I have had so many issues with my '79 KZ750 it's not even funny. Bought it in 2014 in NY, brought it home to CT. For a while, I had it running on only one cylinder, occasionally I could get it running on both, but not under load. Replaced problems as they came up. Rebuilt carbs, new air filters, new ignition coil, new ignition switch, new points and condensor, new spark plugs, and all genuine Kawasaki parts. Still wasn't running right, even with everything set per the book. Some days it wouldn't pop over at all. Brought it to a motorcycle mechanic, he was also scratching his head. Then, he called me one day and said, "not sure what happened, but the bike just started running, come pick it up." So I brought it home, registered it, and rode it with only a few carburetor clogging issues for a year. Last year, it was all ignition issues. In September, I lost spark completely, and gave up until this weekend. Fought with it all Friday night, wouldn't even pop over. Saturday morning, it started and ran pretty well, with nothing having been changed. Later Saturday, wouldn't pop over again. So I ordered a Dyna ignition last night, hopefully I get a steady, reliable spark. I have been broken down enough times to justify it at this point, even with brand new Kawasaki points and condensor. The only other thing I haven't done, is valves. So perhaps if I still have issues I will get on to that. Right now, the goal is to have it ready for a stupid long ride that I'm going to regret. 700~ miles to NC, and another 700~ back. We shall see.
@@123456789JVILL I did, the Dyna S electronic ignition made it a completely different bike. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't been there to fire it up. Less than a rotation, and the bike was running. I can give the bike full throttle without it dying or sputtering now, so happy with the electronic ignition
@@OldMotorcycleAdventures my bike refuses to run on two cylinders over 60mph since I bought it. Changed the points, condenser, and rebuilt the carbs. I can’t ride it on the highway cause as soon as it hits 70, it goes to loses a cylinder. So frustrating.
@@123456789JVILL I would seriously consider the electronic ignition, but it also sounds like you could have the high speed jet plugging up. Ever put the carbs in an ultrasonic cleaner? That would pretty well melt out any crap stuck in the passages
I'm currently working on a 1982 KZ440. I found a used motor on ebay and have taken the Top End off to inspect the pistons, rings and valves. Everything looks as good as it could with being so old. After the engine is back together I'm going to figure out a paint scheme. Thanks for the share and the inspiration to get mine done.
Congrats on the successful shakedown, and the success of your shop so far. It's not an easy choice to go out on your own and start a business. Really enjoyed this video.
Loving the simple and down to earth vids. Keep up the good work and put those miles on for us Coloradans that are looking at 4-5" of snow at the moment!
Unrelated to this bike but... your videos have given me some inspiration and I recently acquired an ‘81 gs550 to start tinkering with. Hoping to end up with something to ride around the backroads of central New York. Great work on your KZ build!
I don't like the pods,either fix the air box you have with rtv or make your own airbox,if you do the pods you will need to rejet those carbs,a pain in the ass,
It was a beautiful build (or mod). The way things turned out was impressive. The sound & especially the torque factor is always music to hear. I think if you were planning to go off roading then slightly taller handle bars & a few inches on the rear mud guard should do the job. May be can add a few inches of plastic & remove them later. You should not have chopped the old seat frame. The extra few inches would have given you space to mount a plate to put a rail or add something to hook some saddles. But can't predict how it would have affected the looks of the bike. Keep the bike, it's a treasure. 💜 from India.
I just went motocamping for the first time (kind of) to the Twist Off a couple weeks ago. I'm going to plan on doing it some more when spring rolls around!
very nice , but i would fit an inner rear splash shield , mud guard to keep all the water , mud etc the electrics and air filters etc. CV carbs and cone filter are not great in the wet .
Been watchin your stuff for years,I would kill for the kz,it's the Kawasaki version of the triumph, I have a xs 650,if you can get one I would watch that series
Great work on this build you made it look easy. Looking for a project on a bigger bike will keep the KZ in mind. If you get a chance to respond how does it compare to the CB
Why did you cut the rear part of the front fender so short? All the dirt, debris, water etc will be thrown straight into the front of the engine and exhaust down pipes? How difficult will that be to clean off? Makes no sense!
Are you running a battery on this bike, and if you are where is it located under the seat in that pan? What size battery or the kind? Is it laying on its side in there? I also have a 78 Kz750b3
Hi classic octane, how long can you ride it before she asks you for a little break? I have a kz750 1980 4 cylinder and on the road going at 60 - 70 mph every 45 mins the bike needs a 10 min break, bike looses power and overheats. Is it normal on this bikes or... Thank you, awesome bike of yours real nice job
I have gone on 1.5-2 hour rides without any issues. They were all back roads though so I’m not sure if I would have any issues in traffic or on a hot day.
@@ClassicOctane Alright, I don't know if its too much to ask but, if some day you ride it on a hot day or on mayor speed let me know please. My bike is almost finished though just having problems with the bendix its been 2 times I try to fix it but it still not working properly. Nice bike of yours, hope our biker paths cross one day. Im from Mexico n im planning to cross the US from SAN FRANCISCO to NEW YORK next year. Have a nice day bro.
How did it pass inspection without mirrors on it? You have my email address and so let me know when you are up here in Ar. in the Northwest corner and I will go on a ride with ya and show you around in our hills and mountains we like to ride in. Email me and I will give you my phone #. Barber Ga. has an event to vintage bikes. I did see one mirror on the outside of the left handlebar, so I take it the other is mounted like the left side as well. Let me know if you ever need a hand in the shop, I really want to move out of Rogers Ar. to warmer weather area. Now that is what I'm talking about building for me out here in Ar. we have a lot of camping and trails out here. The only thing I see it needs it handlebar guards and a skid plate for serious off-roading.
Taylor isn't it kind of odd you constantly work on Honda's yet you are driving a Kawasaki! And the only bike you have registered right now is the Kawasaki! LOL that's kind of odd and funny, totally thought you'd have a Honda registered by now
Ohhhhh..... that sound!! 🤯 Haven't heard my 750 twin in almost 3 years. Thanks for the vid.
havent heard my in 12yeas
Do the twins have decent power
@@phoenixarizona8441 They make ample usable power in the low end. Not a fast bike, but fun.
I have had so many issues with my '79 KZ750 it's not even funny. Bought it in 2014 in NY, brought it home to CT. For a while, I had it running on only one cylinder, occasionally I could get it running on both, but not under load. Replaced problems as they came up. Rebuilt carbs, new air filters, new ignition coil, new ignition switch, new points and condensor, new spark plugs, and all genuine Kawasaki parts. Still wasn't running right, even with everything set per the book. Some days it wouldn't pop over at all. Brought it to a motorcycle mechanic, he was also scratching his head. Then, he called me one day and said, "not sure what happened, but the bike just started running, come pick it up." So I brought it home, registered it, and rode it with only a few carburetor clogging issues for a year. Last year, it was all ignition issues. In September, I lost spark completely, and gave up until this weekend. Fought with it all Friday night, wouldn't even pop over. Saturday morning, it started and ran pretty well, with nothing having been changed. Later Saturday, wouldn't pop over again. So I ordered a Dyna ignition last night, hopefully I get a steady, reliable spark. I have been broken down enough times to justify it at this point, even with brand new Kawasaki points and condensor. The only other thing I haven't done, is valves. So perhaps if I still have issues I will get on to that. Right now, the goal is to have it ready for a stupid long ride that I'm going to regret. 700~ miles to NC, and another 700~ back. We shall see.
How did it go? Did you get it running right?
@@123456789JVILL I did, the Dyna S electronic ignition made it a completely different bike. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't been there to fire it up. Less than a rotation, and the bike was running. I can give the bike full throttle without it dying or sputtering now, so happy with the electronic ignition
@@OldMotorcycleAdventures my bike refuses to run on two cylinders over 60mph since I bought it. Changed the points, condenser, and rebuilt the carbs. I can’t ride it on the highway cause as soon as it hits 70, it goes to loses a cylinder. So frustrating.
@@123456789JVILL I would seriously consider the electronic ignition, but it also sounds like you could have the high speed jet plugging up. Ever put the carbs in an ultrasonic cleaner? That would pretty well melt out any crap stuck in the passages
I'm currently working on a 1982 KZ440. I found a used motor on ebay and have taken the Top End off to inspect the pistons, rings and valves. Everything looks as good as it could with being so old. After the engine is back together I'm going to figure out a paint scheme. Thanks for the share and the inspiration to get mine done.
Congrats on the successful shakedown, and the success of your shop so far. It's not an easy choice to go out on your own and start a business. Really enjoyed this video.
Loving the simple and down to earth vids. Keep up the good work and put those miles on for us Coloradans that are looking at 4-5" of snow at the moment!
Unrelated to this bike but... your videos have given me some inspiration and I recently acquired an ‘81 gs550 to start tinkering with. Hoping to end up with something to ride around the backroads of central New York. Great work on your KZ build!
Sup nate,I saw year post about the gs550,I have restored a few,hit me up if you have trouble,
@@skyb8687 have a buddy working on one but his stock air box is trashed. Do you know of any pods that would fit between the carbs and the frame?
I don't like the pods,either fix the air box you have with rtv or make your own airbox,if you do the pods you will need to rejet those carbs,a pain in the ass,
Awesome I had a 82 kz750 for about 4 days but it needed carb work and other stuff so I sold it back to 2nd previous owner
Awesome bike, awesome vids, awesome channel. Please do the ‘how to’ on the 750 carbs you’re about to build
Loved this moto vlog style video! Super stoked to see you ride the vintage 1thousand. That’ll bring some great content as always!
It was a beautiful build (or mod). The way things turned out was impressive. The sound & especially the torque factor is always music to hear. I think if you were planning to go off roading then slightly taller handle bars & a few inches on the rear mud guard should do the job. May be can add a few inches of plastic & remove them later. You should not have chopped the old seat frame. The extra few inches would have given you space to mount a plate to put a rail or add something to hook some saddles. But can't predict how it would have affected the looks of the bike. Keep the bike, it's a treasure. 💜 from India.
I just went motocamping for the first time (kind of) to the Twist Off a couple weeks ago. I'm going to plan on doing it some more when spring rolls around!
Dude. All your bikes sound so good.👍
Love the bike and the video! Watching from Norway, so can't ride myself right now. Nice to see your videos during the winter.
Hello. This bike sounds amazing. Looks great too. Cheers from Canada. Be safe!
That machine sounds great. Don't change a thing.
Sounds really good, man!
Great video, the Kawasaki is my favorite of all your builds so far. Keep the updates coming!
thats the same spot Motonosity took his R1 to. pretty sweet looking spot
That time he got stuck waiting out an unexpected downpour? :)
It sounds soo good, nicely done
I cringed when you cut the bike but it came out great. If want to sell it let me know. Great videos thanks.
Man that bike is gorgeous. I love Kawk.
That was an epic ride.The bike sounds. great.
Sounds great great job!
very nice , but i would fit an inner rear splash shield , mud guard to keep all the water , mud etc the electrics and air filters etc. CV carbs and cone filter are not great in the wet .
Awesome video man! That thing sounds great
Is your front fender on back to front because it looks it?
Been watchin your stuff for years,I would kill for the kz,it's the Kawasaki version of the triumph, I have a xs 650,if you can get one I would watch that series
Love this bike!
Great work on this build you made it look easy. Looking for a project on a bigger bike will keep the KZ in mind. If you get a chance to respond how does it compare to the CB
I haven't read the other comments and questions so I don't know if this has been asked. Can you kickstart it?
Nice bike.
Hi, 2 questions, 1. did you leave the points or put an electronic ignition? 2. where can i get that mini speedo?
Why did you cut the rear part of the front fender so short? All the dirt, debris, water etc will be thrown straight into the front of the engine and exhaust down pipes? How difficult will that be to clean off? Makes no sense!
Are you running a battery on this bike, and if you are where is it located under the seat in that pan? What size battery or the kind? Is it laying on its side in there? I also have a 78 Kz750b3
Sounds like 360° crank twin, does it ?
Are you going to re gear the bike for off road
Hi classic octane, how long can you ride it before she asks you for a little break? I have a kz750 1980 4 cylinder and on the road going at 60 - 70 mph every 45 mins the bike needs a 10 min break, bike looses power and overheats. Is it normal on this bikes or... Thank you, awesome bike of yours real nice job
I have gone on 1.5-2 hour rides without any issues. They were all back roads though so I’m not sure if I would have any issues in traffic or on a hot day.
@@ClassicOctane Alright, I don't know if its too much to ask but, if some day you ride it on a hot day or on mayor speed let me know please. My bike is almost finished though just having problems with the bendix its been 2 times I try to fix it but it still not working properly. Nice bike of yours, hope our biker paths cross one day. Im from Mexico n im planning to cross the US from SAN FRANCISCO to NEW YORK next year. Have a nice day bro.
Is the VIN number on a KZ750 twin stamped on the frame or on an aluminum tag? any help appreciated. thanks
My bike is a 1979 vintage KZ750b
Hi dude, Wat gearing are you using? Mines 16/38 and highways is noisy on the rpm around 65 70mph.
what spedo is that?
NICE
Is this the twin kz or Inline 4
Mine is the Twin.
Good job on that kz. That gold Honda needs some work, what’s up with a bum owner that lets it get like that. Fix her up.
How did it pass inspection without mirrors on it? You have my email address and so let me know when you are up here in Ar. in the Northwest corner and I will go on a ride with ya and show you around in our hills and mountains we like to ride in. Email me and I will give you my phone #. Barber Ga. has an event to vintage bikes. I did see one mirror on the outside of the left handlebar, so I take it the other is mounted like the left side as well. Let me know if you ever need a hand in the shop, I really want to move out of Rogers Ar. to warmer weather area. Now that is what I'm talking about building for me out here in Ar. we have a lot of camping and trails out here. The only thing I see it needs it handlebar guards and a skid plate for serious off-roading.
Taylor isn't it kind of odd you constantly work on Honda's yet you are driving a Kawasaki! And the only bike you have registered right now is the Kawasaki! LOL that's kind of odd and funny, totally thought you'd have a Honda registered by now
I have to take a break form Hondas at some point :-)