The new guy from Washington.

Greetings!

I just picked up an 81 kz550. The guy i got it from had already started work to make a chopper out of it, so it came with a nice set of Z bars, a rear fender blank, and a few other misc parts. He also started building a custom wiring harness with all the BS removed. First I plan to finish what he started with that, and then maybe paint and a few other quick upgrades before i get it back on the road. Here in Washington we have a pretty short riding season, and once its over, you get to stare at your bike for 9 months. During that time I'd like to customize and/or upgrade everything I can. I have been building hot rods since I was in high school, but I'm new to motorcycle performance work, so any tips or upgrade suggestions would be extremely appreciated.

alexv860 wrote: Greetings!

I just picked up an 81 kz550. The guy i got it from had already started work to make a chopper out of it, so it came with a nice set of Z bars, a rear fender blank, and a few other misc parts. He also started building a custom wiring harness with all the BS removed. First I plan to finish what he started with that, and then maybe paint and a few other quick upgrades before i get it back on the road. Here in Washington we have a pretty short riding season, and once its over, you get to stare at your bike for 9 months. During that time I'd like to customize and/or upgrade everything I can. I have been building hot rods since I was in high school, but I'm new to motorcycle performance work, so any tips or upgrade suggestions would be extremely appreciated.

Welcome from East Tennessee!!
Awesome sounding project!!
Looking forward to pics and progress reports!!
Regards
Ed

Oh, forgot to mention that it's a shaft drive, I'm not sure if that makes a difference when I want to make it a hard tail, or if it's possible to swap to chain, or if it would be worthwhile.

i would stay with the shaft myself. they are wonderful

Welcome fellow washingtoinain! I'm in your neck of the woods. And +1 on the shaft drive. If you need help, just holler

Welcome Alex... Yea, I'll concur with the others, keep the shaft. No maintenance, unlike a chain... and very difficult to swap to a chain.