KZ440 First build, FINISHED

Shimmy wrote: Yeah, the way the tank sits now changes the whole look. I was meaning to ask - did you modify the tank itself or the mounts on the frame? Forgive me if you covered this, I couldn't find it.

Sorry for the late reply, yes the tank monts have been shifted from bottom of the frame to the top, if that makes sense, then for the back mont i ground out a wedge from the frame and drilled a hole to put a bolt through. i will try and take some pics next time im in the shop so you can see better

jsnabbs wrote: Got the motor back today and painted it mattblack, not sure i like it, what say ya'll

Ooooh. I like it!

if you're looking to spice up the engine visually, replacing the hardware with some stainless allen heads would look very nice. if you're feeling adventurous you could sand the edge of the fins on the head to aluminum.

DoctoRot wrote: if you're looking to spice up the engine visually, replacing the hardware with some stainless allen heads would look very nice. if you're feeling adventurous you could sand the edge of the fins on the head to aluminum.

New allen head screws will happen forsure, sanding back the fins, maybe

The thing im not soo sure about is that the matt black is so matt it's like a blackhole i guess when the exhaust goes on that should add some bling

I agree, a stainless steel bolt kit will help. I also thought that sanding the fins would help break up the black, especially since the frame is also black. Doing great on the project, looks great so far.

jsnabbs wrote:
New allen head screws will happen forsure, sanding back the fins, maybe

The thing im not soo sure about is that the matt black is so matt it's like a blackhole i guess when the exhaust goes on that should add some bling

I used to think the "all black engine route" was the best, but as my appreciation for these old KZs develops i find myself more drawn to engines that have their characteristics enhanced rather than blacked out. It shows off how much better they look than hondas :silly: I think the Z1 engine is my favorite way to detail an aircooled engine. you can sand the fins easily at any time if you like. just my .02

What do you think of the idea to polish the finns on the head, but only on the side by sparkplugs? so the top 5 rows

that is always a nice touch!


imho, :whistle:
leom

some pics from todays work

First rate build !!
Nice work, I love the 440. It was my first street bike, bought one brand new. Rode the hell out of it.

Nice

Nice! I like it. Makes it look like Kawasaki made the engine that way.... Very cool!

The 440 is a great little engine.

jsnabbs wrote:

DoctoRot wrote: if you're looking to spice up the engine visually, replacing the hardware with some stainless allen heads would look very nice. if you're feeling adventurous you could sand the edge of the fins on the head to aluminum.

New allen head screws will happen forsure, sanding back the fins, maybe

The thing im not soo sure about is that the matt black is so matt it's like a blackhole i guess when the exhaust goes on that should add some bling

Awesome build man! It's coming together nicely.

Deffinately break up the black a bit.
Contrast is always a good thing,espescially if you have an open frame design in mind. With The first matte black pick you see all that open area and then BAM! Straight into darkness..
The brushed fins look great!
I would even go as far as brushing the two visible head bolts and painting the bolts for the case covers matte black to tie it all together. People notice little details like that.
Just an idea for the case "badges",trim ring and rectangle matte black,leave the circle "gunmetal"?, and them tape it all off and brush the "Kawasaki" with 400 grit on a block.
In the end though, it's your ass that gonna be huggin it so that's the only one you have to worry about right?

A+++ so far brother!
Keep em coming.