1976 KZ 900 - Need opinion's on making it better

I'd like to do a little work this year on the KZ, nothing too expensive. I was thinking about changing out the turn signals with something LED and smaller. I was also thinking about putting some aftermarket gauges (speedo, tach) on the front and maybe a headlight and/or bars. Just idears.. I'd like to get the most bang for my buck, I only put so much in it a year... what is your opinion looking at these pics?

Oh, and I have another front rim that doesnt have rusty spokes, I was going to put it on with a new tire. This one is old and dry rotted. :dry:

I can't speak for everyone else but why changing her again?

Seriously, I love her lines as is... She's clean, sexy and beautiful as is, cleaning rust and new tire, ok I can go with that but outside of that... :huh:

Ah well, your bike...

I truly can't think of anything I'd change...
Wait... the license plate location, OK, change that.... :laugh:

OMR

I don't know what else I'd change, well I'd leave the gauges and bars alone. Getting a new tire to replace a rotten one is a no brainer and scene you already have the rim I'd put it on too.

Mark

fair enough ! I don't necessarily dislike any of those things I mentioned, those just happen to be the most pitted (rusted) or visually worn items on the bike. I will concentrate on cleaning those up/replacing them with original style equipment.

A few cents from an over 50 guy.

First, you have a really clean, nicely done KZ. IMO, think about carefully enhancing what you have rather than a makeover.

All KZ's will benefit from suspension upgrades. I'd focus on that area first. You don't have to ride it at 10/10ths to appreciate improved handling and ride

No way would I swap out these sleek OEM guages for any aftermarket thing out there. I only went with an Acewell because of cost. Ultimately, my streetfighter will wear restored OEM guages again.

There are better looking seats available, that's another area but it's pricey.


Don't know what's in the motor now but if it's stock and you do go it,keep it on the real world side. Nice drop in cams, NEW carburetors, stock sleeve piston size.

In total sincerity, you have a great looking bike already. Choose wisely as you upgrade things. If you ever want a fire breathing beast...........start with a beat up Z. Yours is far too pretty to hack up.

JMO

Larry C

1st thing you need to do is ditch the cal fab,theyre so last year! ive got a stack of stockers ill trade ya straight across! :laugh:

There is one thing I'd do....ride it that's a great looking bike

No LED's.

You could always upgrade what you have. Rebuild the forks with progressive springs, new tripple tree bearings, 18 inch front wheel, steering dampner. That would do it for the front end and the parts aren't real expensive.

Wow, looks like a clone to my 76 KZ.
I'm running a 79 LTD rear fender (smaller than the stock 76). I think the little bit of chrome back there looks nice and you can mount your license plate in the stock location.

Some drag bars and aftermarket headlight brackets (lost the turn signals).

I'm using stock guages but I built a bracket from 1/4 inch thick aluminum plate that moves them ahead an inch and lowers them another inch or so.

I would polish the rear brake drum....lol...Other than that nothing. The whole stance of that bike looks great...Russ