Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

  • Nolando
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Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

31 Jan 2015 09:18
#660217
Would it be a good investment to buy a new frame? I found an NOS 1974 kz400 frame brand new for $200. I think it would be a good starting point. But I want to know your thoughts too.

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  • DoctoRot
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Re: Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

31 Jan 2015 19:30 - 31 Jan 2015 19:32
#660269
If there is nothing wrong with your current frame, and you have a title, then no, it is not worth it. does the NOS frame come with a title?
'78 1000 Long Term Project
 '80 750G
 750 Twin Big Bore Track Bike
Last edit: 31 Jan 2015 19:32 by DoctoRot.

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  • floivanus
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Re: Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

31 Jan 2015 20:57
#660274
Look back in his posts, hes got a hardtail bobber type deal, probably thinks making it a cafe fighter would be an improvement? Im just guessing
my bikes; 80kz1000(project), 77 gl1000, 74 h2 (project)
Past; 78 kz1000, 83 kz550
Andrew

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  • martin_csr
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Re: Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

01 Feb 2015 05:50 - 01 Feb 2015 05:53
#660284
$200 for a NOS frame sounds reasonable to me. However, if it doesn't have a title, you should look into how to go about taking care of that before buying it. Alternatively, depending upon your location, you might be able to get a whole bike for not much more than that, if not less.
1981 KZ650 Competition Sports and Road
Last edit: 01 Feb 2015 05:53 by martin_csr.

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  • SWest
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Re: Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

01 Feb 2015 06:32
#660287
I agree and extra parts too.
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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  • Nolando
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Re: Re:Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

02 Feb 2015 16:27
#660412
My plan is to get it and swap my motor over, put on all the cafe racer accoutrements and use my current plate/Vin on it (after a CHP inspection).

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  • SWest
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Re: Re:Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

02 Feb 2015 16:50
#660416
Do you have the shocks etc?
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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  • Nolando
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Re: Re:Re:Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

02 Feb 2015 17:08
#660418
swest wrote: Do you have the shocks etc?
On order. I'm basically trying to do everything new with the exception of the motor itself. My bikes wiring is hacked, the frame is all cut up to make a bobber, but the wheels and brakes and stuff are good.

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  • SWest
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Re: Re:Re:Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

02 Feb 2015 18:24
#660425
I'm not sure it's worth the investment in time and money. Pics?
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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  • floivanus
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Re: Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

02 Feb 2015 19:24
#660430
Check his post history. If anything, i would finish what the PO started or see about undoing it, but i cant tell from the pics what it is really like

Attachment image_2015-02-03.jpg not found

my bikes; 80kz1000(project), 77 gl1000, 74 h2 (project)
Past; 78 kz1000, 83 kz550
Andrew

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  • SWest
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Re: Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

02 Feb 2015 20:34
#660441
WOW :lol: Reminds me of the guy that came to my shop with a XS 1100. Cut two back bones to fit a Honda peanut tank.I cleaned his carbs and it screamed. Wrote NOT FOR STREET USE on the job order. He was pissed. What a waste of a damn good bike.
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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  • Nolando
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Re: Re:Thinking of a kz400 cafe build

02 Feb 2015 21:48
#660452
The frame is hacked and poorly welded. 3 owners and 5 years ago. Parts are gone so I'd rather start fresh but if you guys say no then....

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