decisions decision

  • Zapzuta
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decisions decision

04 May 2016 18:33
#724609
Would you guys choose a fresh rebuilt engine from Larry Cavenough or Jim from redline cycle?

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  • 650ed
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Re: decisions decision

04 May 2016 20:33
#724637
Larry. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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  • 78z1Joe
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Re: decisions decision

05 May 2016 08:18
#724705
Ok. Ed, you and I are in Md. And Larry is in Pa. Jim is in Chicago. And your reasoning is? ( besides location of course)
Joe
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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Re: decisions decision

05 May 2016 08:45
#724711
I personally have not used Jim or Larry as I have not yet needed any engine work done on my bike, so my opinion is based solely on second hand information, but I have read tons of positive comments and seen photos on this and other sites on the work Larry does. He really knows these bikes inside out. That's not to say that Jim is not also an expert, but I have not read comments on his work. Larry is a member of this site, although he doesn't post very much any more, so there are others here that are more familiar with his work. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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  • SWest
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Re: decisions decision

05 May 2016 08:50
#724712
Yeah from what I've read Larry 80%, Jim 30%. I'd go with larry just by what I've read. I haven't done business with ether so it's just a guess. :whistle: .
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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  • DFIGPZ
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Re: decisions decision

05 May 2016 08:52 - 05 May 2016 08:53
#724713
Zapzuta wrote: Would you guys choose a fresh rebuilt engine from Larry Cavenough or Jim from redline cycle?

Where are you located ? I would pick Larry only because I know the work he does is out standing.
1984 750 Turbo
Last edit: 05 May 2016 08:53 by DFIGPZ.

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  • MDZ1rider
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Re: decisions decision

05 May 2016 09:38
#724731
Just my general observation..., Redline is known for their bike restorations and builds. Larry is known for his engine builds. Redline is perfectly capable of building an engine. However, when it comes to engines, Larry is like to old KFC commercial. Do one thing, and do it right!

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  • loudhvx
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Re: decisions decision

05 May 2016 09:42
#724733
Redline has been in the Chicago area for decades focusing on the big-motor KZ's. The shop was legit... IE not someone working out of his basement or garage. I was there a few times for some minor parts and advice, and came away satisfied with both. However, they recently moved, and I was under the impression that Jim was winding down his business.. Maybe I'm totally wrong on that impression. I once ran across a guy, who worked there, and he was riding a restored 81 Gpz550. He said his boss rebuilt it for him. That motor looked and sounded awesome. Unfortunately, the guy said his boss does not normally work on the smaller Kz's. It was just as a favor to him. Seeing the results on that 550, I would have taken a motor or two there.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.

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  • pete greek1
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Re: decisions decision

05 May 2016 10:31
#724750
loudhvx wrote: Redline has been in the Chicago area for decades focusing on the big-motor KZ's. The shop was legit... IE not someone working out of his basement or garage. I was there a few times for some minor parts and advice, and came away satisfied with both. However, they recently moved, and I was under the impression that Jim was winding down his business.. Maybe I'm totally wrong on that impression. I once ran across a guy, who worked there, and he was riding a restored 81 Gpz550. He said his boss rebuilt it for him. That motor looked and sounded awesome. Unfortunately, the guy said his boss does not normally work on the smaller Kz's. It was just as a favor to him. Seeing the results on that 550, I would have taken a motor or two there.

Lou, Jim closed down & sold the building,, It's now a car wash from what I've heard, I heard that Jim is still selling parts out of his home, If & when he answers the phone, Jim did the 1075 work to my 80 LTD 1000 & I'm very happy with the work he did, Jim was a nit picker & a perfectionist, but a PITA to work for because of that & had a hard time keeping good mechanics to work for him
but all the work I've seen that Larry has done, is Impeccable
I haven't heard anything negative of Larry or Jim's work, so It's kind of a crapshoot, but since Larry is still in business & doing well, I'd say get the engine from Larry
Pete
1980 LTD 1000..,1976 LTD 900, have the 1000&900 now. the rest are previous= 1978 KZ 650 B.., 1980 Yamaha XT 500..,1978 Yamaha DT 400.., 1977 Yamaha yz 80..,Honda trail ct 70.., Honda QA 50...5-1/2 hp brigs & straton CAT chopper mini bike...3-1/2 hp mini bike (WHEN GAS WAS ABOUT 45 CENTS A GALLON)!!!!

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  • Nessism
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Re: decisions decision

05 May 2016 13:28
#724772
Zapzuta wrote: Would you guys choose a fresh rebuilt engine from Larry Cavenough or Jim from redline cycle?

Option 3: build it yourself and enlist the services of an expert for any specific needs you may have.
Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0

www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know

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www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread

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  • pete greek1
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Re: decisions decision

05 May 2016 13:41
#724773
Nessism wrote:
Zapzuta wrote: Would you guys choose a fresh rebuilt engine from Larry Cavenough or Jim from redline cycle?

Option 3: build it yourself and enlist the services of an expert for any specific needs you may have.

+1, & you'll save a bunch of money that you can use on other upgrades, B)
1980 LTD 1000..,1976 LTD 900, have the 1000&900 now. the rest are previous= 1978 KZ 650 B.., 1980 Yamaha XT 500..,1978 Yamaha DT 400.., 1977 Yamaha yz 80..,Honda trail ct 70.., Honda QA 50...5-1/2 hp brigs & straton CAT chopper mini bike...3-1/2 hp mini bike (WHEN GAS WAS ABOUT 45 CENTS A GALLON)!!!!

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  • SWest
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Re: decisions decision

05 May 2016 13:48
#724774
And you'll know whats going on in between your legs and work on it when something happens. B)
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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