Following my total rebuild and resurrection of a 1982 KZ1300 A4, which I bet many will know about and remember, I was left with spare parts. Some dirty, some nice, some I thought I'd never use and not worth keeping. I also had some substantial engine parts, including a really good cylinder block, cylinder head, covers, valves, pistons, etc. etc. I came across a complete and in a really good shape transmission on Ebay for a great deal at $35. I had to get it. That's how I started building a complete engine from scratch.
It was not a very serious endeavor at first. Nothing more than an open ended fun learning experience. Then I found a clutch and an affordable empty crankcase. A set of forks in great shape came along, and there I was sitting with a serious plan in mind this time - I was set on building a complete KZ1300 from scratch. A sister to the older brother.
I've been collecting small parts, bits and pieces, cleaning, some components rebuilt - some waiting for rebuild kits. Eventually, well on the way to complete a bike except one crucial missing component - it's skeleton. For a motorcycle, a frame that is. I've been looking for a titled frame for quite some time, with no luck. Then, a few months ago, I came across a bike that was not just a titled frame, but it had wheels, a gas tank, and a running engine! It was made into a 'cafe racer', and I didn't want it when I went to see it. Too many parts missing. Then, recently by coincidence, I ran into that seller. He said he wants to get rid of it, and offered me the bike for a fraction of the original price. It made me think again. It had all what I've been looking for - a titled frame, wheels (even new tires!), and as a bonus - that running engine! Most importantly, it was local. No shipping, no border crossings, no paperwork, no truck rentals. It had enough on those two wheels to get my money back had I chosen to part it out and keep what I need. I think you already know what direction I decided to go with this bike - bring it back to it's stock original glory!
I paid for the bike and rode it home without issues. And so it's story begins. The engine I've been building is almost complete, but it will stay quiet for now where it is. I am going to check the one already in the bike, clean the carbs, do tune up, and since it's quite clean (and the frame is clean and rust free as well), it will stay with the bike. It's also the original engine for the frame. There is no need to remove it or take apart. The rest - all the spare parts I have will go on the bike. Tank and the rest of the body will get painted. Hopefully without many hiccups, I will turn this beast into a beautiful stock Kawasaki KZ1300.
After this long introduction, it's time for a few photos.