I was presented with a new project eleven months ago, and it has pulled time away from my RD projects. I could not say no to it. A friend offered it up at a price that I could not say no to. The bike was destined to be altered to become an adventure bike, and I wanted to keep it a budget friendly bike that will be used as a errand runner and one that I won't mind if it gets wet.
first thing was to get rid the old ratty paint to get a freshen up underway.
the next item was to replace the factory exhaust. crusty and dented the choice was easy. Delkivic was inexpensive and available, I was pleasantly surprised with overall quality and fit. the weight of the new pipe was substantially lighter than stock.
The seat was showing its age and I found a cover for 50$ so I thought I would try it out.
looking good :clap:
fuel valve needed replacing, so Pingel was the choice.
I have put 175 miles on it shaking it down and it's time for new rear shocks. I ordered progressive 412 for it and installed them last night. waiting for the rain to give me a break for a ride.
IMG_9631.jpeg
Very nice :thumbs: :thumbs:
Thanks. went for a 40 mile ride , nice change over the old tired stock shocks :whistle: I do need to increases preload on springs , but very controlled action.
solid choice for that bike. how you liking it so far overall?
Loving it, I own a Z1-R and almost never ride it now for fear of an accident. The 650 is so familiar after having so much time on my z1-r. Kinda want to do the emulator upgrade on forks now. Doing a dual disc swap on the front end now
upgraded the ignition for reliability and giving it a period correct looking set of plug wires. gave it a fresh set of plugs also.
coils and wires fit as expected, and the ride afterward was rewarding with improved response and idle.
I decided that the front brake was going to be upgraded from single disc to dual disc. I have most of the items on hand , so why not. moved calipers from the front of the forks to the rear. I weighed the rotors for grins and giggles. lots of cleaning still to do. I have located a front fender that will not require the lower stays and is slightly smaller than the original.
I have right at 200 miles on it after making it road worthy. I still have not decided on a color as of yet. The plan is for it to be a daily rider that I won't get my feelings hurt if it is getting wet. :vroom:
looks really good.
how about z1 color scheme?
Kawasaki had a lot of cool colors in the 70s. I was first thinking of a dark metallic green.
How about the '74 H2B?
https://www.facebook.com/KawasakiMotorcyclePaint/photos/pb.100063748852153.-2207520000./4055287481232810/?type=3
I like Mark's suggestion above too.
I forgot about the metallic green. I have a 2018 z900rs kandy root beer and kandy orange paint scheme. How about a metallic green z1 scheme :clap:
:olaf: yes.!
I wonder it there is a metallic candy tone green paint code for the H2. Anyone have a starting point?
Quote from: RustyRD on July 17, 2023, 10:07:33 PMI wonder it there is a metallic candy tone green paint code for the H2. Anyone have a starting point?
http://kawatriple.com/paint.html
Lots of options here to browse through: https://colorndrive.com/en/touch-up-paint/motos-motorcycles-kawasaki?year=&baseColor=GREEN#filter
Not sure which shade of green you're aiming for but, but there are several versions of Candy Lime Green Metallic:
https://colorndrive.com/en/touch-up-paint/motos-motorcycles-kawasaki-kawasaki-candy-lime-green-metallic-17p,100170/details
https://colorndrive.com/en/touch-up-paint/motos-motorcycles-kawasaki-kawasaki-candy-line-green-metallic-51p,156315/details
http://kawi2strokes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2197
And a Candy Emerald Green:
https://www.custompaints.bike/product/candy-emerald-green/
Also a darker Green Pearl Metallic
https://colorndrive.com/en/touch-up-paint/motos-motorcycles-kawasaki-kawasaki-green-pearl-metallic-kawmg0120,100212/details
Wow quite a bit of information. Thanks so much for the jump start. :clap:
front dual disc conversion almost complete, I need to clean rotors and obtain a 4 port splitter. I though the 3 port would be ok, and it does work , however it interferes with placement of track stand for service/work.
the last time i did this i double banjoed the bolt from the left to the right caliper over the fender. actually removed the splitter, so 1 line from master to caliper w double banjo, then a short line from that to the other caliper. Local hydraulic place shop makes stainless line to order, cheap. If you need the splitter for a brake switch, just use a switched banjo at the master. that all cleans up the front end a lot IMHO. Or, double banjo at the master and 2 seperate lone lines ot each caliper. there's lots of ways to do it. :twocents:
hmmm I thought about going from one caliper over the fender, however I purchased hoses to route it this way. :whistle: I have spent more than I wanted to by changing my mind and going dual disc :bang: LOL all great suggestions . I now have some spare misc items from changing my mind. :umm:
found a smaller front fender on eBay, it was in much better shape than the pics displayed.front dual disc conversion complete, just a few small details to iron out. Upper pic is after, lower is before fender and dual disc conversion.
had some time today to prep and apply metallic silver base coat for the emerald green.
:olaf: yes!
alright spent some more time on the side and tail section, applied the emerald green over the metallic silver. still more work to do, however progress being made.need two additional coats on side panels, gnat decided to plunge to its death in the paint :omg:
looks great. rattle can?
Summit racing, Nason primer
time to tackle the tank, drained and removed hardware. some additional prep work and sand with 400. I might just leave it silver, with other projects in works, time is a premium.
ok, placed the tank on it to get an idea of how it will look with all parts painted. The plan for the bike is to be a runabout and not worry if it gets wet.Might even install a rear rack, or a nelson rigg tail bag.
OK the color is silver not emerald green, I made an executive descision to go with silver instead of emerald green. The candy green being applied without a proper area will consume way too much time. I have two RD's that were getting jealous about my time spent with the KZ, so silver it is. Ready for service, not too pretty and not too ugly .....just right. :vroom: :vroom:
Beautiful work. I like the silver better! :thumbs: :thumbs:
OH Thank You so much, kind words, if it was the only project maybe it would be a different color, however after placing the tank on it I was convinced I was comfortable with silver. Thanks again.
looks really good. I like it. well done, and the yellow wires give that late 70's touch nicely. because, we all know yellow plug wires add horsepower. :toot:
The silver looks great. If you haven't tried the Lil' Daddy Roth Rattle Bombs, give them a look in the future for a shadetree candy paint job. Their kit with Gang Green base/Custard Pie Flake/Gang Green Candy is very Kawasaki-esque. I've even done a BMW smoke paint job with the Rattle Bombs.
^ just saw that and actually ordered some in a different color for mine. :haw:
I wanted to give it a period look, and yellow wires were easy and needed, I am really pleased with the Delkivic exhaust and price. 400 $ stainless And it's light.
have the exact same exhaust on mine. (actually fired it up tonight) man it sounds good.
Pull the small center baffle for additional increase in dB
yeah, my cb1100 one was like that, i left that one out,(was quieter than the stock exhaust with it in, i swear) but for now i'll leave this one in till i get riding it.
Yep avoid it getting misplaced, I have been thinking carb swap any ideas.
29MM smoothbore Mikunis were the go-to when I was working on them in the 70s.
I
have a set off a MK2 with pump may give these a kit then on the 650
If memory serves they are 26MM.
I need to pull them out and do some checking.