'78KZ200 Long term project: Upgraded to 250cc, almost done with cosmetic updates

No one really cares about the little singles, but figured I would share my long term basket case KZ200 project here. Goal was to keep its looks as stock as possible. 

I had engine issues with the original engine where some previous owner has used ATV instead of a real gasket, that got into and blocked the oil filter/oil pump, which trashed the cam bearing surfaces in the head when they ran it starved of oil. Took the opportunity to turn it into a 250cc using 81 KZ250LTD top end parts + crankshaft. Changed the carb to a Mikuni VM26 since the OEM carb was way too lean and I couldnt get it tuned for the larger displacement (intake size was very very small). Original was missing airbox anyway so it has a UNI foamie pod filter on it. Whole bike has been rewired because electrical was a nightmare. Still has original handlebar switches, snagged some period correct "coke bottle" grips, and new mirrors. Swapped over a KZ650 hydraulic front brake (bolted right on, works with the original brake rotor). Fixed the numerous dents in the tank and painted with "color matched" paint, which was not color matched at all, so I'll be painting side covers to match at some point. Had a hideous seat cover on it so I replaced that with a Pitreplica pressed vinyl one that looks the part. On the whole I think its a pretty cool survivor bike, that's pretty fun to ride around town. 

Sweet!

Nice job of dehideousafying it

Nice work. Looks a lot better

wrote:

No one really cares about the little singles, but figured I would share my long term basket case KZ200 project here. Goal was to keep its looks as stock as possible. 

 

Not true! I'd love to have a KZ200. You did a nice job on that one. 

Hi nice work on the tank, you know how to some paint down.   Don't worry about the slight hue difference with the side covers, they didn't match from the factory even when new.
Small bikes are cool to zip around the hood. 

Well done!
You did a great job.

A buddy of mine had a KZ200 for many years.
 

Well, I like it, a lot!

Been thikin' 'bout buidin' something small for a while now, four stroke that is...

I love zootin' 'to the shops for chips on my lil 100cc Yamaha two-stroke single, or, if I'm very thirsty, I'll use the 200cc twin

wrote:

Hi nice work on the tank, you know how to some paint down.   Don't worry about the slight hue difference with the side covers, they didn't match from the factory even when new.
Small bikes are cool to zip around the hood. 


 

Thanks, only my third motorcycle tank I've done, and the first time spraying a custom mixed paint out of a Preval (refillable spray paint cans, essentially). Laid down super easy, and the 2k clear over top definitely covers up a couple of small mistakes. 

Interesting note that they didnt quite match from the factory; Im a perfectionist though and will probably still color match them eventually (probably after the riding season). 

If Im not hitting the interstate, I find myself more and more jumping on my smaller displacement bikes. Whacking the throttle wide open and still staying in (almost) legal speeds is pretty fun. 

That GPz550 is a really nice looking ride as well! Hard to find one in any condition around me, but I'd love to have one; kinda the dream middleweight retro bike. 

I like it! I’m with those that have said they want one. A little 250 single sounds like fun. 

RustToRedemption post= wrote: If Im not hitting the interstate, I find myself more and more jumping on my smaller displacement bikes. Whacking the throttle wide open and still staying in (almost) legal speeds is pretty fun. 

A good friend of mine is fond of saying that it is more fun to ride a slow motorcycle quickly than a fast motorcycle slowly. I find that to be generally true.