[WiscoRider]

Hello All!

First post! I have a couple bikes at this point. My main ride is a Husqy Vitpilen 401 and have a Kawasaki KZ440B that I am trying to café. (I am well aware that it isn't the best platform, but it's what I have)

I've been riding for about 17 years and have had all kinds of bikes, ranging from Harleys to sport bikes, but have always gravitated toward the café look. I have quite a few questions on my project so hopefully I don't get too dragged over the coals looking for answers.

 

[Miniman2]

Welcome!

Do you have any pics of the project bike?

Nothing wrong with a kz440 as a cafe racer donor.
Nice little simple twin to play with and improve.

 

[Tinsnips]

Welcome Sir. Yes, pics are reall good around here.

 

[WiscoRider]

Here is my progress so far. I bought it with the Evel Knievel American Flag styling. I'm mid tear down. The tank off picture was from last night.

 

[woodsman]

Nice shape. Looks like a 400.

 

[CaTacL1sm]

Yo that paint job is awesome.
Unless it was vinyl? Did you take the graphics off ?

 

[Tinsnips]

Looks like a great find.

 

[WiscoRider]

Could be? I bought it for the shape and the price was right. The badging was all removed.

Nice shape. Looks like a 400.

I'm not an expert, but VIN checks out as a 440B.

 

[WiscoRider]

Yo that paint job is awesome.
Unless it was vinyl? Did you take the graphics off ?

It was vinyl! I peeled it off. It must have been on there for quite a few years. It was tedious.

 

[woodsman]

Could be? I bought it for the shape and the price was right. The badging was all removed.

I'm not an expert, but VIN checks out as a 440B.

More likely that we didn't get that model. This was the land of the leftovers in the '80's.

 

[TrialsRider]

Those engines are full of chains, hopefully you don't need to dig inside it too often.

You got your chain drive starter motor, your chain drive counter-balancer shafts, your valve drive chain and your primary drive chain, then you got your regular old chain to the rear wheel. Not sure I would call that a simple engine design.

 

[WiscoRider]

Those engines are full of chains, hopefully you don't need to dig inside it too often.

You got your chain drive starter motor, your chain drive counter-balancer shafts, your valve drive chain and your primary drive chain, then you got your regular old chain to the rear wheel. Not sure I would call that a simple engine design.

Agreed!