TOPIC:

Here's the tachometer you could have used. Anyone else looking at or riding your bike would have been amazed that the thing could rev so high so effortlessly. Ed

650ed wrote: Here's the tachometer you could have used. Anyone else looking at or riding your bike would have been amazed that the thing could rev so high so effortlessly. Ed

*mumble* years ago I had a Ninja 250 that redlined at 14krpm. That tach takes the cake.

It was probably a speedo for the 250!!!

Kawboy74 wrote: It was probably a speedo for the 250!!!

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I can neither confirm nor deny that the 250 was capable of almost 110 indicated on the speedo.

My speedo on my RG500 is in klicks. I love when people check my bike out, and then ask me if it will do 260MPH!!!!

I always tell them no it won't, it will only do 240!!!!

I love the look on their faces when I tell them that!!!!

After debating hours on hours, I have finally decided to go back to its original color!!!! After seeing the stock '79 MK II blue color again, I am going back to that gorgeous Luminous Navy Blue Metallic paint!!!! In my mind, it is the nicest looking color Kawasaki ever used on any of their bikes. I just hope I can get all the overspray removed from the side covers, and tail section, if not guess I will have to get all of them repainted!! Guess I won't be eating too much for the next couple months if I can't. I need to go on a diet anyway!!!

Very nice.
Steve

Dr Gamma,
Any chance of you getting that color scanned? I've been trying to find an accurate representation of that color for a while, and that would be very helpful if you could do it

mjg15 wrote: Dr Gamma,
Any chance of you getting that color scanned? I've been trying to find an accurate representation of that color for a while, and that would be very helpful if you could do it

I can only find one automotive paint shop in my area in the phone book. The next time I run into Prescott I will stop by the store, and see if they can scan the color for you. I do have to go to the Prescott DMV in the coming weeks.

Thanks, I'd really appreciate that! I'm not really in a hurry, so no rush.

I am very honored to have my bike to be picked for February's Bike Of The Month. I will post some of its history, and more photos of it during its transformation from a non-running stripped frame and wheels that sat for like 30 years to the restored bike that you see today. I started with receiving a bare frame from Pierre DesRoches that was an exact copy of the their frame reworked by Rob North that was the basis of his bike that won the 1977 and 1978 AMA Superbike Championship with Reg Pridmore in the saddle.

When I received the frame, every tab and bracket besides the motor mounts, tank mount, and coil mount plates had been removed from the bare frame. When I saw the blue '79 MK II bodywork down at Daytona at the first race of the year, I went home and removed all the early model KZ1000 bodywork that I had already mounted to my frame. It took me just over a year to get the first version of this bike up and running.

DesRoche's exact bike that won the 1978 AMA Superbike Championship.


This is the bike that I based my MK II Superbike on.


First version of my MK II.


Photo of the bike later in its life. Oil cooler moved due to rules change. Bigger front brakes, and better front forks.


My MK II after sitting for 30 years apart. Notice the dust buildup on the swing arm.

Here are some photos of what a KZ1000 frame reworked by the legendary frame guru Rob North looks like. Most everybody including the early factory Kawasaki's had their KZ1000 frames modified by him in Superbike racing!!!
















I had to make the tabs to mount the side covers, the brackets to mount the tail section, and fab up a lightweight battery box, and somewhere to mount up the regulator, and rectifier. All these pieces were made from 4130 chromoly flat stock, and tubing. I used the 4130 over mild steel because it weights less, and is a lot stronger. Its a bitch to work with, but in the long run well worth it!!!