Hotrodding an old KZ750!

KZ 750 CAFE/HOTROD:

Got busy this spring on a clapped-out KZ750 I got up north for 300! Here's the Before:

AND- Here's the AFTER: Built a new slip-On, Added GPZ Carburetors, Pods, Performance Shocks, Re-built the forks, Custom seat, Electrical work, and Spray-bomb Hot Rod Flat Black Lacquer! You just can't beat that KZ sound!

Here's my old '81 XS650 that I finished up and sold out here It was found under a tree, and I got it for $160!

Cleaned it out, new gas, re-built carbs, and she fired right up! Later I did a ton of work, and mods, as you see here.

Kick myself in the A$$ now for letting her go!

"BOLT-ON" Hardtails

A few pointers if you are going to use the v-twin "bolt on" hardtail for late Ironheads/Early EVO Sportsters..

Better make sure you gusset it up a little better, I just didn't trust the bolt-on plate behind the motor, So I am adding a few gussets and extra welds, just for safety! It makes sense to me to tie in the lower frame rails, and also I will add a gusset at the top tie-in, which will also be the solo seat mount.

These hardtails are designed for wide tires, so keep that in mind! Even though they are a little easier to install, there are "Issues" If you want a clean, minimal look, go with a Kansas Kustom, or other fabbed type tail.

The fit-up leaves a little to be desired, and another tip:" CUT IT LONG, GRIND TO FIT"! And have a torch ready to re-align the frame rails!

Last but not least- Fab up some custom slugs, as the ones with the hardtail were only about 1/2" long, and might be OK if you are surgical about your fit-up! I used some thickwall tubing, at 2" long for slugs, and along with a little extra MIG welding, it comes out fine!

Relocated to sunny San Diego!

Back up on the rack with you!

Midway through the hacking process...

The mock-up went pretty straightforward, just eyeball it and cut a little here and there! It took several cuts on the upper rails to get it cose. If you do one of these projects, take your time!Next time we'll cut 2" off the new hardtail sub-frame, to allow easier matchup with the Sporty frame. Slugging and welding on the stubby upper bike frame rails will be tricky. We may be adding a gusset to increase structural integrity!

Cutting the frame

Here's our progress so far! Pretty easy with a sawzall!