1982 KZ1300 rescue and rebuild

There was a thread I remember about how we got into liking KZ 1300. I just surfed an old favorite of mine, if video links are allowed. These words describe what was my relationship with this KZ.

My KZ1.3 love affair in alternative words

How fortunate you are, then, Stan - a good woman who likes motorcycles AND doesn't mind sharing the apartment with one is sure worth holding on to!

May I ask; Do you have a Dremel type rotary tool? They are invaluable for cleaning / finishing etc. on small components I noticed a few small rotary wire brushes in one of you photos, and it made me wonder.

Yes, for sure, not many women would agree to such arrangements. It's a bit more complicated though. I will have to go back to my original project eventually, which is traveling. That's another long topic..

I used those brushes with a regular drill. But pretty much all cleaning and polishing has been done by hand. Getting Dremel has been on my 'to get list' for a long time.

Got one of the covers and a handle bar today! This cover is great. I don't even have to chrome it! I might attempt to make the other cover out of the two on the left. OR, it crossed my mind, I'd keep it as is for the memory where this bike project started and attach engraving saying it's been done by me. Unless I'd find one off eBay and keep it as spare to complete the list of original parts.

I couldn't help but start a mock up of the handlebar. The master cylinders need re-sleeving, but those electrical controls had been serviced. Except for the outside paint. All of the lettering is gone. The handlebar needs re-chroming, but it's OK for now. Not an eyesore and fully functional, I want do it preserving funds for more important tasks. I might even mask and paint a couple or surfaces on the controls and leave them as is for now. Most important thing would be getting all running and those tasks belonging to the purist's list of things can wait. As Scotch said, some things are good to ignore because of nothing else except for the academics. I'd put good lettering on them though if given a way to do it.



I've been sitting in my chair pretending to ride the bike, hahaha It does give a sense of reality of the project grabbing them by the horns for the first time. The voice says yes, it's happening! I don't have the grips yet.

Well, not so fast there boy... These, and not only these, will need to be replaced. I'd imagine they are standard and easy to get. Please point me in the right direction if anyone knows.
I apologize if I haven't done the research beforehand. Just going with the flow and as it happens.

StanG wrote: Well, not so fast there boy... These, and not only these, will need to be replaced. I'd imagine they are standard and easy to get. Please point me in the right direction if anyone knows.
I apologize if I haven't done the research beforehand. Just going with the flow and as it happens.

These guys have everything you need to do professional wiring repairs for these old bikes: vintageconnections.com/

The crimping tool shown on this site Bucko suggests is so cool. I bought one similar to this on FleeBay and I love it. I redo all connections I find suspect on the bikes and cars. They look professional . The tool is fast and never fails to provide a perfect crimp. Love it !! Pretty sure I talked Scotch into investing in one and it puts a smile on his face too.