Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

master cylinder for a gs1100 works. that's what I'm using on my 750 twin.

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

Here are some pics, it's raining out so I don't want to wheel it out of the garage, but you get the idea. Overall, I think it looks fantastic. It's definitely more of the style i'm going for.

Hey guys just wanted to give a little update now that the paint can be seen in the sunlight.

I'm starting off with a pic of the inspiration bike I saved a pic of before I started the build. I probably won't have too much going on in this thread until I put a flat seat on it in the future.

Inspiration 6 months ago:



Now the money:






I'm done doing poser shots now for a while...haha

Get that stock speedo/tach off and it will make a huge difference. Bike looks great

Larson wrote: Get that stock speedo/tach off and it will make a huge difference. Bike looks great

I know right! I want to move the ignition down under the tank on the frame, and put a black mini-speedo on it, but I need to build up the nerve to drop 75 bucko's on one.

I spent 60 on my speedo at jcwhitney, free shipping! Took off all my signals and drilled through original hole for the one on the right and that's where my ignition sits now, by the headlight. Starter button has been relocated to right underneath the seat.

new mini-speedo is on order! 50 bucks off ebay. It's a "drag specialties" i think.

I wanted a black face and black housing, but all i could get is the black face and chrome housing. So i'm going to brush the chrome down to a brushed aluminum look and if it still isn't quite right i'll just spray it black.


Still working out how I want to relocate my ignition. I want to put it right on the frame rail below the tank, but i'm not sure how to fasten it to the frame tube. any ideas?

jbeebe1 wrote: ...Still working out how I want to relocate my ignition. I want to put it right on the frame rail below the tank, but i'm not sure how to fasten it to the frame tube. any ideas?

If the objective is to mount the ignition coil by attaching it to the frame, could use hose clamp, cable tie, velcro band, shoe-string, rubber band, duct tape, etc., while realizing that the coil itself need not be grounded and will function normally without being grounded, even if suspended in mid-air.

Good Fortune!

Great job so far. A flat seat and this thing will be awesome.

Patton wrote:

jbeebe1 wrote: ...Still working out how I want to relocate my ignition. I want to put it right on the frame rail below the tank, but i'm not sure how to fasten it to the frame tube. any ideas?

If the objective is to mount the ignition coil by attaching it to the frame, could use hose clamp, cable tie, velcro band, shoe-string, rubber band, duct tape, etc., while realizing that the coil itself need not be grounded and will function normally without being grounded, even if suspended in mid-air.

Good Fortune!

sorry for not being specific patton, i'm talking about my ignition cylinder. I want to relocate my key to down on the frame below the tank.

Jrbrownie00 wrote: Great job so far. A flat seat and this thing will be awesome.

I know! it's frustrating seeing it come together but still missing that one key element. I need to connect with someone who has a welder, and get 200 buckos to get the hoop, pan, and dime city seat. Then i'll be good to go.