Happy new owner of KZ400

  • Geshka
  • Geshka's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 7
  • Thanks: 0

Happy new owner of KZ400

16 Oct 2020 11:15
#837001
Hello there.
Just to introduce myself - Canadian, mid 50s , family of four. Always wanted a bike to carry my soul, not just a body.
Recently my daughter's boyfriend purchased his second bike and asked me if I interested in some project for the winter. I told that I have pile of things to do but wondered what he was offering. He told - his first bike which is more a project, thought complete and running. I just could't resist. We made a fair trade - I gave him a gallon of freshly squezed apple sider.
Now I am a proud owner of KZ400 1978 year model. When first excitment will settle I will start posting pictures and questions, Stay tuned...
Kawasaki KZ 400 1978

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • ThatGPzGuy
  • ThatGPzGuy's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • More Sparky than Speed Racer
  • Posts: 1485
  • Thanks: 385

Re: Happy new owner of KZ400

16 Oct 2020 11:51
#837009
Welcome. There seems to be some renewed interest in the KZ400 lately. That's a good thing!
We love pics so post them when you are able.
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"

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • loudhvx
  • loudhvx's Avatar
  • Offline
  • KZr Legend
  • Posts: 10864
  • Thanks: 1615

Re: Happy new owner of KZ400

17 Oct 2020 13:00 - 17 Oct 2020 13:00
#837085
Get those Kz400's while you can. They are drying up just like the 550's before them, and the 650's before that. The 900's and 1000's have been gone for over 10 years.
Last edit: 17 Oct 2020 13:00 by loudhvx.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Geshka
  • Geshka's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 7
  • Thanks: 0

Re: Happy new owner of KZ400

17 Oct 2020 13:56
#837090
Here we go. Trying to post some images from Dropbox

Attachment not found


Attachment not found


Attachment not found


Attachment not found


Attachment not found

Kawasaki KZ 400 1978

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • martin_csr
  • martin_csr's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 8019
  • Thanks: 1645

Re: Happy new owner of KZ400

18 Oct 2020 06:59 - 18 Oct 2020 06:59
#837129
There's a KZ400 listed on EB right now from the Bronx. Very good condition. Living room kept. and Howdy OP.
Last edit: 18 Oct 2020 06:59 by martin_csr.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Geshka
  • Geshka's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 7
  • Thanks: 0

Re: Happy new owner of KZ400

18 Oct 2020 10:15
#837148
Unfortunately pictured did not get attached... something went wrong I guess. I will try again shortly.
Kawasaki KZ 400 1978

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Geshka
  • Geshka's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 7
  • Thanks: 0

Re: Happy new owner of KZ400

18 Oct 2020 10:17 - 18 Oct 2020 10:29
#837149

Attachment not found

Kawasaki KZ 400 1978

Attachments:

Last edit: 18 Oct 2020 10:29 by Geshka.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • ThatGPzGuy
  • ThatGPzGuy's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • More Sparky than Speed Racer
  • Posts: 1485
  • Thanks: 385

Re: Happy new owner of KZ400

18 Oct 2020 10:51
#837154
Aha. Someone's cafe project. The KZ400s do make a good cafe platform. My favorite cafe KZ400 (and maybe some inspiration for you):
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"

Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Geshka
  • Geshka's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 7
  • Thanks: 0

Re: Happy new owner of KZ400

18 Oct 2020 12:55
#837171
Yes , indeed, it is café racer, a bit crude but complete and running. There is a list of things that I am compiling to make it roadworthy... will share soon.
Kawasaki KZ 400 1978

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • TexasKZ
  • TexasKZ's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 7699
  • Thanks: 2326

Re: Happy new owner of KZ400

18 Oct 2020 13:47
#837177
Unless you can confirm at they are realatively new, I would add brake pads and shoes to the list. The glue that holds the friction material onto the shoes (backing plates) gets brittle with age and can let go suddenly, possibly locking up the brake when you least expect or want it to.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
The following user(s) said Thank You: Geshka

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Geshka
  • Geshka's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 7
  • Thanks: 0

Re: Happy new owner of KZ400

19 Oct 2020 08:02 - 19 Oct 2020 08:03
#837231
Here are things that need to be taken care of:
1. Replace tach cable
2. New ignition coil (old one is misfiring according to previous owner)
3. Front break piston is leaking and pads require inspection (Thanks Texas KZ)
4. Tune and sync carbs
5. Replace headlight switch
6. Check and replace bulbs all around.

I would apprecuate if somebody will recommend good mail order store in Canada that is not prohibitly expensive.

Enough for this season - Winter is coming
Kawasaki KZ 400 1978
Last edit: 19 Oct 2020 08:03 by Geshka.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • JR
  • JR's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 2939
  • Thanks: 453

Re: Happy new owner of KZ400

19 Oct 2020 13:34
#837244
Geshka wrote: I would apprecuate if somebody will recommend good mail order store in Canada that is not prohibitly expensive.

Enough for this season - Winter is coming

Siriusconinc.com in southern Ontario
fortnine.ca in Montreal

Or use partzilla or kawasaki.com owner info etc to find a part number and then order from your local kawasaki dealer
1980 kz750E1, Delkevic exhaust

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum