1980 KZ750E Cafe build

Picked up this beauty of Craigslist last summer, been slow going. It appears to have sat in a field for the last 15-20years. I have since getting it: Got it running after installing a dynatek ignition, rebuilt the carbs, rebuilt the starter, replaced and rebuilt/powdercoated and progressive springs installed in the front forks, powder coated the rear swing arm and installed new bearings, powder coated the front and rear rims and installed new rubber, new chain and sprockets. Here are some pictures of the progress.....

Good start. I'm redoing a '81 KZ750E2 so it's good to see another. Noticed you have a seat strap. Not too many bikes had those and on my bike i had to buy aftermarket buckles. At any rate, hope you can avoid the allure of chopping up the frame and exhaust system.

Good luck

Always nice to see a bike rescued from purgatory. The 750's are basically a KZ650 improved. They are nice bikes. Nessism has a point, if you going to go crazy modifying this one, remove the stock parts intact and hang on to them. Stock 750's are getting more and more hard to find every day.

Your bike has some oxidation from sitting outside, if the parts are no longer useable then it really doesn't matter... but you'd be surprised how well that bike can clean up. Good luck and keep us posted.

Here are a few more pics of the parts as stripped them and then powdercoated them.

I'll second that - good start. I have the same bike. Man I thought mine was in bad shape when I got it. Mine was pretty rough on the out side, all the brakes were seized and the usual oxidisation on the ali parts and some rust. Lucky for me the carbs were relatively clean on the inside. Mine was a non-runner when I got it, I cleaned the carbs but got no spark initially. I replaced the coils & pick up coils then it was vroom vroom! Despite mine's crusty appearance some time they surprise! I cleaned my gauges up and the look brand new - weird!

You've got a big job on there mate! I'll post some pictures of mine soon, hopefully they'll provide some inspiration for you.

Any updates for us?

Post some pics! I like to see what kind of basket cases others have started with. I am short on time, getting ready to head back to Afghanistan. Hopefully I will have a bunch of new parts to put on when I get back.

Anyone got any input on decent rear shocks? I am planning on going with a pair of piggy back Ohlins.

www.kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/600643-r...pgrade-best-to-worst

Anyone try gazi shocks? I talked to a guy that had them on his CB750 and he said they were good.
www.gazisuspension.com/shock-absorbers/hyper-lite-hl400300

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationYou might want to contact this guy...

You'll have to purchase some longer lower eyelets to get the length you need but that shouldn't add much to the cost.

Man! that bike was bad. You are doing a great job, keep up!