New member, restoring a kz440

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New member, restoring a kz440

12 Jun 2024 19:20 - 13 Jun 2024 14:07
#900646
Hi, I’m planning on restoring my late grandfather’s 83 kz440 ltd as my first motorcycle and have found myself reading a lot of this forum while doing research so I figured I’d join.  It was last registered in 2009 so it’s been a while since it’s been used on the road, only 8500 miles on it.  It’s currently in a different state so I haven’t had much time to work on it and haven’t even tried starting it.  Lots of minor things to fix, stuck clutch, bent handle bars, rear left signal is out, and a missing battery.  Next time I’m up there I’m going to change the oil and actually try to start it.  Planning to keep it pretty much stock with a few exceptions like straighter handle bars instead of the mini apes, probably saddle bags, and maybe LED lights.
1983 KZ440 LTD
Last edit: 13 Jun 2024 14:07 by Street Fighter LTD.

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Re: New member, restoring a kz440

13 Jun 2024 14:09
#900675
Welcome to KZRider 
 I fixed your pictures to be shown full size.
Next time click the insert all tab to complete the installation 
Dave

Original owner 78 1000 LTD
Mr Turbo Race Kit, MTC 1075 Turbo pistons by PitStop Performance , Falicon Ultra Lite Super Crank, APE everything. Les Holt @ PDM's Billet Goodies . Frame by Chuck Kurzawa @ Logghe Chassis . Deep sump 5qt oil pan. RIP Bill Hahn
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Re: New member, restoring a kz440

13 Jun 2024 14:36
#900679
Welcome from the UK
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Re: New member, restoring a kz440

14 Jun 2024 05:51
#900706
Looks a lot like th1980 I just rescued .... I also replace handle bars .... don't like the high bars, master cylinder took a little tweaking to work on straighter bars.... quality seat cover available on eBay and not expensive... carbs will probably need a cleaning at some point... they come off very easily.... be a good idea to dump and clean tank before you start... like you say oil change is a good idea... 
Mine was in pieces when I got ... here is pic shortly after I got it running for the first time

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Re: New member, restoring a kz440

14 Jun 2024 10:47
#900719
I think I like the hight of the stock bars, I just think the wrist angle would be uncomfortable and since they need to be replaced anyways.  I was planning on draining and cleaning the tank, but I am also tempted to just pull of the tank and make a temp tank out of a bottle to get it running and clean the tank at a later date.  Stuff like the tank, carbs, and seat might get brought back home to Florida with me to work on instead of just working on the bike when I am up north.
1983 KZ440 LTD

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Re: New member, restoring a kz440

15 Jun 2024 04:55 - 15 Jun 2024 05:06
#900746
Howdy. My 650-CSR had similar handlebars and I originally replaced them with Flanders BMW Med Tall Street bars which were great around town but not so much on the highway. At least the brake m.c. was level, though. I've since replaced those with Emgo Euro bars from Z1Enterprises.com.  For pics of the flanders bars click link at the bottom. Z1Ent may have an Emgo version of the same style. Whatever you get, measure yours first then figure out what style would be good for you. Width + rise + pullback.
Last edit: 15 Jun 2024 05:06 by martin_csr.

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Re: New member, restoring a kz440

15 Jun 2024 14:26
#900767
I like handle bars from the older Magnas and Goldwings. They keep your wrists in a natural position and are a comfortable height. Sellers on e-bay sell new ones called Magna-Hawk handlebars.
94 KE100
82 KZ305
85 VF1100c
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Re: New member, restoring a kz440

15 Jun 2024 15:34
#900769
Howdy. My 650-CSR had similar handlebars and I originally replaced them with Flanders BMW Med Tall Street bars which were great around town but not so much on the highway. 
Interesting, those bars look pretty normal so I am surprised it could make an impact on highway drivability.  Since this is my first bike I am somewhat worried about ruining the ergonomics in ways I don't understand.  There is a big motorcycle store in Ohio near where the 440 is now and they have a bunch of handlebars so I can get some feel for them in the store and maybe even bring a few home to try sitting on the bike and return the rest.
1983 KZ440 LTD

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Re: New member, restoring a kz440

16 Jun 2024 08:14 - 16 Jun 2024 08:15
#900801
The riding position is straight up.  55 to 60 mph they were okay. But 65+ and speed runs, not so much.  
Last edit: 16 Jun 2024 08:15 by martin_csr.

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Re: New member, restoring a kz440

16 Jun 2024 09:06
#900810
Sit on the bike, close your eyes. relax, reach out as if you were grabbing the handle bars. Open your eyes. Note height, pull back, wrist angles.
94 KE100
82 KZ305
85 VF1100c

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Re: New member, restoring a kz440

16 Jun 2024 19:29
#900841
Why does everybody hate on the buck horn style handle bars.


.
2002 ZRX1200R
81 GPz1100
79 KZ1000st daily ride
79 KZ1000mk2 prodject
78 KZ650sr
78 KZ650b
81 KZ750e
80 KZ750ltd
77 KZ400/440 cafe project
76 KZ400/440 Fuel Injected

www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=39120.0


.

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Re: New member, restoring a kz440

16 Jun 2024 19:46
#900845
Why does everybody hate on the buck horn style handle bars.


.
Uncomfortable wrist position.
Elbows turned in to body
Praying throttle tube / hand grips / my grip strength, don't break loose during hard acceleration.
Yes, they look cool, but that's the only positive.
94 KE100
82 KZ305
85 VF1100c

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