KZR's Bikes of the Month for 2024

1981 KZ650 Basket Case

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05 May 2016 08:25 #724706 by twerth
Replied by twerth on topic 1981 KZ650 Basket Case
Thanks for the input, fellas. I've striped front fenders before, and it always ended up looking too busy. It wouldn't be too tough to go back and add the stripes, but I think I'll leave it as is for now. I'm leaning toward the black fork lowers, so a splash of a color other than silver down there might help to balance out the look.

1981 Kawasaki KZ650
2006 Ducati ST3s
1979 Honda GL1000 Goldwing

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09 May 2016 05:31 #725292 by twerth
Replied by twerth on topic 1981 KZ650 Basket Case
She'll be a roller soon. I actually have the front wheel on, but didn't think to take a picture when I wrapped up. Hoping to have it back on the road by next weekend, but that may be a little optimistic. I want to do a little more carb tuning while I've got it apart, and that might set me back a day or two.


Attachment 2016-05-0717.48.03.jpg not found


1981 Kawasaki KZ650
2006 Ducati ST3s
1979 Honda GL1000 Goldwing
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09 May 2016 05:52 #725293 by wrenchmonkey
Replied by wrenchmonkey on topic 1981 KZ650 Basket Case
WooHoo! It's looking so good man!
This is the phase where you can sit on it and make those motorcycle sounds as you ride it down the endless garage highway!
Wait, did I just say that out loud? :blush:

Seriously, awesome job twerth!

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  • SWest
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  • 10 22 2014
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09 May 2016 06:51 #725303 by SWest

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13 May 2016 06:06 #726097 by twerth
Replied by twerth on topic 1981 KZ650 Basket Case
A little more progress. Turns out, the stock front master cylinder reservoir it too big and interferes with the forks with the superbike bars. I've got a smaller unit off a KLR650 ordered. It should be here the middle of next week.

1981 Kawasaki KZ650
2006 Ducati ST3s
1979 Honda GL1000 Goldwing
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13 May 2016 06:39 #726109 by wrenchmonkey
Replied by wrenchmonkey on topic 1981 KZ650 Basket Case
twerth, you have done such an awesome job on this! Your bike is a hot rod with killer looks. Great eye for detail man! B)

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13 May 2016 06:48 - 13 May 2016 06:48 #726112 by martin_csr
Replied by martin_csr on topic 1981 KZ650 Basket Case
The stock mc has a tendency to leak, so it's just as well it doesn't fit very good with the superbike bars.
usa-motorcycles-inc on eebbaayy sells a number of new aftermarket mc's.
Last edit: 13 May 2016 06:48 by martin_csr.

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13 May 2016 08:39 #726146 by twerth
Replied by twerth on topic 1981 KZ650 Basket Case

martin_csr wrote: The stock mc has a tendency to leak, so it's just as well it doesn't fit very good with the superbike bars.

That is a fact. Mine leaked all over my turn signal bracket and ate the paint off. Thankfully, it didn't get on my front fender. It's fixed now, but there was some cussing going on.

1981 Kawasaki KZ650
2006 Ducati ST3s
1979 Honda GL1000 Goldwing

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13 May 2016 08:55 #726151 by twerth
Replied by twerth on topic 1981 KZ650 Basket Case

wrenchmonkey wrote: twerth, you have done such an awesome job on this! Your bike is a hot rod with killer looks. Great eye for detail man! B)


Thanks!

1981 Kawasaki KZ650
2006 Ducati ST3s
1979 Honda GL1000 Goldwing

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16 May 2016 06:04 #726732 by twerth
Replied by twerth on topic 1981 KZ650 Basket Case
The new brake reservoir should be here today or tomorrow, but other than that, I think this one is done. I did a little more carb tuning (raised the needles, tinkered with the air screws, etc.) and it seems to have cleared up a soft spot I was experiencing off the bottom. It's supposed to rain for the next couple of days, so I won't get a chance to ride it for a while and find out for sure ($#@&!).

1981 Kawasaki KZ650
2006 Ducati ST3s
1979 Honda GL1000 Goldwing
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23 May 2016 09:08 #728018 by twerth
Replied by twerth on topic 1981 KZ650 Basket Case
Done! Now if it would just stop raining...

1981 Kawasaki KZ650
2006 Ducati ST3s
1979 Honda GL1000 Goldwing
Attachments:

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23 May 2016 12:03 #728033 by wrenchmonkey
Replied by wrenchmonkey on topic 1981 KZ650 Basket Case
Dayum! That is a thing of beauty. B)
All the subtle details too.
What a great idea to relo the ign switch! It always bugs me when my keys rattle around on top fork clamp & chipping the paint.

Well i reckon all that's left is to ride that thang like you stole it!
Great job!

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