KZR's Bikes of the Month for 2024

Progress on my Project

  • 81 KZ750 Rat Bike
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16 May 2008 17:35 #214088 by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike
Progress on my Project was created by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike
I posted some info in the noob board and have a video update of my progress.
Just a quick recap. I found a 1981 KZ750 LTD on Craigs list for $250. It had been in the guys driveway for over 15 years...uncovered. After the removal of alot of 1980's crap and an exhaust system that was wasted, I ended up with....well see for yourself.

And the recent updated video of my progress.

Given the condition of the bike before and after I removed all the crap i'm glad it even runs!!!
I'm waiting on both master cylinder rebuild kits. They were both frozen solid
The clutch cable was frozen as well and the throttle cable is holding on by 3 or 4 strands so those will be in the shipment from Z1 as well.
I don't care for the handle bars so I have a set of Drag Bars on the war also.
I did the GM HEI module mod due to the igniter being bad and only allowing cylinders 1&4 to fire. I've had a few wiring issues which you can here the outcome of that on the second video (2&3 dropping at idle. I Think I have that fixed).
The rear fender is too rusty to save so that will be replaced.
I know Rat Bikes aren't everyones forte but this bike was in such condition that I didn't have much choice. I'm glad I saved this from a salvage yard.

1981 KZ750 LTD
Plano, Texas
This bike was too far gone for a restoration....so making it a Rat Bike was the obvious choice.

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19 May 2008 21:07 - 19 May 2008 21:08 #214652 by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike
Replied by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike on topic Progress on my Project
I recieved my 1st parts from Z1 today. 2 master cylinder rebuild kits and a clutch cable and throttle cable.
The rear master rebuild went ok but the front one is too far gone.
I got to ride it which was a blast!:woohoo:
If anyone has a front Master Cylinder for sale , let me know.

1981 KZ750 LTD
Plano, Texas
This bike was too far gone for a restoration....so making it a Rat Bike was the obvious choice.
Last edit: 19 May 2008 21:08 by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike.

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20 May 2008 10:48 #214756 by JohNLA
Replied by JohNLA on topic Progress on my Project
The bike is looking much cooler.B)
I like what you have done with the rear.

s49.photobucket.com/albums/f255/JohNLA_photo/1983%20GPZ%20550/
83 GPZ 550 Stock with 3600 miles_83s.
83 GPZ 550 4-1,pods,Mikuni 36,000 + miles

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20 May 2008 20:58 #214864 by Makarth
Replied by Makarth on topic Progress on my Project
dude thats frickin awesome. you do need straight bars though. keep that thing truckin and give us an on-ride video!


1977 kz1000 - Megasquirt project @ 40% wiring, plenum, and exhaust<--(done!)

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20 May 2008 20:58 - 20 May 2008 21:00 #214865 by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike
Replied by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike on topic Progress on my Project
Thanks for the compliments.
There may be things that end up on the bike that might draw some critisism. It is a Rat Bike and that does mean doing things that may seem unorthodox.
I'll have some updated photo's after I get the drag bar on and the lights hooked up.
I have driven it a few times and found that the master link didn't have it's clip! Good thing it was so rusted that it was natures locking clip;) . It's been resolved with some "e" clips for now.
It seems to have lots of power and no smoke out of the tailpipe.

1981 KZ750 LTD
Plano, Texas
This bike was too far gone for a restoration....so making it a Rat Bike was the obvious choice.
Last edit: 20 May 2008 21:00 by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike.

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20 May 2008 21:28 - 20 May 2008 21:32 #214871 by Makarth
Replied by Makarth on topic Progress on my Project
sounds sweet man and trust me when i say you won't make any one mad with anything you do, if anything you'll get alot of praise. it's all about taking these old bikes and giving them the love they deserve whether it be through the slaughter of steel or a majestic restoration. we do DEMAND pics though lol


1977 kz1000 - Megasquirt project @ 40% wiring, plenum, and exhaust<--(done!)
Last edit: 20 May 2008 21:32 by Makarth.

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21 May 2008 17:02 #214987 by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike
Replied by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike on topic Progress on my Project
Here are some pics.
The before..



The diet..




The "Rough In"...


There have been alot of changes since these last pics. I'll update this soon.

1981 KZ750 LTD
Plano, Texas
This bike was too far gone for a restoration....so making it a Rat Bike was the obvious choice.

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21 May 2008 22:52 #215032 by Makarth
Replied by Makarth on topic Progress on my Project
looks like a fun project bro. im definitely envious of the project. so im guessing you only have back brakes at the moment?


1977 kz1000 - Megasquirt project @ 40% wiring, plenum, and exhaust<--(done!)

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22 May 2008 03:58 #215051 by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike
Replied by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike on topic Progress on my Project
Both master cylinders were frozen solid. Even the rear brake pedal was frozen in the bracket. I used a couple cans of PB Blaster to free them up. It still required a punch to get the piston out of the front master cylinder but it didn't make it. The rear master cylinder had to soak for over a week before I could get the piston out. I was able to rebuild it. In the last pic it still had no rear master cylinder.

1981 KZ750 LTD
Plano, Texas
This bike was too far gone for a restoration....so making it a Rat Bike was the obvious choice.

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22 May 2008 17:21 #215196 by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike
Replied by 81 KZ750 Rat Bike on topic Progress on my Project
Her are some pic's I took today after I got my Drag Bar installed.






I have a few more weeks of work then it should be on the road.

1981 KZ750 LTD
Plano, Texas
This bike was too far gone for a restoration....so making it a Rat Bike was the obvious choice.

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22 May 2008 17:35 #215199 by EasyRider1
Replied by EasyRider1 on topic Progress on my Project
The bike is coming along nicely. I like the way it's turning out.

1978 KZ650C

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22 May 2008 21:58 #215256 by Makarth
Replied by Makarth on topic Progress on my Project
dude now you need a canvas seat and canvas satchels for saddle bags and maybe a brim hat and a bull whip. haha j/k just got back from seeing the new indiana jones movie although now that i think about it that would be sick.


1977 kz1000 - Megasquirt project @ 40% wiring, plenum, and exhaust<--(done!)

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