cafekz750's Cafe KZ750 Project

wrangler615 wrote:

Where did you get that taillight pic from? I want that light for my 83 750F. The factory original square is to outdated!

From Dennis Kirk Click Me!
Dennis Kirk Part #: 211698
Manufacturer Part #: 6221521
I like the light and I think it would look nice with my current seat and the cafe style seat that I am attempting to make. The mounting hardware is okay, but brings down the quality of the piece. I still think it is worth the money.

valvesprung wrote:

just search ebay for "lucas style taillight" and you'll find a decent selection of those lamps at a good price

I looked on Ebay for the same light and found similar items, but the photos were always blurry or in poor lighting. Dennis Kirk had clear photos and they have good customer service and stand behind their products. I knew that if I bought it and didn't like it, they would take it back with no problems. With Ebay, I have found that is tough to find...

jrjstuff wrote:

Quick question, is that 16" to 18" rear wheel swap a straight swap?

I had no problem fitting the 18" wheel. I used the same spacers and everything as the 16".

What about the rear sprocket size with the larger wheel?

Ah, yes the 18" tire that I used has a larger diameter than the 16". So, I adjusted the gearing accordingly. The 16" tire was a 130/90-16 Kenda Challenger that had a circumference of 1994mm (according to their website). The new tire is a 130/90-18 Bridgestone Spitfire that has a circumference of 2185mm (according to their website). In doing the math, I would need to move the rear sprocket up 3 teeth to 35 (from 32) to maintain the stock gear ratio. I, however, enjoy accelerating very much so I had already moved to a 35 tooth sprocket with stock tire. I bought a 38 tooth sprocket (630 size) to maintain my much beloved gear ratio. I am happy to report that the 38 tooth sprocket fits under the stock chain guard with no modifications.
The E model 750 that the rim came off of used a 4.00" tire and a 33 toothed rear sprocket.

Aw man that wheel looks great on there! Has it changed the handling much? BTW I am certainly on the same page as far as the accelerating goes!!!!

jrjstuff wrote:

Aw man that wheel looks great on there! Has it changed the handling much? BTW I am certainly on the same page as far as the accelerating goes!!!!

Thanks for the kinds words. I wish I knew how the bike handled, but it is still winter here in Wisconsin. The feeling in my basement (winter workshop) is good. The rear has been raised up noticeably which should sharpen the steering.
Now on to changing the fork oil, finishing the seat, installing the tailight and I just bought the remaining parts for installing the kickstarter. Now I have to decide if I am going to do that sooner or later...

That back wheel looks great!!! Looks like the front end is sitting a bit high now though. Do you have room to slide the tubes down a bit in the triples? Looks like it'd handle a lot better if the front end was lower.

anarki650 wrote:

That back wheel looks great!!! Looks like the front end is sitting a bit high now though. Do you have room to slide the tubes down a bit in the triples? Looks like it'd handle a lot better if the front end was lower.

First, thanks!
I agree about the front. It does sit differently with me on the bike or when the bike is on the side stand. The center stand makes the front forks extend their full length, therefore, making them look very long. I will try to snap a photo of the bike on it side stand.
The forks are longer than on a E model and have another inch of fork travel. I have thought about slugging the front an inch but I would like to ride it first before that. I prefer internal mods to sliding the tubes up an inch in the triple claps (which is not possible anyway with the clubman handlebars).

I have to say I love my clubmans on my bike also but.... have really been looking into the Airtech 36mm clip ons for a couple of reasons. First one being how close the clubmans are to my tank and second being, like anarki650 said, I think that my bike would handle better with the front end dropped just a bit which I can not do with the clubmans just as you said. Have you looked into any clip style bars and if so, what do you think of them?

Clipons are nice and I have looked at them as well. The issue I ran into with measuring the few that I have had pass through my hands would be the master cylinder hitting the gauges/headlight assembly. This could be fixed by a late model master cylinder with a remote reservoir. Also, I would be bothered by the empty brackets for the handlebars on the top triple tree. That would require me to machine them off for a cleaner look. Plus I like a bit of chrome on the scoot and the clubmans get me to where I want to go. My 2 cents.

cafekz750 wrote:

Here is a picture photo-chopped to show what I would like to do with the extra seat I have.

So, here is the bike as of last night. I started to work on the seat and stopped. Right now, I could still have the little lady on the back. I am not sure what I think, opinions wanted! Also, the bike is on the side stand so you can see that the forks are not as longish as the previous pictures made them out to be.

Well I would have to say that if you were going for the photoshopped look, you nailed it. It doesnt quite have the same slope on the rear portion but I am sure your lady will appreciate that!

Nice work on shaping the foam, now get to it and stitch up a cover!!!

I took the bike for a spin a week or so ago and wow! That was great. The wheel conversion worked well with no issues. Much better turn in and handling. I also lowered the front forks to sharpen things up.

The cafe project is going to take a different direction from where I was heading.
The tail light I bought for the project is for sale along with the cafe seat. Any one interested can PM me.

More details and pictures to come when time allows.
Cheers!