SSA Sierra Sportbike Association | Reno Nevada Motorcycle Trackday Weekend Riding Club

General Chat - Weekly Rides, Bike Discussion, & More . . . => The Garage => Topic started by: SaintMichael on July 12, 2011, 07:39:47 AM

Title: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on July 12, 2011, 07:39:47 AM
Morning Everyone,

I will be starting a KZ750 project in the next few weeks. If any vendors have a line on replacement parts/upgrades I would surely be interested in hearing about them. Also I am clueless when it comes to carbs. Tips/tricks/tuning kits would be much appreciated haha
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on July 12, 2011, 07:53:22 AM
Correction: build date 11/81
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on July 12, 2011, 09:30:27 AM
And just becuase I like to hear myself talk, has anyone run into a similar situation:

The bike was abandoned on our property at work. Been sitting outside for about a year and a half with the oirignal owner not returning calls to come get it. Has anyone been through the process to title such a beast? probably a question for DMV but I thought I would ask.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: Scott on July 12, 2011, 10:09:56 AM
what you need to do is call a tow yard, they will put a lean on the title (for a small fee) and then you wait the required amount of time for the registered owner to contact dmv to resolve the lean. If they dont then the tow yard now owns the bike and you can apply for a salvage title.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: n10sive on July 12, 2011, 11:42:17 AM
youngster on this forum should be able to help you with all that.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: GreenMachine on July 12, 2011, 11:43:39 AM
So is it a 1982 KZ-750 then?

Anyway, I think I'm pretty good at tuning carburetors and owned that generation KZ.  So long as the previous owner didn't F-them up too bad drilling holes and cutting springs, it should be repairable.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on July 12, 2011, 01:24:58 PM
We do some work with D&S Towing in Reno, so I got them to handle that side of it for me. I wont know how bad everything is for about a month or so, but I will keep updating. Being that it was outside for almost 2 years, tires are shot, brakes are rusted, wiring is questionable and the seat is done. Not to mention all the oxidization on the tank and two bits of plastic need some rubbing compound and paint (tank might need to be stripped, I saw some cancer).

Being the build date was late 81, assuming an 82 model year is probably right.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: cobra23 on July 13, 2011, 09:45:27 PM
AHhhAHHAhHAHhHahhh!!!

I thought I was the only KZ addict!!

I just am busting with curiousity, what will you be doing? You may have seen the wonderings about the KZ 900 post...yes?

http://www.sierrasportbike.com/smf/index.php?topic=721.0

You need help just shout!!!
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on July 14, 2011, 07:57:05 AM
I was cruising through that post yesterday in fact. It has been a few years since I took a bike down and restored it, but I am hoping to go to the frame with new paint and work back from there. The last one I did was a little KX80 and this will be my first time on a streetbike. I talked to the guys at 2WCP yesterday and got some goo starting tips (make sure it actually turns over, etc..). Not looking to go too radical but definitely going to take me some time to get her street worthy.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on August 04, 2011, 04:48:23 PM
I am wondering if anyone has come across a digital tach/speedo combo thats not brand/model specific. Universal in other words
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: n10sive on August 04, 2011, 06:53:06 PM
Quote from: SaintMichael on August 04, 2011, 04:48:23 PM
I am wondering if anyone has come across a digital tach/speedo combo thats not brand/model specific. Universal in other words

There are a bunch out there. Just google "Motorcycle Speedometer" and the shopping results will show a bunch. Once upon a time (and I think it was on this forum) there was discussions about putting a speedo on a SV650 that has had the GSXR front end mod. Can't remember the brand people were using though sorry.

Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on August 05, 2011, 10:50:56 AM
Great thanks
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on August 12, 2011, 10:02:30 AM
I am picking her up from D&S Towing this afternoon. Pictures to follow
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: Team Gorgonzola on August 13, 2011, 08:28:19 PM
Post up....
:D
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on August 15, 2011, 11:43:34 AM
So apparently the Theird Reich limits our web access, no photobucket access. Photo uploads will have to wait until tonight.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: GreenMachine on August 15, 2011, 08:06:15 PM
You kind of have to expect it in the business world.  It's just your employer trying to protect themselves from their employees while cutting off all non-work related Web sites.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: dub on August 23, 2011, 07:06:43 PM
Still waiting for pics...
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on August 24, 2011, 07:59:49 AM
I know I'm slacking. I have some on my work comp, just no way to get them on here. Damn you short term memory.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on August 24, 2011, 08:58:22 PM
(http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n489/saintmichael3/KZ%20750/KZ750079.jpg)

(http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n489/saintmichael3/KZ%20750/KZ750078.jpg)

(http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n489/saintmichael3/KZ%20750/KZ750077.jpg)

(http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n489/saintmichael3/KZ%20750/KZ750076.jpg)

(http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n489/saintmichael3/KZ%20750/KZ750075.jpg)

(http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n489/saintmichael3/KZ%20750/KZ750074.jpg)

(http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n489/saintmichael3/KZ%20750/KZ750073.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: cobra23 on August 24, 2011, 11:23:06 PM
Alll Right den...

What we have here is a very fine sheet of clean canvas...oh yea.

The 82 was one of the most refined bikes of it's time, and underated as the 1000 was the big seller, and the guys who are now racing 600's bought the GPZ550 back then. They called the class 550 "box stock"

Yep i was alive then .. had me a GPZ too 120mph through the Methow valley...(google that it's in Wa.) Do not attempt that speed in that Valley, I was 22 at teh time and did not know better.....

If the thing turns over.. i'm bettin it does, you are in fat city.

I'm in love with the thing.... There was a rare bird known as the KZ 700..if it is one of those you have a future collectors item on your hands. (that was the 750cc tarriff, you know so harley would not go out of business)

Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on August 25, 2011, 07:34:03 AM
I have been going through and reorganizing tools this week. Hoping to start teardown tomorrow night , maybe have someone come over and take notes for me. Get my wish list started...
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: GreenMachine on August 25, 2011, 09:51:12 AM
Definitely take digital pictures for things like vacuum hoses and electrical wiring paths.  Take tons of them, just in case.

Good luck!
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on August 27, 2011, 08:50:38 PM
Update: Got her up on the stand and... she turns over! I have also never smelled gas that bad. The oil didnt smell so hot either lol
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on August 27, 2011, 09:42:22 PM
Also, the vin tag calls the model a KZ750R. Anyone know if that denotes anything special
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: cobra23 on August 28, 2011, 10:19:24 PM
I'm thinkin GPZ 750.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: Scott on August 28, 2011, 10:48:13 PM
Quote from: cobra23 on August 28, 2011, 10:19:24 PM
I'm thinkin GPZ 750.

Yep!
(http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic-bikes-2/1982-gpz750.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: cobra23 on August 28, 2011, 10:51:32 PM
This is the "700" it is more rare. I am not sure what you have there, but if it actually one of these... oh boy..

http://kzrider.com/gallery/kz-700/all-done-1147
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: cobra23 on August 28, 2011, 10:53:15 PM
The GPZ had a different set of cams, and red paint.

They were "mean".
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on August 29, 2011, 08:04:14 AM
From what I've found online, the KZ750R was only made in 82. The only differences are the Firecracker Red paint, an external oil cooler (just like on the 700), and a cowling over the headlight (which mine is currently missing).
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on August 29, 2011, 12:42:49 PM
It looks like Z1 Enterprises has most of what I need. Now if there was just someone local I could have look into my extensive parts list...
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: cobra23 on September 20, 2011, 10:14:30 PM
Need help?
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on September 21, 2011, 11:38:42 AM
Eventually I'm sure. My wish list took a serious hit when I saw how much things like brakes were going to set me back. I will be rebuilding calipers and master cylinders as well as having the rotors resurfaced. I am just getting into the wiring now. Hopefully I can have it down to just engine and frame by this weekend.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: GreenMachine on September 23, 2011, 02:34:29 PM
I could see rebuilding the calipers, but aren't rotors somewhat self turning, so to speak.  Let the old pads shine them back up for the most part, then Dremel to polish out what remains.  I mean, if they're not warped, keep 'em.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: cobra23 on September 23, 2011, 10:11:07 PM
Ahhh the money pit is only about 6 inches deep right now.

I'm in about 6 feet.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on September 27, 2011, 10:54:26 AM
And since I can never make up my mind about anything, I put it up for sale and have someone coming to look at it tomorrow haha.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: dub on September 29, 2011, 11:28:55 AM
Well that is a rather anticlimactic end to this project.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on September 29, 2011, 04:02:27 PM
Ha yeah I know. Just too many good deals out there to pass on for now
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on November 28, 2011, 12:14:14 PM
I feel a little goofy, for not posting this here earlier. I have the bike up for sale. $150 (what I paid for it) in case anyone needs a parts bike, or is just looking for a new project. I found the bike I really want, and should be picking it up in the next few months. Let me know if you are interested.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: edmunsan on December 01, 2011, 07:29:58 PM
Projects= a passionate persuit. MONEY DOES NOT MATTER! Most of the time..That bikes a good scoop tho. Cafe Racer.
Title: Re: 1983 KZ750
Post by: SaintMichael on December 19, 2011, 04:29:04 PM
I have it up on CraigsList, if she doesn't sell in next few weeks, anyone on the forums is welcome to it as parts bike. Free to a good home in other words.