1978 KZ1000-A2 "Barn find"

Skidmark wrote: That older tire looks like it's my age! (I'm retired, and so should that tire!!)

We'll, it was parked in a barn since at least 1990, sooo...

My brother is definitely braver than me. He took it up to 120 on those tires! Mind you, he also took it down the road when it had no brakes too.

Rear is done. I'm sure the bike will sit up at least an inch higher now, but it should definitely be easier to turn without the square tires.

Kaylinator wrote:
Once again, the hardest and most frustrating part was getting the valve stem in it's hole.

The last 8 inches or so was quite a challenge too, but not horrible. Would have been easier with a third hand to keep the last bead lock in.

I bought one of these years ago. It makes controlling the valve much easier. www.amazon.ca/MonkeyJack-Scooter-Motorcy...id=1614207382&sr=8-8

Replace my carb boots today. Also checked the floor heights in my carbs. Their all at bang on 4mm. I'd prefer 3mm, but since their within spec, I really didn't want to go through the process of adjusting them all.

Then took the header off so I could brass wheel the front end on the engine and get all the oxidization off, replaced the exhaust gaskets and reinstalled.

Then got the whole bike back together. Ran it for a bit, and I swear I still hear a big of valve tap for some reason...

Hoping to get this this insured and registered for April 1. The Canadian Forces just got a raise backdated to April 2018, so should be seeing some significant back pay at the end of the month.

Couple updates. Last Sunday I got the the carbs vacuum synced and tested on her for a bit. It was running a bit lean on all 4, probably due to the K&N air filter. I remove the street baffle from the Delkevic, and that seems to enrichened it the exact right amount. Doesn't seem to sound significantly louder either. 


​​​​​​Today I wet sanding all body parts and got decals installed. I must say, I'm not sure what's more stressful: sanding a perfectly adequate paint job, or getting the decals lined up just right. I think it turned out all right. Clear coat is planned for Monday. Probably going to throw and entire quart at it to give me plenty of clear for cutting and buffing. 

 

It's a beautiful day today, so things are happening ahead of schedule. Laying clear coat right now! 
 

Really happy with the way the clear went down. 

I seriously underestimated how many coats 1qt would do. Didn't lay it all. I honestly lost track of how many coats I did, but I'm not greatest painter, so I wanted lots of meat for the cut and buff. 

I did end up up with one small run in the back right side, but I'm sure I can deal with that during the cut a buff. Will probably put some drywall compound on that spot before I sand it down. 

I'm a little torn on how long I should wait to cut and buff it. I have Monday off, so I could potentially do it then. Specs on the clear say it can be polished after 8 hours, and that would put it to at least 42 hours, but I've also heard that it's better to give it a full month. I might just start with a go at the side covers on Monday as the clear seems to have laid best on them. 



 

Left the bike in the sun yesterday to bake the clear a little bit. Couldn't help but set the side cover decal on it to get a better feel for how it's looking. 
 

It was also family dinner at the acreage. First time my family apart from my brother has really seen it since I pulled it from the barn. My dad pretty much immediately threw my mom on the back and ripped it up and down the road. I admit, I was incredibly nervous to see my dad riding a bike he hasn't been on in 30 years with a passenger, but it was like my dad never got off of it. 

Today I started the cut and buff process. Wet sanding is incredibly tedious, and admittedly, I should probably go a bit further in some areas where the paint didn't lay as smooth, but I'm pretty happy with the way it's coming out. So far only applied the 3M rubbing compound. Next up is 3M denibbing polish, followed by 3M machine polish. Seeing just the result from the compound has gotten me even more excited to see it done. 

 

At one point, I took a break from sanding. I ordered the decals from diablocycles, and they include a spare set of tail piece decals in case you mess up the first ones (not real confidence building, that). I didn't end up needing the spares thankfully, so the question became, "what to do with them?" I think I found my answer.
 

Nice addition to your helmut!  The bike is looking pretty good too.

Lots of stupidity today. Went to the registry office and stood in line for half an hour to ask if I'd have any issues getting the bike registered. Was concerned it might need an inspection, etc. Told me all was well and I'd have no problem getting it done. Excellent.

Called my broker and pulled the trigger on insurance. Went back to the registry office, and was just about through the process when she goes "oh! I'm going to have to send you away!" I asked why, and she said because my bill of sale stated it was a 1978, while their records had it as a '77. I explained that it was manufactured in 1977, but it was a 1978 model year. She sympathized, but said there was nothing she could do, and I'd have to get a new bill of sale that had it as a '77. She did suggest that there was someone we could call to get it corrected, but of course they were closed by then. I have a new bill of sale now. Hopefully I can get it registered tomorrow, but I'd really like it to accurately list it as a '78. 

Well, I've got a plate. No luck getting it corrected to 1978. Had to make quick call insurance to get insurance papers changed to match. 

Doubt anyone will believe that it's anything but a custom plate...
 

Kool. Start heading towards Michigan. See ya on June 19th