1976 KZ 900 - Need opinion's on making it better

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06 Jul 2009 15:45 #304846 by thetemples
I'd like to do a little work this year on the KZ, nothing too expensive. I was thinking about changing out the turn signals with something LED and smaller. I was also thinking about putting some aftermarket gauges (speedo, tach) on the front and maybe a headlight and/or bars. Just idears.. I'd like to get the most bang for my buck, I only put so much in it a year... what is your opinion looking at these pics?

Oh, and I have another front rim that doesnt have rusty spokes, I was going to put it on with a new tire. This one is old and dry rotted. :dry:






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06 Jul 2009 17:16 #304871 by Old Man Rock
Replied by Old Man Rock on topic 1976 KZ 900 - Need opinion's on making it better
I can't speak for everyone else but why changing her again?

Seriously, I love her lines as is... She's clean, sexy and beautiful as is, cleaning rust and new tire, ok I can go with that but outside of that... :huh:

Ah well, your bike...

I truly can't think of anything I'd change...
Wait... the license plate location, OK, change that.... :laugh:

OMR

1976 KZ900-A4
MTC 1075cc.
Camshafts: Kawi GPZ-1100 .375 lift
Head: P&P via Larry Cavanaugh
ZX636 suspension
MIKUNI, RS-34'S...
Kerker 4-1, 1.5" comp baffle.
Dyna-S E.I.
Earls 10 row Oil Cooler
Acewell 2802 Series Speedo/Tach
Innovate LC1 Wideband 02 AFR meter

Phoenix, Az

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06 Jul 2009 18:13 #304888 by Mark Wing
Replied by Mark Wing on topic 1976 KZ 900 - Need opinion's on making it better
I don't know what else I'd change, well I'd leave the gauges and bars alone. Getting a new tire to replace a rotten one is a no brainer and scene you already have the rim I'd put it on too.

Mark

Jesus loves you Everyone else thinks your an ***

77 KZ650 C1 with ZX7 forks, GPZ mono rear, wider 18 police wheels and Yoshimura motor.

Yorba Linda Cal.

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06 Jul 2009 19:05 #304905 by thetemples
Replied by thetemples on topic 1976 KZ 900 - Need opinion's on making it better
fair enough ! I don't necessarily dislike any of those things I mentioned, those just happen to be the most pitted (rusted) or visually worn items on the bike. I will concentrate on cleaning those up/replacing them with original style equipment.

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  • larrycavan
  • Visitor
06 Jul 2009 19:24 - 06 Jul 2009 19:27 #304910 by larrycavan
Replied by larrycavan on topic 1976 KZ 900 - Need opinion's on making it better
A few cents from an over 50 guy.

First, you have a really clean, nicely done KZ. IMO, think about carefully enhancing what you have rather than a makeover.

All KZ's will benefit from suspension upgrades. I'd focus on that area first. You don't have to ride it at 10/10ths to appreciate improved handling and ride :)

No way would I swap out these sleek OEM guages for any aftermarket thing out there. I only went with an Acewell because of cost. Ultimately, my streetfighter will wear restored OEM guages again.

There are better looking seats available, that's another area but it's pricey.


Don't know what's in the motor now but if it's stock and you do go it,keep it on the real world side. Nice drop in cams, NEW carburetors, stock sleeve piston size.

In total sincerity, you have a great looking bike already. Choose wisely as you upgrade things. If you ever want a fire breathing beast...........start with a beat up Z. Yours is far too pretty to hack up.

JMO

Larry C
Last edit: 06 Jul 2009 19:27 by larrycavan.

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06 Jul 2009 20:41 #304937 by PLUMMEN
1st thing you need to do is ditch the cal fab,theyre so last year! ive got a stack of stockers ill trade ya straight across! :laugh:

Still recovering,some days are better than others.

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  • eddiem
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  • KZR FLAG RELAY CARRIER #63
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06 Jul 2009 21:01 #304940 by eddiem
There is one thing I'd do....ride it B) that's a great looking bike

1976 Kz900
1978 Kz1000
1978 Z1r
1982 Kz1100 A2
1975 Z1b-900
1975 Z1b-900

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06 Jul 2009 21:13 #304941 by Carr_113
No LED's.

'74 Z1-A
'80 KZ750E
'80 GS750E
'81 KZ440
'79 XS650 (needs love)
'72-'73 CB350 (3 or 4, in pieces)

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06 Jul 2009 23:25 #304968 by donthekawguy
Replied by donthekawguy on topic 1976 KZ 900 - Need opinion's on making it better
You could always upgrade what you have. Rebuild the forks with progressive springs, new tripple tree bearings, 18 inch front wheel, steering dampner. That would do it for the front end and the parts aren't real expensive.

Rathdrum Idaho
1971 Kawasaki g3ss
1972 Yamaha R5 350
1965 Suzuki Hillbilly
1964 Yamaha 125

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07 Jul 2009 03:58 #304978 by headspace
Replied by headspace on topic 1976 KZ 900 - Need opinion's on making it better
Wow, looks like a clone to my 76 KZ.
I'm running a 79 LTD rear fender (smaller than the stock 76). I think the little bit of chrome back there looks nice and you can mount your license plate in the stock location.

Some drag bars and aftermarket headlight brackets (lost the turn signals).

I'm using stock guages but I built a bracket from 1/4 inch thick aluminum plate that moves them ahead an inch and lowers them another inch or so.

1975 Z1 900 (1015)
1976 KZ900 (dragbike project)

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07 Jul 2009 05:17 #304985 by Russ Jackson
Replied by Russ Jackson on topic 1976 KZ 900 - Need opinion's on making it better
I would polish the rear brake drum....lol...Other than that nothing. The whole stance of that bike looks great...Russ

1976 KZ 900 B1 29 smoothbores, Kerker, Lester Mags
2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 abs

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