Hello from San Francisco

  • vinvar
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Hello from San Francisco

22 Jan 2018 10:37 - 22 Jan 2018 10:38
#777580
Hello!
Recently acquired a 1976 Kz400D. Got it in a barely running condition mostly stock. I plan to bring it back to a good running condition and make a few mods to make it look like a Tracker/Scrambler. This is my first project ever, so a lot of mistakes are going to be made and will need the help I can get from all you guys.

I have cleaned out the carbs and tank. Also swapped out the stock handlebars. Lot more to do...

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Last edit: 22 Jan 2018 10:38 by vinvar.

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  • mopguy
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Re: Hello from San Francisco

22 Jan 2018 10:58
#777582
You have found a nice bike in very good condition for its age, personally I would leave it the way it is and find another bike to modify.
I have a 1980 Kawasaki KZ750 Ltd. I bought new. I recently managed to get it out of my garage after 28 years and put it on the road again (2010). I feel like a kid all over again. Since I have acquired 3 78 KZ1000 Ltd, 1 1981 KZ1000 Ltd, and another 1980 KZ750 Ltd. Love the LTD's.
The following user(s) said Thank You: SWest

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  • CoreyClough
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Re: Hello from San Francisco

22 Jan 2018 11:45
#777585
mopguy wrote: You have found a nice bike in very good condition for its age, personally I would leave it the way it is and find another bike to modify.
I agree. Nice progress!
'85 GPz550(ZX550-A2)

GPz550 Base Manual --> tinyurl.com/ze5b3qo
GPz550 Supplement Manual --> tinyurl.com/h34d2o6
GPz550.com --> www.nwsca.com/scripts/gpz_forum_2005/default.asp
First Race Win GPz550 --> tinyurl.com/o5y3ftp

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  • 2strokerider
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Re: Hello from San Francisco

22 Jan 2018 14:13
#777592
Nice bike! Where you at? I'm in the Sunset!

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  • vinvar
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Re: Hello from San Francisco

23 Jan 2018 09:23
#777633
2strokerider wrote: Nice bike! Where you at? I'm in the Sunset!

I am next to Stonestown Mall/SF State

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  • vinvar
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Re: Hello from San Francisco

23 Jan 2018 09:24
#777634
mopguy wrote: You have found a nice bike in very good condition for its age, personally I would leave it the way it is and find another bike to modify.

Agree with you, This is my first ever project so I am not going to go crazy and hack things off, will keep it simple and stock as much as possible.

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  • loudhvx
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Re: Hello from San Francisco

23 Jan 2018 09:37 - 23 Jan 2018 09:40
#777636
That bike looks really nice. I like what you did with the bars.

I have always really liked the Kz400 rear fenders. I don't know if Kaw copied that from some other company or came up with it on their own, but it's really beautifully done. Chopping it would be a shame (not that you were going to). As much as I like cafe's and some bobbers, I really appreciate it when I see a Kz400 with the rear fender all polished up.

Look at a Cb350 rear fender for comparison.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.

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Last edit: 23 Jan 2018 09:40 by loudhvx.

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  • azman857
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Re: Hello from San Francisco

23 Jan 2018 19:55
#777683
Are those Biltwel grips? I put pair of Recoils on my XS650 and a second set for the KZ/GPz hybrid. Best grips ever!
I don't have a plan and I'm sticken' to it! '77 KZ 650 / 750 GPz custom project in progress

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  • ThatGPzGuy
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Re: Hello from San Francisco

24 Jan 2018 03:35
#777692
Welcome. I agree with the others. Modify it to suit your style but don't do anything permanent. Those KZ400s are surprisingly rare and parts can be hard to come by. I bought mine to café but couldn't bring myself to carve it up. Bought an XS650 to café instead.
I agree with loudhvx... these bikes look really good from the rear. Like some girls I have known...
Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"

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  • Rainman
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Re: Hello from San Francisco

24 Jan 2018 15:06
#777714
Welcome Vinvar
80 KZ750 H1 - the Kaw calf
79 KZ750 Twin - Miss Nov 2008 KZR calander
79 KZ750 Twin parts bike
78 KZ650 C2 Parts Bike
75 KZ400 Wife's old bike sold
81 KZ440 A2 LTD Wife's new bike
84 Honda 450 Rebel Wife's newest bike
Jim
Quincy,IL

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  • bluej58
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Re: Hello from San Francisco

24 Jan 2018 17:00 - 24 Jan 2018 17:01
#777720
Welcome Vinvar,

It's your bike so make it your own.
just try not to do a lot of things you can't reverse and keep your parts,
good tires and good shocks are the best mods
These stock bikes still ride real good after 40 years
Grease the swing arm
78 KZ1000 A2A
Last edit: 24 Jan 2018 17:01 by bluej58.

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