First Post 1976 KZ900 Sports Bike Build

Thanks Wookie!! I'd seen that but thought it was some sort of gender identifier, bubble arrows facing random directions. Don't want to be "canceled", whatever that means, ha. Double Bubble just isn't gum then!! Have a Great Day/Night!!

You definitely don’t have to modify the frame IF you pick the right parts and/or have the willingness/access to make spacers, brackets, etc.

Here’s my ‘78 Kz1000 that’s on its 3rd-4th iteration.  The ONLY mod to the frame was some grinding to the back side of the brake pedal bracket for swingarm clearance for a Gsxr1100 it used to have swapped in years ago.

Later, Doug

NICE!! But now the original poster is surely flabbergasted and overwhelmed, ha. But..he might grasp what all those mods entail. You put fat rims on all Your projects StreetFighter don't you? Never settled with 2.15 are you, ha. But..You make them look Smart and Not Weird, KUDOS to You! Just don't be complacent and use a ZX front mudguard, i've seen it happen..

asphalt900 wrote:

NICE!! But now the original poster is surely flabbergasted and overwhelmed, ha. But..he might grasp what all those mods entail. You put fat rims on all Your projects StreetFighter don't you? Never settled with 2.15 are you, ha. But..You make them look Smart and Not Weird, KUDOS to You! Just don't be complacent and use a ZX front mudguard, i've seen it happen..

750 Zephyr fender is a nice fit over a17 inch 120 tyre

 

 

gres6121 wrote:

Sorry I know this is a lot but this is my first bike 

If you had a history of successfully modding - or even maintaining - bikes, I would say go for it.

However, in your current state I respectfully suggest you figure out how to fix what is there first, and then maybe think about making a bunch of modifications.

Get a factory service manual (FSM) - check the Filebase area here on KZR, as there might be a PDF you can use - and get to work.

To put it another way, you want to make a pile of significant structural changes that will genuinely affect how the bike works, yet you don't want to do a comparatively very small thing like take a gauge apart? That doesn't add up. 

Yes, the best way to learn is to start with the basics, then step by step you'll gain the experience without getting discouraged.  We'll help you learn, all you have to do is ask.   

I certainly won't understand until I put in the man hours myself 

Forks are certainly way shorter and that is what I would expect. How is it on the road? You were able to easily swap these on?

I like your seat but wish it was a bit closer to the body. What are your guys thoughts on Tracy bodies? 

I'm kinda going for this but want to do it myself and probably with more inexpensive parts. I really don't need Ohlins lol

I can't fault your enthusiasm replicating a "Sanctuary" bike as your first build 

Gres, wanting something like that better add an extra ZERO to your budget or 30K, sorry.. 

Looks like a fun project, and agree, you are going to need a bigger budget!

Bringing that bike back to full roadworthy alone will cost you a huge chunk of that $3k budget.  

Just my opinion, but I'd focus on getting the bike fully serviced and running properly, then see how much money, and motivation, you have left.  

+1 on Nessism's advice

Okay I guess there are a couple of things I should clear up. I rode the bike this last year and it is serviced on basics and running. The carbs need tuning. I ran bad gas through them and since going through them I found the idle adjuster screw was never even engaging and I don't know how the guy I paid to go through them was tuning it. He cleaned/changed out parts and it was running fine until winter hit. 

Near the end of the year I saw the front fork seal wearing and am deciding whether fixing them or going to a different fork. I might as well get better performance while I'm here and change the stance of the bike to what I want if I don't have to do much work. I'm lazy but I'm more cautious so if it will create bad stability, then I'll just redo the seal on the original ones. 

I didn't want to take apart a gauge because they are crimped and sealed and a pain in the butt and I don't want to get into switching out 'some' original electronics but don't mind adding in new ones. But this is on a case by case basis. 

Im not looking to use Ohlins or any other high performance gear that sanctuary used (a lot being custom) but I like the style and if I go over $3k it doesn't matter too much. But in fact trying to get that is probably gonna cost more like 10k but I'll nickel and dime it. My first mistake was taking it to a mechanic for a full inspection of the bike when I first got it and costing me $2k. Not wanting to do any more mechanics because I don't feel like he did that much for the $150/hr cost. 

I have a question about when should you check valve clearances? I don't hear anything but I want to go through the engine myself. I'll check pressure, spark plugs and cylinder walls and go from there. 


sorry there is just a lot of information I haven't fully provided and I'm a bit indecisive. I don't mind doing the work but will probably postpone more difficult work and do minor stuff like you guys have said. Just trying to get a big picture on what I should do and skip some things. Appreciate all the help guys.