Author Topic: low budget Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD resto, Vintage Stereo & Amish to the rescue (Read 23485 times)

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #75 on:** May 21, 2018, 12:47:52 AM »

Years ago, (I don't remember how many, but probably not more than 10 or 12) the Aussie F1 GP culminated with a KISS concert. My youngest boy was given some free tickets so he and I went, and as KISS were huge when I was in my teens, I was quite excited to see them. And I almost saw them, because unlike the KISS fans who'd been lining up at the concert venue since mid afternoon everyone else there were preparing to watch the race, so when we eventually wandered down to the open air concert, we were a good 400 metres (1/4 mile) from the stage.

No matter, the boys rocked it, and the sound was amazing. Probably too amazing, because, being a non-frequenter of loud concerts I wasn't wise to things like not standing too close to the massive, small house sized speakers that were dotted around the paddock, and I actually had to move, lest risk permanent ear damage. Bloody hell it was loud, but no-one was complaining (well I heard nearby residents did complain, but they can get fcuked) and it was a great concert.

Don R · « **Reply #76 on:** May 22, 2018, 08:06:52 PM »

Nice thread, my shop has a car stereo that is built into my brothers tool box topper. with an aluminum dragster body hanging directly behind the car mast antenna it got awesome reception until,, my three new LED lights were hung and now only the closest stations don't have background noise. I have a receiver rescued from an old console radio in the front garage with 4, 14" speakers, 2 in each part of the garage, my new plan is to find a decent old receiver and wire it to the speakers away from the LED lights.
I've also been using the T handles since watching NHRA racers with theirs. They weld ball bearings to the ends of the handle to get more spin inertia, although they don't slip through the stem.
I rode my kz1000 for the first time since getting the carbs right. Holy wow, what a ride. I want launch lessons and a set of fat boy leathers.

MoMo · « **Reply #77 on:** May 24, 2018, 07:25:49 AM »

As mentioned in an earlier post the clutch adjustment on my Ninja 600 went from normal to an inch of free play(not fore play) overnight. Here is the reason why

IMG_9536[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

That worn out slot pulls this out to disengage the clutch

IMG_9537[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

Of course the part is no longer available, plus every part listed on ebay has the same wear. What happens is the actuating arm does not grab. Thinking I need to find a good welder (not JB) and have him fill the wear.

clutch plates in excellent condition

IMG_9538[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

Not so much the drain plug

IMG_9544[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

I had a heckuva time removing the oil filter. Note the location under the exhaust. A big Snap On pry bar and I finally was able to remove it. If that did not work I would have had to remove fairing, tank, radiator just to get to the exhaust. All that just to change the oil

IMG_9543[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

It was a blessing that this happened as the bike had flooded the last time I rode it. CRANKCASE WAS A MIXTURE OF GAS AND OIL

MoMo · « **Reply #78 on:** May 24, 2018, 07:42:39 AM »

Here is why the front brake on KZEE is spongy. forum member Kirk took time to photo the interior of his similar bike. I wasn't sure but now I am positive my co-work who thought he was helping destroyed the MC by drilling out the small hole.

Stock courtesy of Kirk

IMG_0705[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

and mine courtesy of an idiot. Note left hole size difference

IMG_9446[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

Still only have 80$ into the bike. Undecided whether to sell as is or restore. After reading Don's comment on his Kawi I may be leaning to the latter. Will post photos later of "finished as of now" bike...Larry

RAFster122s · « **Reply #79 on:** May 24, 2018, 12:28:27 PM »

Calj is a very good welder...

FWIW...sorry the coworker destroyed your MC... What size is it? Would a non stock but correct size be OK?

David

MoMo · « **Reply #80 on:** May 24, 2018, 09:24:47 PM »

Do you mean bore size David?

RAFster122s · « **Reply #81 on:** May 24, 2018, 09:42:29 PM »

Yes, what bore size is the MC you need to replace? Life would be simple if it were the same 14mm many hondas used...

David

MoMo · « **Reply #82 on:** May 25, 2018, 05:09:11 AM »

Quote from: RAF122S on May 24, 2018, 09:42:29 PM

Yes, what bore size is the MC you need to replace? Life would be simple if it were the same 14mm many hondas used...

David

Not sure and don't really feel like taking it apart to measure but it did look to be similar IIRC. Pics to follow later

RAFster122s · « **Reply #83 on:** May 25, 2018, 07:28:55 AM »

Numbers on bottom of casting often indicate size...
David

strynboen · « **Reply #84 on:** May 25, 2018, 07:56:54 AM »

can you drill up and tap for a carb jet..dont drill the vhole vay dovn to the bore..id its possibel to tap for m5 kehin jets vill fit

MoMo · « **Reply #85 on:** May 25, 2018, 08:35:10 AM »

Quote from: strynboen on May 25, 2018, 07:56:54 AM

can you drill up and tap for a carb jet..dont drill the vhole vay dovn to the bore..id its possibel to tap for m5 kehin jets vill fit

that could be a plan, thanks. what size jet , I assume you mean pilot?

scottly · « **Reply #86 on:** May 25, 2018, 08:42:43 AM »

Is that a 5/8" MC? If so, I think I have one from a Kawi 550.

MoMo · « **Reply #87 on:** May 25, 2018, 08:42:44 AM »

broke the bank today, figured it would need a taillight lens in order to sell (or keep). Now up to $100. Here are some photos of the "finished as of now"

IMG_9557[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

IMG_9558[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr.

IMG_9559[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

IMG_9560[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

IMG_9561[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

IMG_9563[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

IMG_9564[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

six more photos to follow. off to work at the store where everyone wears orange aprons

kpier883 · « **Reply #88 on:** May 25, 2018, 11:05:27 AM »

Ooooooh !!! I have always enjoyed the look of the factory drilled rotors. Looks like you have a nice factory exhaust too, which is good. I have run the factory and a Jardine. Much prefer the factory exhaust and have one or two on the shelf to keep in case I ever get mine going. I don't think think that engine guard is a stock item, but it would be nice to have the mate to it for the other side.

Personally, I am hoping you keep it and ride the wheels off it, haha. I do hate the 85 MPH speedometers though... grrr..

And yes, they are cold blooded. Requires choke even in the summer. I recall that even after a long ride, if it sat more than about an hour it would require choke for startup. But I used to get a consistent 45 to 47 mpg out of mine. Most of my buddies rode 750s - Suzuki GS, Honda Magna etc. On long trips we would all fill up and at every subsequent fillup, I would put in less gas when topping it off than the smaller bikes.

There is an old Hot Rod magazine test of this bike. I remember it was in the very back of the particular issue. I believe they recorded something like a 4.3 second 0-60 time and maybe 11.92 quarter mile, but mainly were impressed by the roll on IIRC.

Kirk

kpier883 · « **Reply #89 on:** May 25, 2018, 01:48:44 PM »

Well, after looking a bit for my old Hot Rod magazine from '81 and not finding it I decided to look online. I found a copy and will post the link. Memory is never quite right anymore... it was actually a CSR1000, but same bike except for trim level.

https://www.kzrider.com/jdownloads/Fours/KZ1000/81kz1000csr.pdf

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #90 on:** May 25, 2018, 05:06:54 PM »

Looks great Larry, can you post a pic of the whole bike mate? I'm still trying to understand how drilling that bleed hole would cause the lever to be spongy, I have to admit that I've done it myself several times when I just couldn't unblock the hole and haven't had any issues? All it does is allows air trapped behind the piston to bleed back into the MC, it doesn't draw air from outside of the MC, so if the system is properly bled, shouldn't make any difference? Are you sure your problem isn't a bit further down?

If it was me, I'd keep it, I like big fat bikes with tons of power, and those old Kawi's are tough old beasts. But then again, if someone offered you a big handful of bux, well that'd be pretty good too? Cheers, Terry.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #91 on:** May 25, 2018, 07:00:13 PM »

He did run through the guesstimates on fixing it up and he would have quite a bit in it fixing to nice shape again. Side covers alone do not come cheap, unless Larry would find a pair at one of his auctions he frequently haunts.

David

MoMo · « **Reply #92 on:** May 25, 2018, 08:19:59 PM »

Quote from: kpier883 on May 25, 2018, 01:48:44 PM

Well, after looking a bit for my old Hot Rod magazine from '81 and not finding it I decided to look online. I found a copy and will post the link. Memory is never quite right anymore... it was actually a CSR1000, but same bike except for trim level.

https://www.kzrider.com/jdownloads/Fours/KZ1000/81kz1000csr.pdf

Thanks for the link Kirk, makes me want to go out and buy one. Oops, never mind, forgot I have one.

MoMo · « **Reply #93 on:** May 25, 2018, 08:25:47 PM »

Terry, brake pistons are pitted, seals were cleaned, one brake line was replaced with one I had laying around and MC was only taken apart and cleaned. Could be contributing factors but I still think the lever should be stiffer despite all that. I bleed at every brake junction starting at MC and working down to the farthest brake(usually left). In other words, everything of the front brake system is suspect. Regards

MoMo · « **Reply #94 on:** May 25, 2018, 08:28:59 PM »

More photos

IMG_9565[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

IMG_9566[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

IMG_9567[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

IMG_9568[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

IMG_9569[1] by Lawrence Moulder, on Flickr

MoMo · « **Reply #95 on:** May 25, 2018, 08:32:30 PM »

Don't have overall views, will take some tomorrow. I did get a notarized bill of sale for the bike so a Vermont registration could be had.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #96 on:** May 26, 2018, 11:07:10 PM »

Is the seat an aftermarket unit? Tag on the back would lead me to think it was.
David

MoMo · « **Reply #97 on:** May 27, 2018, 08:15:53 PM »

Quote from: RAF122S on May 26, 2018, 11:07:10 PM

Is the seat an aftermarket unit? Tag on the back would lead me to think it was.
David

Seat is original, cover is aftermarket but it is in great condition. I plan to clean acid rust from bottom of pan--bit of sanding, followed by Rust Reformer and either semi or gloss black, choice depends on what I already have

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #98 on:** May 27, 2018, 09:51:05 PM »

I don't know if it's available in the US Larry, but we have a paint called "KillRust" which (apart from being excellent for painting frames) you can paint straight over rusty metal. Saves lots of prep, just wire brush off any loose rust and give it a wipe down, then rattle can or brush it over the rust. I'd send you some, but if it's any good it's probably illegal on your side of the pond?

MoMo · « **Reply #99 on:** May 28, 2018, 04:45:54 AM »

Quote from: Terry in Australia on May 27, 2018, 09:51:05 PM

I don't know if it's available in the US Larry, but we have a paint called "KillRust" which (apart from being excellent for painting frames) you can paint straight over rusty metal. Saves lots of prep, just wire brush off any loose rust and give it a wipe down, then rattle can or brush it over the rust. I'd send you some, but if it's any good it's probably illegal on your side of the pond?

Sounds like Aussie version of Rustoleum Rusty Metal primer, it is rust color and neutralizes rust, which can then be painted with finish coat. Rustoleum Rust Reformer is black and basically does the same as it converts rust to a paintable surface. Me, I usually spray into a paper bag and huff it, has helped me live 71 years.

Hard to fathom our younger generation doing that, but it was in vogue for some time. I'll stick to bourbon...Larry

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Author Topic: low budget Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD resto, Vintage Stereo & Amish to the rescue (Read 23485 times)