81 KZ550 LTD Before and After pics

Just wanted to share pics of my 81 550 project. I replaced the top end, rebuilt the carbs, completely gutted the wiring; replaced with CMC-1 Kit from Centech, media blast and paint all around (Frame, wheels, tank, side covers, fenders. Chopped original rear fender. New chain and sprockets. Dyna S Electronic ignition, Dyna 3-Ohm Coils, Dyna plug wires. New controls, levers, mirrors, handlebar and cables. Dual 55/60 headlights, all LED lamps throughout. New Dunlop D404 tires.

What do you think?

Before Rebuild:


After Rebuild:

Still have some paint to do, as well as wrap the exhaust. It is getting there!!!

Not bad for 3 weeks of hard work and about $1200.00!!!

bike looks great! have you thought about getting a different seat? with the chopped fender that seat is looking extra huge, but nice work all around.

Nice Job
gotta agree with the Doc , change the seat,

Any suggestions on a direct replacement for the seat?

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I like it Johnny. And i'm in the camp where my preference is to keep the bike original. But I can still appreciate when someone decides to transform their bike into something they like as long as they do it right. And I think you have done very well. I do agree about about the seat being too large. But I have always thought that about the original customs as well, no matter what make. Good work. Enjoy your ride.

Joe

I appreciate your feedback, H1. With that said, I wasn't going for a stock look. I wanted to retain the overall style of the bike, but with my own touches. There are no extra cables on the front end. 2 throttle, 1 clutch, 1 tach, 1 speedo, 1 brake line and my wire harness. The clamp on the exhaust is the one that came off the MAC 4-1 exhaust, in the before picture (unless you are referring to the adapter between the header and the tip, in which case, it will be hidden with the exhaust wrap). Tank and fender have yet to be finished. Black top end is factory, not painted. It is from a different model KZ. The side covers were left stock, but I painted the badges to match the frame; same with the tank emblems.

All in all, I dig it! That is what matters. If others like it too, sweet. If others don't, well they don't have to, lol.

I have to say though, I have never torn down a bike and rebuilt it before this one. I was stoked when it fired up once I put it all back together!

I think it's effin awesome.. I dig the custom/cafe/bobber look..

Personally i like black and chrome or blacked out and color., but I think u nailed it..

I've got same seat.. Been working on a Fiberglass "fix" for the raised frame. Just about got it. I'll post when I'm done

I'm digging your build, DaddyJama!

Nice bikes Johnny and daddyjamma! I llike the fierce looks of cafe bikes, I think they need a rear fender though rather than that little hump thingy.

bike looks cool . :woohoo: and if it makes you happy your right thats all that matters!!!! as far as seat goes me being an upholsterer, cut it down make new cover sounds easy right :lol: :lol: