TOPIC:

Ok, I got the carbs all sorted out today. I re-checked the float levels before I put them back on the bike. I don't know why I haven't built one of these carb holder boards before today. This made life a lot easier. I had some old carb boots laying around, and I found a scrap board in the garage so it didn't cost me anything.

Here is the super cheezy iphone video of the bike running so you guys can hear the pipe:

Now for the last electronic bit that I added today. I have been eyeballing this for a while now. I know it isn't the most beautiful digital speedometer, but it does have some unique functions that I couldn't resist: www.veypor.com/veypor.html

It has multiple different display formats. This is one of 6 if I'm not mistaken.


I like the fact that it does speed, tach, cylinder head temp, voltage, has a gear indicator, and a fuel level that it caluculates based on your tank capacity, and an algorithm that logs fuel usage. Not only that but it has built in accelerometers that combine with the wheel speed sensor to do all kinds of cool stuff. It can time 0-60, roll on, 1/4 mile, and braking runs by detecting the acceleration when you start, and it logs all of the data during the run so you can re-play it on your computer afterwards. If you are able to set it up with an accurate weight, it can even act as a dynomometer based on test accelerations.

I understand that the dyno functions are only as accurate as the info that you put in, but it gives me a very simple way to verify if changes result in gains or losses. Beats the seat of the pants dyno to shame.



I actually have a CNC machined aluminum case on the way, that should improve the looks. As much as it will anger the purists, my old gauges are on the way out. I have plans for a set of LED indicator lights that will be part of my new dash once I get it all sorted out. For now it is mounted with the included Ram mount. I'm also toying with an Arduino based display that will function as the indicators on a small TFT screen. That will take some time, but if I can make it work the way I want, it should be really cool.

Whats up man.. Long time! Love the gauge and I still need to pick one.. hmmm

testarossa wrote:

Hollywoodmx wrote: I was looking at getting that exhaust but I don't think it will clear the larger oil pan I have. I like the stainless look too.

You are probably right about that. The collector passes directly under the oil filter bolt. You have a little wiggle room depending on the rear mount, but not much. I intentionally have mine as tight to the frame as possible. I'm clearing the oil filter bolt by about 1/4" with a standard oil pan.

1/4"? Ya then it wont for sure. Upon a look on my PC not my phone I also realized the pipe diameter inst big enough for forced induction. I'm 3" at the collector and 4.5" in the silencer iirc.

testarossa wrote: Now for the last electronic bit that I added today. I have been eyeballing this for a while now. I know it isn't the most beautiful digital speedometer, but it does have some unique functions that I couldn't resist: www.veypor.com/veypor.html

I was looking at that too!! lol.

I like for the reasons you mentioned but I decided to go a bit more simple because I find the square look of it a bit more bicycle like. I wish they made it in a half moon shape or a longer rectangle.

infanterene wrote: Sorry to be a PIA! Thanks for the update. Im not really worried about bags as Ill probably only use a tank bag and/or tail bag. I am mostly concerned with noise level at a steady 65-75 cruise.

Your bike is looking awesome.

After going for a bit longer ride, I would suggest that if you plan on touring with this pipe, gear your bike to run under 4000 rpm in your 65-75 cruise range. At 4000 the pipe starts coming on strong. By 4500 rpm its in full song. Basso profondo!! I love it, but it isn't going to be for everybody. I never spent so much time in 3rd gear before.

Hollywoodmx wrote: I like for the reasons you mentioned but I decided to go a bit more simple because I find the square look of it a bit more bicycle like. I wish they made it in a half moon shape or a longer rectangle.

I know what you mean. It does have a bit of a cyclocomputer look to it. It is about 4 times the size of a cyclocomputer though. The aluminum case does a lot to make it look better and it gives you another mounting option. I had to search around to find the case. Although Nonlinear Engineering still uses the case and the case with indicator lights in all of their advertising material, they don't have any stock. I emailed them, and they have no plans to machine any more of either going forward. Thankfully Motorcycle Innovations still has some stock of the black aluminum case. Hopefully I will receive my case and the LEDs I'm using for indicators this week.

The mailman dropped off that CNC aluminum case for the VR3 today. It really makes the thing look a lot more classy if you ask me.



I logged a 0-60 pull the other night.

testarossa wrote: The mailman dropped off that CNC aluminum case for the VR3 today. It really makes the thing look a lot more classy if you ask me.

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I logged a 0-60 pull the other night.

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You are not kidding! It's quite large. I agree it does look classier, its too bad you cant dump the stock stuff and just rock that to clean it all up.

Hollywoodmx wrote: You are not kidding! It's quite large. I agree it does look classier, its too bad you cant dump the stock stuff and just rock that to clean it all up.

That's exactly the plan. I'm working on a new dash that incorporates the new gauge with indicators for oil pressure, neutral, and high beams. I also need a place for the ignition switch. At that point the original stuff is on the shelf.

Hello there.

Make sure you have enough lights on your dash haha. I have an acewell and my oil pressure switch is wired in with my neutral because there wasn't a light for it. So if I'm in neutral and I lose oil pressure I wont know haha. But if I'm cruising around in gear and she starts telling me she's in neutral, I hope I remember what that means haha.

Ok now it's time to start knocking together a proper dash for the new speedo. I found some LED backlit chrome bottoms in the appropriate colors for high beams, neutral, and oil pressure. I had a scrap piece of 1/4" aluminum plate that I cut out. This bit will fit close to the right side of the gauge housing and provide a case for the indicator lights and the ignition switch. I also found some chrome housings for 5mm amber LEDs that will serve as turn signal indicators.


I started building a plastic enclosure for the back of this plate. It will serve to hide all the wiring.

how to build a dash. this looks cool. is that ABS? could you please take a picture of the back before you finish? im always curious how everything works with the depth of the lights.

dcmspikes wrote: how to build a dash. this looks cool. is that ABS? could you please take a picture of the back before you finish? im always curious how everything works with the depth of the lights.

Yep the plastic is salvaged ABS, but any thermoplastic will respond to the same techniques. I'll get some more pics as I go along.

Hi Guys,

Ken from BikeBuilds.net here.  Nice work!

We were glad to add  testarossa's bike to our directory: www.bikebuilds.net/kawasaki-78-kz1000-fi...-build-by-testarossa

If anyone would like to have a build of their own listed, just send me a message with a link to the build thread and we'll take care of the rest.

Ken

Curious if anyone has these valves in their 1075 build. Any opinions on the quality?

I have Manley Stainless Steel valves in my 1075 turbo .
No issues and they have been in bike with two rebuilds since 82
Dave

Nice to see you here

Manley valves are some of the best and have been around for years.
You won't find better.

Street Fighter LTD wrote: I have Manley Stainless Steel valves in my 1075 turbo .
No issues and they have been in bike with two rebuilds since 82
Dave

Nice to see you here

Thanks! I let life get in the way for an awfully long time now. Trying to get back into the swing of things, and get my KZ back on the road.