I bought the 1977 KZ-400 - Page 2

MICRider · 02-24-2010, 10:58 PM

Cool! Nothing beats a new bike!

Off topic, but I saw the pic of your Gold Wing on that quad thread... Gorgeous bike!!! I am green with envy's

SpudRider · 02-24-2010, 11:00 PM

Photos, brother Bill, we need to see some photos!

Spud

FastDoc · 02-24-2010, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Photos, brother Bill, we need to see some photos!

Spud

I'll snap some more tomorrow, I'm beat tonight.

MIC, nothing to be jealous. Just worthless earthly stuff. True treasures are stored in Heaven where there is no thief, worm, or rust.

That said, thank you. I really enjoy my 'stuff' for as long as I have it. The Wing is a magnificent piece of engineering and a real spaceship to ride.

FastDoc · 02-27-2010, 01:26 PM

Last night after work I replaced the fork seals. There were some chips in the chrome of the sliders so I polished them smooth with 600 grit and oil. Hopefully I won't be doing the seals again anytime soon.

This morning I adjusted the valves and replaced the pionts (remember those) and condenser. The plugss were carbon fouled and I cleaned them. I think the bike is rich at idle because of worn float needle valves, new ones are on order and should be here soon. I also have to repalce the carb boots so I'll do that at the same time.

I'll transfer the title/register it today. I think that this should do it.

I debated polishing up the oxidized aluminum but decided against it. I'll leave it in original condition, which is plenty good enough, and make it mechanically excellent.

SpudRider · 02-27-2010, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Last night after work I replaced the fork seals. There were some chips in the chrome of the sliders so I polished them smooth with 600 grit and oil. Hopefully I won't be doing the seals again anytime soon.

This morning I adjusted the valves and replaced the pionts (remember those) and condenser. The plugss were carbon fouled and I cleaned them. I think the bike is rich at idle because of worn float needle valves, new ones are on order and should be here soon. I also have to repalce the carb boots so I'll do that at the same time.

I'll transfer the title/register it today. I think that this should do it.

I debated polishing up the oxidized aluminum but decided against it. I'll leave it in original condition, which is plenty good enough, and make it mechanically excellent.

Wonderful! Photos, please, oh kind physician!

Spud

FastDoc · 02-27-2010, 02:27 PM

Soon, Oh patient Spud!

I get to working and I'm so OCD I don't ever stop to do anything else. I can work on a bike half a day and not feel hungry or thirsty or take a break. Weird personality quirk.

I just titled it and got my Washington Historic Vehicle plates, same as on my GS750

It definitly is rich. I just rode it about 20 miles, and I'd say it burned about 1/2 gallon of gas. It sould get 50+ MPG. Also, if it idles a while, it seems to 'load up' until you blip the throttle. Also, it smells a little rich, and as I said, the plugs are carbon fouled.

It idles well, runs at 1/4 and larger throttle openings well, but it's a bit flat off idle.

My mechanic friend Andy thinks its faulty float valves, so that's my next, and maybe final, repair on this old gal.

SpudRider · 02-27-2010, 04:52 PM

I'm just pulling your leg a little, Doc.

As with me, I see you have a mechanic friend named Andy!

Spud

FastDoc · 02-27-2010, 10:03 PM

I filled it and rode it (kinda hard 8) ) another 50 miles and filled it again. 36 MPG. I'm sure that will get better, as well as the low RPM driveablility, when I get the carb kits in and installed.

Right now she'll top out about 80, and she should do the high 90's, further proof the carbs ain't all there... :x

That said, running around the local canyons at 55-65 is delightful. Very nostalgic. Makes me want to get an old Simpson helmet and Bates jacket off eBay. ANyone else old enough to remember those?

I had to trade the tank with another guy in town. There was rust in it, and I was worried about it clogging or getting past the fuel filter. The new tank is perfect (but old) and identical except for a different stripe. The new tank has a small amount of rust, but I think it will be inconsequential. At any rate, no charge to me.

FastDoc · 02-27-2010, 10:11 PM

What you can't see in the pics is the tune up, valve adjustment, fluid and filters change, fork seal replacement, lube job, serviced cables, new plugs and points, and all the important little stuff.

SpudRider · 02-27-2010, 10:18 PM

Thanks for the photos, Doc.

I purchased my first motorcycle in 1979; looking at your Suzuki brings back fond memories.

Spud

FastDoc · 02-27-2010, 10:20 PM

That Suzuki is a fine girl. I mechanically rsstored her thoroughly and she's been 100% reliable, even with my large friend on her, for 4 trips and about 10,000 miles. Fine looking well engineered machines, those old UJM's.

Also the Vetter fairing and luggage is well made and well thought out, and still works great after 30 plus years.

FastDoc · 02-27-2010, 10:23 PM

Another thing. I was looking for some replacement part for the luggage, and Vetter still has a website. I emailed in a question and Craig himself answered me! I was pleased and impressed. Nice guy. He's done some cool things in motorcycling, although mostly dead ends. He invented the heavy tourer when he made the bags for the first Gold Wings, but Honda, and others did him in when they developed factory luggage.

katoranger · 02-28-2010, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

nostalgic. Makes me want to get an old Simpson helmet and Bates jacket off eBay. ANyone else old enough to remember those?

Not quite. :wink:

FastDoc · 03-02-2010, 10:57 PM

I just redid the carbs and intake boots. Thank God I seem to have done it right and she runs great. I think I might be done with the mechanicals!

SpudRider · 03-02-2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

I just redid the carbs and intake boots. Thank God I seem to have done it right and she runs great. I think I might be done with the mechanicals!

That is wonderful, Doc! Dare I ask for more photographs?

Spud

02-24-2010, 11:00 PM	#17
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Photos, brother Bill, we need to see some photos! Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

02-27-2010, 01:26 PM	#19
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Last night after work I replaced the fork seals. There were some chips in the chrome of the sliders so I polished them smooth with 600 grit and oil. Hopefully I won't be doing the seals again anytime soon. This morning I adjusted the valves and replaced the pionts (remember those) and condenser. The plugss were carbon fouled and I cleaned them. I think the bike is rich at idle because of worn float needle valves, new ones are on order and should be here soon. I also have to repalce the carb boots so I'll do that at the same time. I'll transfer the title/register it today. I think that this should do it. I debated polishing up the oxidized aluminum but decided against it. I'll leave it in original condition, which is plenty good enough, and make it mechanically excellent. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

02-27-2010, 02:27 PM	#21
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Soon, Oh patient Spud! I get to working and I'm so OCD I don't ever stop to do anything else. I can work on a bike half a day and not feel hungry or thirsty or take a break. Weird personality quirk. I just titled it and got my Washington Historic Vehicle plates, same as on my GS750 It definitly is rich. I just rode it about 20 miles, and I'd say it burned about 1/2 gallon of gas. It sould get 50+ MPG. Also, if it idles a while, it seems to 'load up' until you blip the throttle. Also, it smells a little rich, and as I said, the plugs are carbon fouled. It idles well, runs at 1/4 and larger throttle openings well, but it's a bit flat off idle. My mechanic friend Andy thinks its faulty float valves, so that's my next, and maybe final, repair on this old gal. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

02-27-2010, 04:52 PM	#22
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	I'm just pulling your leg a little, Doc. As with me, I see you have a mechanic friend named Andy! Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

02-27-2010, 10:03 PM	#23
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	I filled it and rode it (kinda hard 8) ) another 50 miles and filled it again. 36 MPG. I'm sure that will get better, as well as the low RPM driveablility, when I get the carb kits in and installed. Right now she'll top out about 80, and she should do the high 90's, further proof the carbs ain't all there... :x That said, running around the local canyons at 55-65 is delightful. Very nostalgic. Makes me want to get an old Simpson helmet and Bates jacket off eBay. ANyone else old enough to remember those? I had to trade the tank with another guy in town. There was rust in it, and I was worried about it clogging or getting past the fuel filter. The new tank is perfect (but old) and identical except for a different stripe. The new tank has a small amount of rust, but I think it will be inconsequential. At any rate, no charge to me. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

02-24-2010, 10:58 PM	#16
MICRider Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 3,274	Cool! Nothing beats a new bike! Off topic, but I saw the pic of your Gold Wing on that quad thread... Gorgeous bike!!! I am green with envy's
	0

02-27-2010, 10:11 PM	#24
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	What you can't see in the pics is the tune up, valve adjustment, fluid and filters change, fork seal replacement, lube job, serviced cables, new plugs and points, and all the important little stuff. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

02-27-2010, 10:18 PM	#25
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Thanks for the photos, Doc. I purchased my first motorcycle in 1979; looking at your Suzuki brings back fond memories. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

02-27-2010, 10:20 PM	#26
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	That Suzuki is a fine girl. I mechanically rsstored her thoroughly and she's been 100% reliable, even with my large friend on her, for 4 trips and about 10,000 miles. Fine looking well engineered machines, those old UJM's. Also the Vetter fairing and luggage is well made and well thought out, and still works great after 30 plus years. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

02-27-2010, 10:23 PM	#27
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Another thing. I was looking for some replacement part for the luggage, and Vetter still has a website. I emailed in a question and Craig himself answered me! I was pleased and impressed. Nice guy. He's done some cool things in motorcycling, although mostly dead ends. He invented the heavy tourer when he made the bags for the first Gold Wings, but Honda, and others did him in when they developed factory luggage. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

03-02-2010, 10:57 PM	#29
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	I just redid the carbs and intake boots. Thank God I seem to have done it right and she runs great. I think I might be done with the mechanicals! __________________ Happy to serve.
	0