'78KZ200 Long term project: Upgraded to 250cc, almost done with cosmetic updates

  • RustToRedemption
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31 Mar 2022 12:45 #864624 by RustToRedemption
No one really cares about the little singles, but figured I would share my long term basket case KZ200 project here. Goal was to keep its looks as stock as possible. 

I had engine issues with the original engine where some previous owner has used ATV instead of a real gasket, that got into and blocked the oil filter/oil pump, which trashed the cam bearing surfaces in the head when they ran it starved of oil. Took the opportunity to turn it into a 250cc using 81 KZ250LTD top end parts + crankshaft. Changed the carb to a Mikuni VM26 since the OEM carb was way too lean and I couldnt get it tuned for the larger displacement (intake size was very very small). Original was missing airbox anyway so it has a UNI foamie pod filter on it. Whole bike has been rewired because electrical was a nightmare. Still has original handlebar switches, snagged some period correct "coke bottle" grips, and new mirrors. Swapped over a KZ650 hydraulic front brake (bolted right on, works with the original brake rotor). Fixed the numerous dents in the tank and painted with "color matched" paint, which was not color matched at all, so I'll be painting side covers to match at some point. Had a hideous seat cover on it so I replaced that with a Pitreplica pressed vinyl one that looks the part. On the whole I think its a pretty cool survivor bike, that's pretty fun to ride around town. 

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31 Mar 2022 12:52 #864625 by ghostdive
Sweet!

1982 KZ750 Spectre - 6 speed swap, BS34s, 18" rear wheel

2001 ZX-6R
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  • TexasKZ
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31 Mar 2022 17:48 #864646 by TexasKZ
Nice job of dehideousafying it

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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01 Apr 2022 04:37 #864659 by calum
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  • ThatGPzGuy
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01 Apr 2022 06:05 #864662 by ThatGPzGuy

No one really cares about the little singles, but figured I would share my long term basket case KZ200 project here. Goal was to keep its looks as stock as possible. 

 
Not true! I'd love to have a KZ200. You did a nice job on that one. 

Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"
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  • 78z1Joe
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01 Apr 2022 06:33 #864665 by 78z1Joe
Hi nice work on the tank, you know how to some paint down.   Don't worry about the slight hue difference with the side covers, they didn't match from the factory even when new.
Small bikes are cool to zip around the hood. 

1978 KZ 1000
1982 GS 300 training bike
Previous Rides...
75 RD 350
72 CB 500 Four
72 SL 125
71 CT 70
69 3 1/2 HP mini bike

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01 Apr 2022 07:06 #864671 by rstnick
Well done!
You did a great job.

A buddy of mine had a KZ200 for many years.
 

Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, Progressive Suspension, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
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01 Apr 2022 08:26 #864675 by howardhb
Well, I like it, a lot!

Been thikin' 'bout buidin' something small for a while now, four stroke that is...

I love zootin' 'to the shops for chips on my lil 100cc Yamaha two-stroke single, or, if I'm very thirsty, I'll use the 200cc twin

'81 GPz 550 D1
'81 GPz 1100 B1 ELR "Tribute" www.kzrider.com/our-forum/11-projects/61...-elr-tribute?start=0
'82 Yamaha YB100 Fizzie
'79 Suzuki GT200 X5 TWO STROKE TWIN - SMOKER!
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02 Apr 2022 10:11 - 02 Apr 2022 10:17 #864738 by RustToRedemption

Hi nice work on the tank, you know how to some paint down.   Don't worry about the slight hue difference with the side covers, they didn't match from the factory even when new.
Small bikes are cool to zip around the hood. 


 
Thanks, only my third motorcycle tank I've done, and the first time spraying a custom mixed paint out of a Preval (refillable spray paint cans, essentially). Laid down super easy, and the 2k clear over top definitely covers up a couple of small mistakes. 

Interesting note that they didnt quite match from the factory; Im a perfectionist though and will probably still color match them eventually (probably after the riding season). 

If Im not hitting the interstate, I find myself more and more jumping on my smaller displacement bikes. Whacking the throttle wide open and still staying in (almost) legal speeds is pretty fun. 
Last edit: 02 Apr 2022 10:17 by RustToRedemption.

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02 Apr 2022 10:22 #864741 by RustToRedemption
That GPz550 is a really nice looking ride as well! Hard to find one in any condition around me, but I'd love to have one; kinda the dream middleweight retro bike. 
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02 Apr 2022 10:25 #864742 by Stereordinary
I like it! I’m with those that have said they want one. A little 250 single sounds like fun. 

A breeze from the west.
‘90 ZR550 Zephyr

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  • TexasKZ
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02 Apr 2022 21:02 #864784 by TexasKZ

RustToRedemption post= wrote: If Im not hitting the interstate, I find myself more and more jumping on my smaller displacement bikes. Whacking the throttle wide open and still staying in (almost) legal speeds is pretty fun. 

A good friend of mine is fond of saying that it is more fun to ride a slow motorcycle quickly than a fast motorcycle slowly. I find that to be generally true.

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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