Testarossa's 78 KZ1000 Fighter Build

sorry went back and found that it is visible in sun.

Ok lads, on the way home today, I hit a couple of MC shops, and found some handlebar risers, and new grips. So I mounted up the bar that i purchased from the wrecking yard a while back. Here's a couple of pics from the new wheelhouse.





Those bars seem awfully wide compared to the clipons that I have been looking at for a while.

Now here a some long shots with the bars mounted.









I can only think of three things that I have left to weld onto the frame. On the right sidecover I need to install the bottom tab. I also need to put in some studs for two rubber isolators at the back of the fuel tank. I cant use the original isolators that wrap around the frame tubes. My frame braces get in the way. Finally, I may try to use the steering damper that was on the GSXR.

So with that said, it looks like time to break down the mock-up. Did I miss something? Now's the time to chime in if you see something that I have left out. Oh yeah I forgot the rear turret mount for the Ma Deuce. Gotta keep those Houston drivers off my ass some how. :laugh:

Excellent! She looks great Josh. Can't wait to see the finished product.

ma duece!mmmmmm yeah ma duece!just an orange stream of fire backin off the tailgaters,oh yeah!:ohmy:
plus the recoil could act as thrust :laugh: .
i'm thinkin some shorter risers are in order.then they would only look wide,instead of tall and wide.everything looks good the stance is killer.i really like the fact that you used the stock guages and headlight.the profile of the stock guages and headlight says kz/z1.it is a classic profile that is instantly recognisable.i like all the modern instruments for the functions and precision but it is hard to beat the stock parts for looks and profile.
you have done a very good job of building this bike and documenting it here for the kzriders.
keep posting testa,i look forward to your posts.

leon

I swear Leon. You can read my mind. I actually like the hand position where it is. I'm about 6'3" so it suits me, but on looks I wish it were lower. I was thinking that dragbars might work with these risers and would bring the bar down by 2".

I also want to keep the bike recognisable as a KZ, and I really like the view from the drivers seat while looking at those old gauges. I was even thinking of using a paint scheme from a 75 Z1B. Can anyone say Candy Super Blue? I love the original Z1 Paint job on irishwill's bike. Would it be sacrilige to put a Z1B paint job on a KZ1000A2? I just don't care for the stock 78 colors.

I'm with Leon about the gauges.
i love the traditional look but hate the way they function. if i ever get the cash, i will attempt to put an Acewell into the stock speedo cup, and an oil temp, or 02 sensor, in the tack cup. then i would have booth form and function. I'll just keep dreaming for now, but i would love to see someone make it happen.

Inspiriational picture for the paint job. pete1958's bike from the gallery. 1975 Z1B.

EDIT: Pic failed. Lets try this again.

me and t_dub talked about the paint also.i love the classic paint schemes/decal sets but updated with modern colors and colors that kawi never offered.being as how it is a custom please don't be restrained to either kz/z1 just use your broad kawi paint brush and pull from whatever kz's/z1's that inspires you.it will be recognizable and only the die hard purists will know which it was from.everyone else will recognize it but not know if it is "right"to the particular model or not.
i offer this picture for inspiration,(please excuse the kicked up tail,hehe)


leon

That bike is shit hot.

or perhaps,


leon

you did say black and blue tho right?


i'll stop now :huh: .

leon