Nelson's KZ1000 Fighter? build

can't wait to see how your bike turns out.

keep us posted,
leon

I built a super duty wooden cart on wheels today. Same height as my workbench. I can move the engine onto it easily and take it outside for cleaning, blasting or whatever. NOT how I wanted to spend my time, but it will be a useful tool for working on the frame, wheels and other stuff too.

Looks like u are off to a great start.
what are the rear sets off? u did a nice job on the brackets.

thanks. They are GSXR 600. I'm going to get diff pegs that are a bit less racey looking. maybe with a rubber pad. The Al plates and rearsets will be painted same color as frame, I don't want them to stand out a lot. frame is likely to be charcoal gray metallic, but I haven't decided for sure yet.

I got it completely stripped today and started doing some welding of bracing. See my weld thread here for details-
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=5&id=398442#399039

I also started degreasing the engine. Pain! yuck.

I just realized that I have one less motorcycle now. The KZ is no longer a motorcycle, it is merely a pile of greasy old parts taking up space in my garage! :huh:

I did more welding today. and knocked out the old steering head bearings... just cause the frame was hot!

Nelson wrote:

I got it completely stripped today and started doing some welding of bracing. See my weld thread here for details-
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=5&id=398442#399039

I also started degreasing the engine. Pain! yuck.

Just a thought. i have had my frame braced, and i use it at the track with a 1200cc motor. if u think u may ride it hard, or upgrade the suspension, u should add a brace under the tank , in front of the seat. just put 1 or 2 plates on to tie the main rails together so they cant twist.
the gussets on this pic are for the extremist.



are u going with a dif swing arm and wider rim ?
mono, duals ?
if u go duals, u may want to add posts to lay the shocks down at the top.

Wow! I haven't seen anyone brace that area so much before. So the 2 plates with the holes in them are the parts you're referring to?

After years of thinking about this project I decided NOT to go with 17" wheels, modern front end etc. However I realize that years from now I may want to, that's why I'm putting in some bracing now.

It's got SV650 front brakes, busa rear brake, ZRX shocks and a steering damper. (see previous pics) I've ridden it quite a bit like this and I'm happy with how it rides. The old, crappy handling is like a safety device. It gives lots of warning when I'm going too fast and lets me feel like I'm pushing the limits without actually going really fast.

I've owned modern sport bikes and done plenty of miles at insane speeds in the mountains. The old bike kinda forces me to be a bit more sane...

as for laying down the shocks... I kinda like the quicker turning and I'm not going to be lowering the front with short, modern forks. I added a steering damper for safety.

Ok heres some welds.

Not exactly art, but I think they're all functional.
This one matches the angle of my head pipes. That's why I put masking tape on it before taking pipes off.

I plan to use a bit of filler on the most visible welds. Some purist types won't like that, but too bad!