Bare minimum?

  • mrk_d
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Bare minimum?

16 Dec 2009 12:14
#339271
I'm re-building my KZ650 bike as a ratracer/cafe type bike and I'm looking to do the bare minimum in terms of electrical. I'm removing the starter, running it kick-start only, and I will have no signals. The only brake light will be when the front brake is activated, not the rear, and the headlight will be wired to low-beams all the time w/o a switch.

I am mechanically inclined but never have dealt with wiring...is there an easy way to figure out what I do and do not need? I think I will probably have to enlist some help but if anyone has a quick explanation of the "essentials" for what I'm doing (or even a bare-bones wiring diagram) it would be much appreciated!

Thanks for any and all help.
-1978 KZ650, stock, runner. Red. Cafe project.

-1978 KZ650 project bike, missing parts. Not sure if I'm going to use parts or do a restoration on this one.

Southern California

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  • vintagestyle7
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Re: Bare minimum?

16 Dec 2009 12:22
#339272
Mrk-d:

Where are you in Socal? I have a Haynes manual with all the wiring diagrams you can reference. I can try to scan it to pdf but thought I would check to see how far apart we are. I'm in Poway (San Diego).

Once you start pulling the controls apart you'll see what you need and what you can get rid of. I rewired my 79kz 650 as I swapped motors and controls from a donor bike. Once you get into the harness you'll see but the diagrams do help a lot.

Brian
1979 KZ650 B
1975 CB500 T

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  • polkat
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Re: Bare minimum?

16 Dec 2009 12:47
#339275
Up here in northern California turn signals are required for street use. I thought it was that way across the state?!

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  • Martynbiker
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Re: Bare minimum?

16 Dec 2009 14:33 - 16 Dec 2009 14:34
#339283
mrk_d wrote:
I will have no signals.

I am mechanically inclined but never have dealt with wiring...is there an easy way to figure out what I do and do not need?

If you ride in CA and want to keep the Po-Po off your ass...... Turn signals are a MUST! you can do REALLY tiny LED ones, well hidden, but you must have them unless you are fond of tickets.

Depending where you are in CA i will willingly help you out wiring wise for the cost of Gas, Materials a Beer n a Sammich... PM me

Martyn
If you cant fix it with a Hammer....... it's gotta be an Electrical problem...
Last edit: 16 Dec 2009 14:34 by Martynbiker.

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  • PLUMMEN
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Re: Bare minimum?

16 Dec 2009 17:48
#339301
bare bones is good! :laugh:
Still recovering,some days are better than others.

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  • TeK9iNe
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Re: Bare minimum?

16 Dec 2009 18:19 - 16 Dec 2009 18:21
#339310


Pic is really big for easy reading...

Hope it helps.

B)
Motorcycle Shop Owner/Operator

79 Kawie Z1000 LTD
81 Kawie Z1000 CSR
83 Honda VT750C A
85 Kawie GPZ900 A2
86 Zukie GS1150 EG
93 Yamie XV1100 E
Lucky to have rolled many old bikes through my doors ;)

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Last edit: 16 Dec 2009 18:21 by TeK9iNe.

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  • PLUMMEN
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Re: Bare minimum?

16 Dec 2009 18:30
#339316
wire headlight/ taillight to come on when key is on .put a magneto on there and youll really simplify things,or make one of Lous capacitor ignition systems for it B)
Still recovering,some days are better than others.

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  • KawiConvert
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Re: Bare minimum?

16 Dec 2009 19:07
#339325
PLUMMEN wrote:
wire headlight/ taillight to come on when key is on .put a magneto on there and youll really simplify things,or make one of Lous capacitor ignition systems for it B)

Better, add relay to turn them on after bike is started. No reason to waste juice while kicking. Only add about 5oz and make it a little more trick. As for turn signals, they are worth it, unless your building a track bike it is nice to have something flashy to keep the other drivers from moving into your space.
1978 KZ650 D1 ~ Carb jetting: 107.5 & 20 & 4th groove with pods and 4-1 Exhaust

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  • rstnick
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Re: Bare minimum?

16 Dec 2009 19:47
#339332
Check out this post for a wiring diagram:

Bare Bones
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, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
1978 KZ1000 project
1983 KZ1000R2 Project

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