80 KZ650E LTD Cafe build

So I ordered some steering bearing from All Balls...anyone have a good tip or homemade tool that will make my life easier changing them? I've never done it before. I'm assuming while I have it apart I should swap fork oil? I'm a bigger guy around 235lb...what weight oil do you guys recommend?

Also made a decision on going Bare Metal look on my tins. I bought some Eastwood 2K clear for those parts. I have them all stripped of paint and will be doing final sanding on them to give a uniform look then clearing.

nice job so far. sorry ive never done the stem bearings either but am going to soon. I read on another forum the you can use dexron atf fluid for shock oil, as it wont foam up on you if you cant get regular shock oil.

Tap out the old races just like any bearing. the lower bearing on the stem is a real bitch.i ended up putting the lower triple in the deep freeze and then hitting the race with a butane torch to be able to tap it off. putting the new races in is a breeze with some PVC pipes and bolts. I think i saw wireman or plummen do it on here first but here is mine.

Cool thanks I can duplicate that tool for sure. I'll also keep in mind the freezer and torch trick if it would ever stop being 95+ deg here! I have sanded tank and fenders getting surface rust from all this humidity that need to be finish sanded and clear coated pronto!

I have used propane to freeze parts also. Be careful as it is very cold.
Wayne

So tax returns have been good to me and I've allotted myself some dough for new parts on my KZ650E LTD cafe project. My question is has anyone besides the one post I can find bought MARVING exhaust? Any word on how well it fits and is it worth the money? Of course V&H or MAC are easy choices for the money but I want something different.

Ive just picked up one of these too. same color and everything. Keep up the good work.

Was wondering if you guys could give me a quick rundown on the top things to adjust/tune on Mikuni VM24 carbs while they are off the bike before reinstalling. I completely rebuilt them(some new pieces some just cleaned stock pieces) and have the slide caps off yet for adjusting. Could use some tips or tricks to making them as close to ride ready as possible before putting them back on. I am going against all odds and doing UNI foam pods instead of the air box.
Thanks

Set the float heights, and do a mechanical synch:

Thanks rstnick. That info is extremely helpful. It looks like I need to go out and buy a bench vise and make a nice contraption like yours...oh darn! I've been needing a reason to get one anyways.

Not my set up there, but have saved the picture as it is really useful.
Will have to do the same to a set of carbs off my C1 soon.

So I got a free 530 O-Ring chain from a friend and just went and cut my old what I believe to be original chain off my bike and installed the new one. It's now making a weird clicking noise from the front sprocket. Was this a bad move? Was I supposed to swap out anything else along with the chain as a conversion? It fits snug and my sprockets aren't worn so I thought it would be a good swap. Any ideas?