TOPIC:

Hello guys my name is devin.

I recently picked up an 81 kz440 ltd. Bone stock and mint Condition. It is my first bike and my first build. I'd like to start with some 14" apes and a solo seat also some cosmetics such as paint and stuff. I've looked at alot of threads on here from doing Google searches and there seems to be a lot of knowledge and amazing builds on here.

A couple questions I want to start with.

Tune up. What kind of oil and plugs work best in these?

Apes. If I'm going to run 14" apes what kind of modifying am I looking at?

Exhaust. Does anyone make kits for these for a bobber style exhaust or should I go to my custom guy?

Suspension. I want to stay rigid for now but eventually stretched hardtail. What's the best way to lower the bike keeping it rigid? I see "drop" coil overs on ebay for these bikes but what do I do with the front?

Solo seat. I see a lot of solo seats and I want to get rid of mine. The intake sits in front of the seat and how would I mount the seat to the stock frame?

Sorry about all the questions but I'm very excited and can't wait to start this build once I have the info I'm looking for!

Thanks guys and hopefully I'll be back soon with pictures and updates!

Welcome. I'll just address the 'Apes". You will need to splice in longer wires and wrap them. You will need longer cables. For that model, that may present a problem. You might have to have them made. Good luck.
Steve

If your bike really is stock and in good condition it's a shame to mess up a nice survivor. I see this in your future.

Bone stock and mint Condition

Forget about all that modification stuff & ride the thing.
I wouldn't do anything to it other than basic maintenance. bobbers & choppers have been done to death.
over-priced &/or non-running ruined heaps can be found all over.

OIl. Use a motorcycle oil or a heavy duty oil marketed for diesel engine use, such as Shell Rotella or Chevron Delo. I use Rotella 15W-40 in the white bottle --- it's cheap & has the JASO-MA rating. 15W-40 may not be suitable for very cold weather.

Drive chain. Be sure to clean, check, adjust & lubricate the drive chain as per the owner's manual. not too tight, not too loose, & keep it lubricated. If it's belt drive, then do whatever is supposed to be done for belt maintenance.

Airbox. Complete KZ440 airboxes are rare, so treat it with care & don't break the cap. And be safe & Ride!

I agree with all the above. This guy wants $2000 for this POS.
Steve

I guess I'll be rethinking this. It comes with 2 parts bikes. Mines belt drive and one of the parts bikes is chain.

Trick out one bike and Bob the other? Pics?
Steve

swest wrote: I agree with all the above. This guy wants $2000 for this POS.
Steve

Now that's a candidate for one of your 440 motors.
Steve

Slopar00 wrote: I guess I'll be rethinking this. It comes with 2 parts bikes. Mines belt drive and one of the parts bikes is chain.

I was thinking that the riding season in Maine might be short, so it would be a shame to have a bunch of down time modifying a perfectly good bike. If the belt breaks, the 440 can be converted to chain drive & I think the swap is fairly straight forward, since they have the same output shaft & the rear wheel stuff swaps.

For some reason it won't let me post a pic. I'll try later

Only picture I have for now. Still in storage.

Keep trying, you'll get it.
Steve