76 KZ400 Kawasaki Hardtail build

I recently sold my XJ650 bobber that I built. I picked this new bike up for a $100 not running.





So far I replaced the Points, condenser, coils, wires and plugs. I have a nice fat blue spark. The carbs are in pretty rough shape so Im replacing the twin carb setup with a single CR125 carb. Its a 36mm PJ Keihin carb.

I started stripping the bike down getting it ready to cut the back end off.



I also bought a tank for this project. 70's Hodaka Chrome tank. I really like the style and a chrome tank is different.

 

Stripped the frame down and started trimming off parts of the frame. Hopefully I will be putting the hardtail on this weekend.



Last night I started thinning out the harness. This bike will be similar to my XJ as it only have a headlight and taillight. The KZ is kickstart only so it is fairly simple.

Im going different with the tires on this build. Pirelli MT43's. DOT rated for speeds to 93mph. which is handy cause my bike tops out at 90mph stock in 76.



Heres how they look a different bike.

 

I like it!

 

nice start... where did you get the tank?

 

I bought the tank off ebay. It was more expensive then I wanted at $280, but it is mint and unique, so I bought it anyways.

 

WOW! I'm hoping to get one more in the $50-$75 price range I want something that resembles a sporty only bigger. I don't know what to get

 

It's off the topic, but what is the other bike you pictured with those tires?

 

Im not sure. Its some sort of twin cylinder Kawasaki

 

It's not an XJ, but it is a total thing of beauty.

 

The other bike is a KZ750 twin (Kawasaki).

If you are going to put big fat rubber on the front, you will want a wider rim to accommodate it. Otherwise your bike will handle like sh#t and if you go TOO wide you can be in danger of rolling the tyre off the rim in corners.

 

No turning back now.





I havent started putting the new tubes in yet but I did start by lining up the rear axle plates. I tacked a piece of 1/4 to the inside of the stock swingarm so that my new axle plates keep the same inner distance.

 

My bike has wide wheels front and back. They are the same wheel actually.

 

What welder is that in the background that you're using. I need one and have been scouring CL for a used one. I think I'll hit up some pawn shops on Monday or Tuesday

 

Thats a Lincoln 175 (220v). I use Mig wire with a Argon/CO2 mix gas.

 

Looking good

 

My copper Dual carb to single carb manifold came in today.

 

that engine sure is a looker.



but i really like where you're going- do work son!

 

Where did you pick up the dual to single carb dealio? That is SWEET!

 

http://www.billetproofcustoms.com made it for me.

Im going to soda blast the motor so it should clean up some.