Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Yesterday I received my Delkevic 4 into 1 exhaust system. First inspection shows pretty good manufacturing. It will be quite a while before the motor is in, so we will see how the fit is when I get there. It looks good so far!

Since I really can't come up with any reasonable arguement not to gusset the frame, I picked up some 1.00"x 3.00" x .083" wall steel tubing and got to cutting...

When looking at the drawing of recommended bracing, I don't think the head tube needs anything more on this frame than what came from Kawasaki.

Nice work. The 750/650 frames were a better design than the larger 1000 frames, so any head-stock bracing is probably overkill. most of the other bracing will apply though.

That is what I was thinking...

More gusset work. A bit tricky getting the fit right, but two pieces make it easier than trying to do a wrap around with one piece.

It's more fun ruining cardboard instead of metal. Cheaper, too!

Started big, then decided not to align with the centerline of the frame tubes.might add some holes to keep air moving onto the cylinder head.

I had the new tires mounted up. Metzeler Roadtec 01's.

So the powder coat shop I am working with told me they would prefer the steering head bearing NOT be in the frame when they coat it. The issue I have with that is I need to install the bearings so I can assemble the front end and fab up my new steering stops. I think I will tell them they just need to mask them off well. Once installed, I am not going to ruin them by pulling them back out, and I need to finish all of the welding before the frame gets blasted and powder coated.

Instead of a cross brace behind the carbs/under the seat, I decided on a single cross tube. It's placed close to the mid point in the frame between the engine mount points and the frame junction at the rear of the fuel tank.

I want to use a "superbike" style handlebar, but the CBR600-RR front end uses a clip on style handlebar set up. I decided on Woodcraft riser clip ons, with a 3" rise. They arrived today, and I think these will give a better control position that the stock Honda clip ons (I didn't get the bars with the front end).