1983 Kawa 550 LTD bobber build

silverstonepgt
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12 Sep 2010 17:54 #398113 by silverstonepgt

1983 Kawa 550 LTD bobber build was created by silverstonepgt

Starting my project officially - heres some kickoff pics:

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650ed
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12 Sep 2010 18:10 - 12 Sep 2010 18:11 #398115 by 650ed

Replied by 650ed on topic 1983 Kawa 550 LTD bobber build

I'm not sure that independent rear suspension is a good thing on a bike :laugh: What do you plan to do to restore the structural rigidity between the 2 top shock mounts? Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

Last edit: 12 Sep 2010 18:11 by 650ed.

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silverstonepgt
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13 Sep 2010 11:12 #398273 by silverstonepgt

Replied by silverstonepgt on topic 1983 Kawa 550 LTD bobber build

I don't think it killed it too much with how much length was between the shocks and the rear rail, but I do plan on bracing it over winter, probably a new rear loop that will look like an upside down u from the back so I can build my seat idea off of it.

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silverstonepgt
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20 Sep 2010 04:22 #400232 by silverstonepgt

Replied by silverstonepgt on topic 1983 Kawa 550 LTD bobber build

couple new pics, but ive changed the bars since...

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silverstonepgt
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28 Sep 2010 14:03 #402498 by silverstonepgt

Replied by silverstonepgt on topic 1983 Kawa 550 LTD bobber build

Here is the KZ after new superbike bars in black and some more seat cutting, and painting the shocks black:

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531blackbanshee
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29 Sep 2010 07:07 - 29 Sep 2010 07:08 #402664 by 531blackbanshee

Replied by 531blackbanshee on topic 1983 Kawa 550 LTD bobber build

much better!
maybe bend a loop to weld on the back of the frame tubes you cut off and kick it up a little to match the existing frame tubes.then it would be quick and easy to build a seatpan.the front fender looks right i would keep it.
keep us posted,

leon

skiatook,oklahoma 1980 z1r,1978 kz 1000 z1r x 3,
1976 kz 900 x 3
i make what i can,and save the rest!

billybiltit.blogspot.com/

www.kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/325862-triple-tree-custom-work

kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/294594-frame-bracing?limitstart=0

Last edit: 29 Sep 2010 07:08 by 531blackbanshee.

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silverstonepgt
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29 Sep 2010 08:43 #402688 by silverstonepgt

Replied by silverstonepgt on topic 1983 Kawa 550 LTD bobber build

Thats what I was thinking too, Id love to do it, but the tube bender I have access to is only for larger tubing. Ill get around to it eventually though.

I did some more teardown and mockup yesterday, its really coming along well I think:

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silverstonepgt
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03 Oct 2010 20:44 #403916 by silverstonepgt

Replied by silverstonepgt on topic 1983 Kawa 550 LTD bobber build

So here she was - ready (sort of) for the car/bike show this morning:

And yeah, the seat looks funky - it was drying still. I made a seatpan and covered it in vinyl a couple of hours ago, but I want to make a longer one that has a curved rear section still:

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seanbarney41
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'79 kz1000 LTD '75 Honda CB750

03 Oct 2010 22:03 #403924 by seanbarney41

Replied by seanbarney41 on topic 1983 Kawa 550 LTD bobber build

Hey Silverstone, where was that car/bike show at? I was ridin' all over today with nowhere in particular to go. Nice progress on your bike.

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silverstonepgt
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04 Oct 2010 11:40 #404006 by silverstonepgt

Replied by silverstonepgt on topic 1983 Kawa 550 LTD bobber build

It was in Ypsilanti at Washtenaw Community College - every year they have a Cars and Bikes on Campus show - pretty decent turnout. Bikes are mostly Harleys and sportbikes though.

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seanbarney41
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'79 kz1000 LTD '75 Honda CB750

04 Oct 2010 13:05 #404024 by seanbarney41

Replied by seanbarney41 on topic 1983 Kawa 550 LTD bobber build

Yep, I get excited to see just about anything that's not a Hardley around here. Post up on the Michigan Rides thread. I'm tryin' to encourage more of that...especially if you're gonna be on the west side of the state. I'll do the same if I'm goin' east. Not much season left though. Yesterday got a little cold