Hi from MO

[WT100]

So about 30 years ago i sold my XS and gave up riding. (crazy right?)



Finally in '09 i came to my senses and got back on 2 wheels. First on scooters and then with a couple of Kawasaki's. But the whole time i've wished for my old XS back.

Well, today i picked up my project that i intend to "build" into a bit of a Cafe "Tribute" to my old "blue".

As she sits now.





Just for fun. My other rides.

The 1980 KZ i just finished.




And my '08 Versys.



This won't be a quick build but i'll update progress as it comes.

 

[logan]

Welcome .. bet that 400 is loud with those pipes!
whoops just saw your missing a plug wire there. LOL... it will be loud!!

 

[WT100]

It would be if it would start.

The rest of the pipes are in a box in the basement for resto work.

 

[logan]

sorry bout that... your quick on the draw!!!

 

[WT100]

HeHe. I'm gonna have to start at the basics: Fuel, spark etc.

Hopefully i can hit it after the Vintage Club ride i'm leading tomorrow.

 

[logan]

I think you've found the rite place.. these guys are awesome, no shortage of info and help here!!!

 

[drewpy]

welcome to the forum WT

 

[xschris]

Welcome and good luck with your build.

 

[OliverB]

Welcome and good luck with your build. Nice bikes you have!

 

[XS-Time]

The KZ looks great! Can't wait to see what you do with the XS. Glad to hear your back riding. It's been a couple.. um.....years since i've been on two wheels. It's hard to not want to get back riding.

 

[WT100]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

So i spent the morning leading my Vintage Club "Last Day Ride".



But this evening i took an hour to get things started.

First i got my KZ parts bike moved to it's new home in a "bike barn" behind the garage. My garage is 80 years old so just big enough for about 3 bikes.



Then i had a set of clubmen bars on a shelf so i started installing those to get the ugly stock ones off.



The XS had a broken clutch lever and mount so i pulled one off the "Parts KZ" and with some filing, finagling and futzing i got it to work. My apologies to you purist resto guys.



Couldn't have done it with-ought my darling assistants.
They are dis-assembly experts. ;D



Happy new year guys!

 

[drewpy]

weather looks dry and sunny, and those assistants look real busy on your bike

how far did you go on your ride out?

 

[WT100]

We did about a 50 mile loop. Nice and easy, with lot's of stops to chat and talk bikes.

 

[WT100]

I've spent a few days, off and on futzing with her.
Putting parts back on where I think they should go. Going over the wiring trying to reconnect things where i guess they should go. New plugs, etc...

So today i finally went for it.

Approximately 1,374 kicks and then,
Pop
Then another 346 kicks and
PopPop
162 kicks and
PopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPopPop!!!!

The movie!

That $160 i spent on her is starting to look like a much better idea. ;D

 

[xschris]

I would take it easy on how hard you kick these things I have seen a lot of people break the kick shaft journals inside

 

[FlyingAnvil]

WT100 what is your KZ fairing? I have one that looks similar and it's an old Piranha.

 

[WT100]

It's a generic one from eBay. Cost about $60. Can't remember the name.

 

[Pork Chop]

Welcome to the forum good luck with the build

Posted via Mobile

 

[WT100]

Update:

Some who watched the vid picked up that she was only hitting on one.

Well big news! Lectric starter FIXED! Best news of the day!!!

So i can now hit the button with one hand and spray each carb and verifying the each side does indeed run.

On a roll now. Too bad i have to leave for two weeks... :'(

Off to Vietnam...

Maybe i can pick up some parts.

 

[WT100]

Just back last week from 2 weeks in Vietnam and Thailand and finally over the jet lag (is) so i got back on the build.

Started with the exhaust but found that i'm missing those silly collars or spacers that go between the header and the flanges. Found them on eBay so they are on the way.

Ordered a manual petcock, clutch cable and other misc form Amazon.

Saturday another "classic" followed me home...



I guess we'll see if any CB500 parts fit an XS. lol

Moved on to tank cleaning.
The Honda tank will probably go to my brothers "Savage Cafe" build.



After one day of vinegar soaking...



Yikes!

Threw the battery on the charger just for fun. Not a lot of hope for that...

More painful detail to come. LOL