79 KZ650 Basket Case Build Thread

Daftrusty wrote: ....Would you be able to post a picture of the clutch hub? I’m curious if they machined the hub to properly fit the 550 input shaft or if they just had the nut hanging on by a couple of threads.
I machined mine, so I’m curious how others have done this in the past.

Thanks in advance!

I didn't take a pic of the clutch assembly before took it apart, but the nut was all the way installed, meaning all the threads were engaged. That was one of the most difficult nuts I've ever had to remove, and I spent 20 years as a truck mechanic (I really need to get the air compressor wired up in the garage so that I can use my impact tools). Next time I'm in the garage I'll snap a photo of the clutch hub. My spare engine has a clutch on it also, so when I tear it down I'll compare the two.

The engine is on hold until I get a few more tools. In the mean time I decided to strip the bike further to get to the frame. Looks like I'll need to invest in a sandblaster to take care of the swing arm and frame.
Here's the machine after a couple of hours work this evening.


Got the old Metzler off of the wheel and discovered a strange funk in there.

Not quite sure how I'm going to get the wheels cleaned up and ready for paint or powedercoat.

More please

shoot that a good start

My wheels were pretty corroded as well, but using 80 grit glass bead media cleaned them up nicely for powder coating.