The $4 cafe build

  • lightning722
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The $4 cafe build

06 Jun 2013 04:59 - 06 Jun 2013 05:00
#591029
So I started with a kz440 that was so ugly I couldn't get anyone to give me $150 for it. No kidding, I tried for a year and a half, no takers. Clear title, knew it ran just had lost spark. Maybe it was the yamaha front end, or the rattle can paint on a tank from who knows what, or the ripped up seat I don't know. eventually I got caught up in the shop and had time to do something with it so I decided I had parts laying around and I'd at least put the right front end on. Then I had a parts bike with the correct tank. Then I wanted matched mags instead of mismatched wheels so those went on (which I might add isn't as easy as just popping out an axle and sliding in the new wheel). Then I held the cafe fairing (left from an abandoned project) up to it for giggles and that was it I HAD to build it. Everything on the bike, including the paint was left over parts or stuff I had on hand, even the paint. The only money I spent on it in the 3 week build was the $4 I spent on T-nuts for the seat pan that a buddy talked me into. It's a fun little bike. Sits a bit low in the back, but I've got an 18 rear from a 550gpz with a disc brake I plan on putting on when I tear it down to clean it up and make it all pretty and get it ready to sell. Of course a 440 with triple disc might be overkill, but I'd rather have too much brake then not enough. Let me know what you think.

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Last edit: 06 Jun 2013 05:00 by lightning722.

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  • roy-b-boy-b
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Re: The $4 cafe build

06 Jun 2013 07:31
#591033
Looks great.
1979 LTD Street Fighter.1977 KZ1000
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  • Topper
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Re: The $4 cafe build

06 Jun 2013 07:39
#591034
Love the fairing. Can't wait to see it cleaned up.
Permanent and perpetual noob.

1979 KZ750 Twin
2009 Kawasaki Versys
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  • boatdrinks
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Re: The $4 cafe build

06 Jun 2013 08:37
#591046
Nice job!
Charles
Madison, AL
1978 KZ650 B2A, Luminous Dark Blue
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  • Jrbrownie00
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Re: The $4 cafe build

06 Jun 2013 08:39
#591047
I like it, doesn't need much work to be a head turner.
82' kz750 ltd.
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  • Mcdroid
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Re: The $4 cafe build

06 Jun 2013 10:48 - 06 Jun 2013 10:48
#591066
Get the electronics sorted out and keep it. :)
Michael
Victoria, Texas

1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A

Last edit: 06 Jun 2013 10:48 by Mcdroid.

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  • treitz
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Re: The $4 cafe build

06 Jun 2013 11:11
#591069
That's one nice $4 build! Love the fairing too.
1979 KZ400 - 2-1 Manifold - Mikuni VM34
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  • CoolerKing
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Re: The $4 cafe build

07 Jun 2013 14:33
#591218
Looks good.

If you'd like to double your money let me know. I skipped lunch today and the money is burning a hole in my pocket :woohoo: :woohoo:
1978 KZ650-C2
1976 KZ400D-3 (sold)
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  • KZ_Doc
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Re: The $4 cafe build

07 Jun 2013 14:39
#591219
Beautiful!

And cheap at twice the price, too!
2000 KZ1000P
1981 BMW R100
1998 Moto Guzzi V11EV with Hannigan sidecar
1994 BMW K1100LT

Many, many bikes I wish I still had - and had the room for!
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  • randysway223
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Re: The $4 cafe build

07 Jun 2013 15:30
#591224
Catchy title. Looks nice though, I think it might look a little bit better painted black though. Good work.
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  • lightning722
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Re: The $4 cafe build

07 Jun 2013 17:13
#591230
I forgot to mention, the no spark issue was only a broken wire to the coil. simple fix and no other electrical issues.

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  • lightning722
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Re: The $4 cafe build

07 Jun 2013 17:15
#591232
I am actually going to sell it, I need the money and I never intended on keeping it. I only built it because it wouldn't sell before. I do appreciate your offer, but I have a feeling I might be able to get a little bit more for it, though I really have no idea what it should be worth.

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