new project

Just picked up a '76 KZ400 last night for free (was heading to scrap yard if I didn't pick it up). It's a real snot-bucket. Great compression and makes a nice burble when kicked over. The rest? Well, let's just say it's gonna need some work. It's been sitting in a shed for over 10 years. I can polish all the corrosion off and even the seat looks good with no rips or tears. This a project to tackle with my 17 y/o daughter. She wanted to do a project bike, so this is it. Mechanically I have to replace the fuel tank as it's rusted really badly. The brake fluid reservoir has crystallized, not sure I can salvage any of that, though the front caliper seems ok. The front forks look to be shot, I'm not sure I can polish the deep pits off of them. We'll see what direction this thing goes. First things first, See if I can get it fired up and then it's carb rebuild time. In an ideal world, I would like to make a mini-me of sorts to go with my daily commuter ZRX1200. Worst case is my 17 y/o daughter wants to spend some time with me, how often can that be said?

Dude, you started the thread in the wrong place. Move over to the projects category.
We have a cozy place for you there!

Jump on it. At 14-17 my daughter's response was "WHAT EVER." That's time you can never get back. Fun project. Pics?
Steve

Got my attention.....

Here are some pics of the bucket of snot.

Doesn't look too bad to me.
Steve

I'm likin the idea of a 400 ELR. Too kool for skool!

Well Matt, there have been plenty of bikes in worse condition. As with any rough bike, the starting point would be with tinkering with the motor and get it running. Because what's any bike without a running motor?...wiring and electrical and go from there. Those bikes are great for creative minds when it comes to building something...and for FREE!...how cld you go wrong putting a few bucks in a family project? I see good potential in a project like this. Good luck and looking forward to your progress................Mike

It's in much better shape than the $200 POS KZ400 I dragged home. That will be a great project and any time spent with a teenage daughter is well worth the investment.