |
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kz
well, because its a KZ1000. the bike that started all this bike craze. back in the day if you had a kz1000 you were the man. but now i love them
because their sweet bikes and now that i just streached and lowerd mine it looks even sweeter. ( badass ).:cool:
1978 kz1000cc
i think its time to change the air in your head.
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jtmcculloch
Postaholic
Posts: 1112
Registered: 26-8-2003
Location: Houston, Texas
Member Is Offline
Mood: 76 KZ1000
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| posted on 8-10-2005 at 06:02 |
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A picture is worth a thousand words.
jtmcculloch has attached this image:
1976 KZ900A, 1978 KZ1000 LTD engine & seat, Lester Rims, 26mm carbs with Z1 airbox, Dyna Ignition, Kerker Header, Ducatti Yellow By Sabatini
Autowerks
63 Impala 2dr hardtop
70 Honda 70 Mini-trail
72 Moto-Guzzi 750 Ambassador
1 1/2 - 78 KZ1000P's
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michikawi
Member
Posts: 198
Registered: 16-3-2004
Location: Land of Hiawatha
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Mood: Grumpy old man
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| posted on 8-10-2005 at 08:06 |
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My buddy at work was hot to get a new Harley. They offered im $300 for trade in. I told him I would give him $500 without looking at it.
I've ran it 17 years now and probably put another $1000 in it. Cheap and rugged Why not ride one???:o:D:D:D
Norm
1978 KZ1000 A2
Turnouts
Dyna S ignition
Dyna coils
Uni air filter in OEM air box
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ronboskz650sr
Senior Member
Posts: 377
Registered: 10-8-2004
Location: Sedalia, Mo
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Mood: kind
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| posted on 8-10-2005 at 08:31 |
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My 19 year-old son decided to start riding (he's 20 now). I didn't like the idea of him learning on his own. I decided to teach him (I
know the stats, and as a flight instructor, I did alot of homework on how to teach it right) and need a bike for me since I wanted back into it after
30 years off. My budget wasn't the greatest, but Ebay and this bike did the trick. I was a dirt guy only back then, and was pretty impressed
with the difference! Totally, insanely hooked at this point, and using it as a creative outlet, too. I've done almost nothing with my Art
since college. The bike is making some great music, too! Incidently, ever since I saw a guy wheelie for 100 feet, and then burn out on a
"kawasaki 900" (his description of his bike...probably a Z-1, but he didn't care...he just rode) back in the mid 70's, I knew
it would be a Kaw for me someday. Oh, and the "batmobile" sound on decelleration is the best. Oh, the second pic..the cones are laying
down to keep from blowing away, and it's a 20 foot circle..these things will even go slow and turn tight!
Ride safe...God bless!
-Ron
ronboskz650sr has attached this image:
"No cool points for crashing in a cool points contest."
1979 kz650 sr:
custom paint, Air shocks/forks,maier faring,4 into 1 exhaust,seat cut down 1 inch,cafe seat and tailpiece in works, black drag bars, barend
mirrors,halogen conversion, rearsets, center stand removed..Oh yeah, stuffed dog my son gave me for Christmas behind the faring, watching traffic.
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WharfRat
Member
Posts: 50
Registered: 3-7-2004
Location: Kenosha,WI
Member Is Offline
Mood: dis-illusioned
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| posted on 9-10-2005 at 03:16 |
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:DI just like the style of an older bike for one. Easy to work on. Not having what everyone else has. I'll go on a poker run with my(Harley)
buddies,and my little 400 will get as many(if not more) looks than most of those $$$$ Harleys. Plus.I'll never lose a dime on it!
[Edited on 9-10-2005 by WharfRat]
WharfRat has attached this image:
1979 kz400B2
Well,a touch of grey kind of suits me anyway.
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