Dun.....Man!!!!

Day 159

Here she is!!!  Finally the KZ400 project is complete.  I tell you what folks.....I have really enjoyed this build.  I have learned a lot and really pushed myself on my mechanical skills.  There are a few loose ends to tie up like installing side mirrors and tucking away some of the electrical wiring but nothing major.  I rode her around last night for about 20 minutes before the rain hit and it was a blast.  I would say that she runs better than a new Singer Sewing machine.  Hope you too enjoyed.  Here is a list of things that I did:
New paint
Tires
Rebuilt Carbs with larger jets

Pod Filters
Brake cable
Seat
Sprockets
Chain
Handlebars
Grips
Bobbed fenders
Signal lights
Tail light
A few engine seals
Piston rings
Top end engine gaskets
I am sure I did more I just can't think.  I just want to take it for a ride!

Day 1

Off the show room floor

One moto project down and one to go!

Building it Back

After 2 coats of primer

These last few weeks have been quite a learing experience in the painting department.  Luckily I have some friends in the auto/collision industry and they have been giving me some pointers.  After tearing down the entire bike, I degreased, stripped and prepped for priming.  I chose a Rustoleum sandable primer.  After two coats of primer and few passes of  600 grit sandpaper it's time for the top coat.

Starting to put back together.

 The top coat is a Dupli-Color Flat/Matte Black with a Dupli-Color clear coat.  Everyting will be flat black except the gas tank and side covers.  Originally I wanted a metallic light blue....but I couldn't find a decent sample.  I did find a nice metallic red....Retro Red from Dupli-color.  Retro red is a metallic red in a spray paint can (rattle can).

Primed and sanded

Retro Red

Along with a nice new paint job, I purchased some new tires.  I went for a classic/vintage tread.  Dunlop tire is remaking a tread from the 70's.

 Tonight I started piecing together the bike.  I didn't get too far, but hopefully I will have it done by the weekend.

Back to a roller

Stay tuned. 

The first Sunday of Advent 2012

Advent is becoming one of my favorite times of the year... Probably thanks to the influence from Aunt Pat!  The advent season is meant to represent a time of quiet anticipation for the coming of Jesus.  Jesus represents hope, love, and a fresh start for our world.
While I don't get too involved in all of the religious aspects of the season, I do thoroughly enjoy church, advent wreaths, and advent calendars.  Remember how Aunt Pat used to send us advent calendars every year and we would fight over whose turn it was to open the door and get mightily upset when someone else had "peaked" and opened the door first?  Good times.
Here is a picture of my peaceful first Sunday of Advent for 2012...Two sleeping cats and my true love in the couch corner.

Football on the TV. My first batch of Christmas cookies (Icebox Pinwheels) in the oven (making a different Christmas Cookie each Sunday during Advent for Daryl and Connor).
Peace. Joy. Love. To all of you!