Mid life crisis
- Galactica
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Mid life crisis
24 Oct 2009 18:04 - 24 Oct 2009 18:05
I purchased my 76 KZ900 last April Fool's Day for waaaaay too much money. Since then I've put waaaaaaaay too much money into it.
I haven't owned a motorcycle since I sold my 74 CB750 in 1978. My KZ hadn't run since 1988 and had been deteriorating outside or in various barns for over 21 years. It was a totally rusted mess. The up side is that it was complete and original except for the mufflers.
I cleaned it up as best I could with a drill and wire wheel, steel wool, and solvents. The carbs were seized. The chain was rusted solid. The brake caliper and master were seized. The front shocks were empty of oil. The tires were decomposing, the front one may even have been original.
Spent a fortune on the carbs. In and out of the Kawasaki shop (shop rates are a killer). Got it running. Compression is way down on 1&2, but it runs OK.
New tires, chain, battery, signal stalks, grab rail, coil, throttle cables, clutch cable, speedo cable, tach cable. New (used and professionally cleaned) tank. New (used) seat cover. New halogen headlamp, spark plugs and plug ends, points and condenser. New (used) rear shocks.
Rebuilt caliper, master cylinder, and front forks. Best of all new Mac 4 into 2 mufflers. New shiny chrome and
sounds great.
This bike is like crack to me. I want to ride it all of the time. When I climb on I feel like I'm 20 years old again.
I haven't owned a motorcycle since I sold my 74 CB750 in 1978. My KZ hadn't run since 1988 and had been deteriorating outside or in various barns for over 21 years. It was a totally rusted mess. The up side is that it was complete and original except for the mufflers.
I cleaned it up as best I could with a drill and wire wheel, steel wool, and solvents. The carbs were seized. The chain was rusted solid. The brake caliper and master were seized. The front shocks were empty of oil. The tires were decomposing, the front one may even have been original.
Spent a fortune on the carbs. In and out of the Kawasaki shop (shop rates are a killer). Got it running. Compression is way down on 1&2, but it runs OK.
New tires, chain, battery, signal stalks, grab rail, coil, throttle cables, clutch cable, speedo cable, tach cable. New (used and professionally cleaned) tank. New (used) seat cover. New halogen headlamp, spark plugs and plug ends, points and condenser. New (used) rear shocks.
Rebuilt caliper, master cylinder, and front forks. Best of all new Mac 4 into 2 mufflers. New shiny chrome and
sounds great.
This bike is like crack to me. I want to ride it all of the time. When I climb on I feel like I'm 20 years old again.
77KZ1000
76 KZ900
76 KZ900
Last edit: 24 Oct 2009 18:05 by Galactica.
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- roy-b-boy-b
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Re: Mid life crisis
24 Oct 2009 18:19
That great having a bike to ride.
Do yoou have a picture? :blush:
Do yoou have a picture? :blush:
1979 LTD Street Fighter.1977 KZ1000
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- PLUMMEN
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Re: Mid life crisis
24 Oct 2009 18:55
welcome to z-jungle! my midlife crisis started when i was around 13,im 44 now! :laugh:
Still recovering,some days are better than others.
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- Mcdroid
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Re: Mid life crisis
25 Oct 2009 00:05
The solution is simple...ride it all the time...the scooter is a wonderful substitute for crack...have fun...take pictures...post em' here...
Michael
Victoria, Texas
1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A
Victoria, Texas
1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A
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- Kawickrice
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Re: Mid life crisis
25 Oct 2009 04:09
Sounds like the condition of my bike 5 years ago. Was worth all the trials and tribulations. It is very gratifying to have her on the road after all the hard work. Ride hard and be safe
73 Kawasaki Z1
07 HD CVO Ultra Classic
82 Suzuki GS 1100
74 Yamaha RD 350 (My two stroke toy)
77 Kawasaki KZ 650B-1 (My putt around bike)
80 Indian Moped (My American Iron)
1
Long Gone
75 Suzuki GT550
74 GT 380
79 RD 400 Daytona Special
72 Honda CL 175
74 Honda QA 50
Tampa FL
07 HD CVO Ultra Classic
82 Suzuki GS 1100
74 Yamaha RD 350 (My two stroke toy)
77 Kawasaki KZ 650B-1 (My putt around bike)
80 Indian Moped (My American Iron)
1
Long Gone
75 Suzuki GT550
74 GT 380
79 RD 400 Daytona Special
72 Honda CL 175
74 Honda QA 50
Tampa FL
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- Galactica
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Re: Mid life crisis
25 Oct 2009 10:44
I'm not very adept at using the computer. I'm trying to send you a few photos. Hope It works.
77KZ1000
76 KZ900
76 KZ900
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- Galactica
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- Galactica
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- Kawickrice
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Re: Mid life crisis
26 Oct 2009 17:43
Galactica wrote:
Thats a start Keep em coming, practice makes perfect.
Thats a start Keep em coming, practice makes perfect.
73 Kawasaki Z1
07 HD CVO Ultra Classic
82 Suzuki GS 1100
74 Yamaha RD 350 (My two stroke toy)
77 Kawasaki KZ 650B-1 (My putt around bike)
80 Indian Moped (My American Iron)
1
Long Gone
75 Suzuki GT550
74 GT 380
79 RD 400 Daytona Special
72 Honda CL 175
74 Honda QA 50
Tampa FL
07 HD CVO Ultra Classic
82 Suzuki GS 1100
74 Yamaha RD 350 (My two stroke toy)
77 Kawasaki KZ 650B-1 (My putt around bike)
80 Indian Moped (My American Iron)
1
Long Gone
75 Suzuki GT550
74 GT 380
79 RD 400 Daytona Special
72 Honda CL 175
74 Honda QA 50
Tampa FL
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- 650ed
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Re: Mid life crisis
26 Oct 2009 18:46
Think of it as a mid-life blessing not crisis.
![:) :)](/media/kunena/emoticons/8.png)
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- ArthurGoVroom
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Re: Mid life crisis
26 Oct 2009 19:19
My heart skipped a beat when I saw the picture...I don't think I've ever seen another brown one besides mine.
1976 KZ900A4, 4-1 header, rear lowering kit, grab bar removed, still shining and painting parts as time permits
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- donthekawguy
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Re: Mid life crisis
26 Oct 2009 23:12
These kz's are an addiction for sure. I got my first one in 84 and have nothing since. Money is just money. There will always be more in two weeks. :laugh:
Rathdrum Idaho
1971 Kawasaki g3ss
1972 Yamaha R5 350
1965 Suzuki Hillbilly
1964 Yamaha 125
1971 Kawasaki g3ss
1972 Yamaha R5 350
1965 Suzuki Hillbilly
1964 Yamaha 125
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