Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

Well I put the new speedo on today. I used scotch-brite pads to brush down the chrome to a polished aluminum look. I think it adds nice contrast to the all black. Overall i'm really happy with it.

It's off to the side like that until I figure out a way to mount my ignition switch on the vertical frame tube under the tank.

Am thinking the stock ignition switch also incorporates the fork lock mechanism, which adds bulk, and won't be needed at a different location.

Might consider a more simple single-purpose aftermarket ignition switch, which may be smaller and more compact, and easier to mount onto a frame rail.

Good Fortune!

Patton wrote: Am thinking the stock ignition switch also incorporates the fork lock mechanism, which adds bulk, and won't be needed at a different location.

Might consider a more simple single-purpose aftermarket ignition switch, which may be smaller and more compact, and easier to mount onto a frame rail.

Good Fortune!

Good idea. So if I go with something like this...

www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/aftermarket/XP-4562530.html

It's a 3 way switch though. Isn't mine a 2-way? It's either off or on. Also, I have 4 wires coming out of mine, can I be sure that the universal one has 4 connectors on the back? And on that note, i'm looking at my wiring diagram and I see this coming out of the ign switch:

Dark Red - Regulator and other power items
Red/blue - front turn signals ( i think running lights)
Light red - taillight
Gray - Fuse box then starter relay

I doubt the switch will be labeled so precicely, so what will I hook up to where?

jbeebe1 wrote: Well I did it ladies and gentlemen, I decided to go against some opinions and with some others and paint the tank. Yes, it looks good with the orange, but it's just not the style i'm going for.

It's drying now for the next ~4 hours and then i'll put it on.

I ended up going with VHT engine enamel (not for the heat resistance, but for the color), and picked "Cast Iron".

Once it's dry and I put the tank back on later tonight i'll snap a pic of it

Nice project!
How does this engine paint seem to be holding up on your tank?

almous71 wrote: Nice project!
How does this engine paint seem to be holding up on your tank?

Thanks! On the second day it was on I dripped some gas right around the gas cap while filling up and it dulled it down a little bit, but everywhere else it's holding up great.

It's nice just to be able to easily spray over any imperfections that ever come up with paint found in any parts store.

almous71 wrote: Nice project!
How does this engine paint seem to be holding up on your tank?

Just about any spray paint from the auto parts store or wherever is not going to be fuel proof.
What you can do is top coat w a 2k clear. These are urethanes in a special can - SprayMax is one such product.
It is recommended to use an appropriate NIOSH approved breathing mask.

jbeebe1 wrote:

Looked good at this point...too much of a "spray bombed" look now.

Good job on getting it running right though!

Kidkawie wrote:

jbeebe1 wrote:

Looked good at this point...too much of a "spray bombed" look now.

Good job on getting it running right though!

Thanks for your opinion dude. I was really debating whether or not to paint the tank. I just didn't like the orange. I'm not a fan of the brightly colored cafe racers and stuff like that that look good, but just isn't my style. I like the rough death-machine look that I think it's getting.

jbeebe1 wrote: Thanks for your opinion dude. I was really debating whether or not to paint the tank. I just didn't like the orange. I'm not a fan of the brightly colored cafe racers and stuff like that that look good, but just isn't my style. I like the rough death-machine look that I think it's getting.

It's the painted wheels, spokes, etc.

You have to understand, I've spent countless hours removing spray paint from project bikes I've bought. I hate spray paint with a passion. Even have NOT bought neglected Kaws because of it...which is unheard of if you know any of my history. lol

A set of spokes and a day or 2 polishing the hubs, engine and forks, etc would have been a sweet looking bike (silver or orange).

At the end of the day, it's your bike and can do what you want with it.

Kidkawie wrote:

jbeebe1 wrote: Thanks for your opinion dude. I was really debating whether or not to paint the tank. I just didn't like the orange. I'm not a fan of the brightly colored cafe racers and stuff like that that look good, but just isn't my style. I like the rough death-machine look that I think it's getting.

It's the painted wheels, spokes, etc.

You have to understand, I've spent countless hours removing spray paint from project bikes I've bought. I hate spray paint with a passion. Even have NOT bought neglected Kaws because of it...which is unheard of if you know any of my history. lol

A set of spokes and a day or 2 polishing the hubs, engine and forks, etc would have been a sweet looking bike (silver or orange).

At the end of the day, it's your bike and can do what you want with it.

Yea i understand where you're coming frome. My only other option was to powdercoat the wheels black, and the budget made that out of the question. I don't like much shiny stuff on bikes. I had to do everything in a corner in my buildings underground parking garage on the floor. So one day when I have a compressor and spray gun etc I can do things better. But right now i'm just doing it lol

Thanks for checking out my thread man. Now get your negative comments the He!! outta here!!! haha jk!

I relocated the ignition switch to down on the bottom right side of the frame. I think it's pretty sweet there. I'll throw in a pic of the bike just to keep the thread alive!