Building my first Vintage bike385

Hi Everyone,

I just purchased a 1996 KZ1000P. Lucky me it came with a second 1996 KZ(parts bike).
I decided that it would be a crime to let the parts bike dead. So started taking it apart. I'm going to test the engine and see how it runs.
I want to build it as a modified cafe style KZ bike. I will make it look like a cafe bike but with a double seat.
My initial concerns are with the rear wheel and swing arm. I thinking about going with a larger rear wheel. what do you guys think? My mechanic thinks that it doesn't help the riding and maneuverability?

I'm also looking to get a 4in1 exhaust. What do you guys recommend?

I will post pictures along the way. Please any pointers and feedback are welcomed.

Thank you in advance.

I think your mechanic is a very smart man. If you put good shocks on it and high quality, sticky tires on the stock rims the bike should certainly handle well enough for spirited street use. Riding skills, not jumbo tires, are the key to riding fast. Ed

Hi, I've always liked the cafe racer style myself. I'm wondering about going that route with my kz650, something like in the picture but probably cheaper as it looks beyond my budget.

I'd agree with 650ed, unless you plan to race on a track why spoil the classic look?

Keep us posted on how you get on please.

wrenchmonkees style is hard to beat.








welcome.

leon

650ed wrote: I think your mechanic is a very smart man. If you put good shocks on it and high quality, sticky tires on the stock rims the bike should certainly handle well enough for spirited street use. Riding skills, not jumbo tires, are the key to riding fast. Ed

+1
The rear is ok, the front needs to be narrower for good handling, 110 or 100/18.
The cop tires are to wide for an aggressive lean. Also some good shocks and
some work on the forks.


.

GOOD INSIGHT. I WILL POST MY INITIAL PICTURES THIS WEEKEND. :woohoo:

The bikes in all three pictures look great.
I really like the tires on the first one. What kind are they and what size?
The wheels and swing arm look great on the 3rd picture. Did you take it from a Z1R?

Thank you for the help!

i believe this is the finished version,



www.wrenchmonkees.com/motorcycles/monkee-626.html

of this bike

531blackbanshee wrote:

in which case they list the tires as,
Pirelli tires - rear 140/80 x 18 and front 120/80 x 18.

hth,

leon

My two bikes; the original and the parts bike I'll turn into my Vintage Bike

the original bike looks very nice !

the other bike looks like THE PERFECT platform for your "vintage bike" :evil: .

is there any way i could get you to measure from the swingarm pivot bolt to the top shock stud center to center?





leon

Sure, will do!
:sick: