'77 KZ650 Basket Case Full Build

Looks great, how do you like the Metzelers? Just got them for my GPZ and I'm liking them.

Thanks! Haven't had the tires on the street yet - glad to hear you like them though

Grant - curious as to if you've weighed the bike at all. At some point i want to dig into my 650 and lighten it up as much as possible. Mine had been detabbed and shortened and was pretty well stripped down like yours but that was over 30 years ago last i fooled with it.

Also, any guess as to the hp increase?

It hadn't crossed my mind to weigh it, but now I'm curious.

I'll post dyno info once it's up and running

Thanks, I'll keep my 78 forever, bought it new and chopped it like you. The motor as far as I've been able to find is about 175. I figure the frame and swing 55 60. I want to see how light I can make this bike, I haven't weighed it either but it's all in pieces now so now is the time to compile the data. I'm hoping I can get it to 375 or under without spending crazy money. Also would like to see a nice round 100 hp but I'd settle for a lot less.

I didn't have a set of decent switches for the bike and the wiring harness had pretty much been destroyed by the previous owner. Now I'm working on a pretty minimalist setup with horn, headlight, tach, and kill switch. I drew up a switch pod that could house a set of beefy Honeywell toggle switches (apparently the same stuff used in 747 airplanes) and 3d printed a set to test fit.


It's not the most stylish item, but it's functional.


Using this as a learning opportunity - first time programming and running the CNC start to finish

Toggle switches? Seriously?

You are really talented. Set your sights on motogadget.

They need some competition, maybe sell it to the Chinese to bring the cost down.

What's your background on this if I might ask Grant? I love what you are doing with this. I somehow get the sense that you are younger and making good use of your education in lieu of floundering around the job market.

I kind of left the site the other night but only from the detritus that was largely my own. Got no time for that now. But I do have time for interesting stuff -- like what you are doing. 3d printing and the new techniques are going to change parts availability.

It's not just me that thinks that.

One last question, can you solve that Rubiks Cube thing like, really fast?

I know it is really gratifying to see all your planning and hard work become reality. Maybe the toggles are not sexy, but they are reliable and vary easy to use with gloves on.
Nicely done.

GrantKZ650,
That's a very nice build! Sound planning & imaginative fabrication. The quality of craftsmanship is obvious.

Don't know where you are, but if you're in the northern Kentucky/southern Indiana region, the Kentucky Kickdown is an event that showcases exactly that kind of retro-custom build. Your bike & skills would be on display along with many of the finest from other builders from as far away as Chicago & Atlanta.

We would like to extend an invitation to attend.
kentuckykickdown.com

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE