'78 KZ1000A2A (now a hardtail bobber)

Love the Honda fivestring. I'm looking out for a deal on one myself.

Thanks, gents. I agree she'll make a great partner to the kz. I already daydream of my son, daughter or wife cruising along side of me on the Honda bobber. Already thinking of paint schemes to compliment the kz. Since the kz will be done up in khaki, I'm thinking the Honda will be olive drab. Maybe a white star stenciled here or there. But I am jumping too far ahead. The deal with my accountant is she gets the riding mower in turn-key condition before I'm allowed to mess with either bike. Fair enough.

The donor swingarm and bits arrived Saturday. But I didn't have time to get in the garage. Went to see Boston in concert. :woohoo:

I also got a 39 tooth sprocket to swap out the 41 tooth I went to earlier. This should give me just a tiny bit more top end at comfortable rpms.

I've been doing some welding on the frame. I decided to use the swingarm already on the bike for now while I learn how to fab and weld frames. I bent and welded on two 1" top rails from the backbone to the rear tip of the existing swingarm. Again, don't make fun of the welds. Momma always said, "if you can't say something nice..."







Next I plan on putting two larger (1.25") tubes from the frame right behind the foot rest back to the underside of the rear tip of the swingarm. Once they are welded into place I will then cut and remove almost all the swingarm except for the part that incorporates the axle plates and adjusters. That way I know the axle/tire will be mounted exactly where I want it and be even and straight with the frame.

The more I look at the Honda, the more I am thinking of keeping it original except for adding a header, some pods and a rejet. It is a nice sized frame for me. Oh gawd! Now I need another bobber project!

As luck would have it, I got offered an '81 or '82 (not sure) Yamaha 750 Virago for $400. All it supposedly is needs is a tank treatment. I looked on Google and they make great bobbers. Hmmm....

Classified Moto makes some pretty sweet Cafe bikes based on the Virago.

Good move on the Honda, I think its value will only appreciate. You went to see Boston? :laugh: :laugh: Didn't know they were still alive. Last time I saw them I them was in '79. Still love their music.

lookin good man.

capturing the swingarm and then cutting out what you don't need is the way a bunch of folks have done rigid rear end conversions.seems to be the best way,if you can't use a frame table/jig.
work so far looks good.
i know an old iron worker that said the way they would test their welds when they were welding steel into buildings was to crawl out onto it :woohoo: ,if it held their ass up they figured it was good :silly: .
kinda the same thing with your deal,if you are comfortable with your welds thats all that matters .
if it is not good enough you can always figure out a better way to do it,possibly while you convalesce !

you will be fine,keep us posted.

leon

dejavoodo41 wrote: Classified Moto makes some pretty sweet Cafe bikes based on the Virago.

those are pretty cool

Finally got some work done on the KZ. It's been a hot, busy summer in Dixie!

Bottom rail welded in...






And swingarm removed...





More later as I am heading to the shop now.

Another day in the shop. Yay!

I pulled, twisted, cut, crimped, soldered and installed wiring most of the day. I mounted everything in a 50 cal ammo can...






I have more tucking away to do and the fender and seat mount to figure out yet. But I did get it fired up today for the first time in 3 months. Music to my ears!




Oh,yeah, and finish trimming up that front fender...

So what did you do with all the left over stock parts?

wireman, I am planning on cleaning out all the leftovers. I'll have two side covers, a tailpiece,an almost brand new sidewinder header with an unused megaphone, a recovered seat and some other small leftovers available. Anyone can PM me with reasonableoffers if you're interested in any of these items. I will post them in the for sale section soon.