Prince George Vintage Motorcycle Club

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Billy Thunder on December 14, 2011, 10:43:21 AM

Title: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Billy Thunder on December 14, 2011, 10:43:21 AM
I have obtained a 1976 KZ400. It looks like a fun little bike - I see an awesome cafe racer potential. Others have said what a great little bobber it would make...

The bike is partly dismantled, but the rolling frame is in good condition. The motor sits in the frame, but needs to be bolted in.  The engine will turn over w/ the kick starter, so it's not seized.
 This bike is missing the carbs - I have the rack they bolt to and a few of the guts from the carbs, jets, diaphrams, needles, but that's it. (edit: they may be - Keihin CVB36 X two)
 This not my front line project right now, as I'm working on the CB750 projects atm, but I need to find carbs for this KZ400, cause it aint getting any younger sitting in my barn.
 Also, I may be willing to pass this project on to someone, if I can find a good home, just because I have several bikes on the go right now.

(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w152/flintlockCAN/7.jpg) (http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w152/flintlockCAN/kawasaki-kz400.jpg)(Not my bike! lol)
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Fritz on December 14, 2011, 11:51:07 AM
There is a KZ400 here also....just the engine (turns over) and Frame -no papers....Carbs are not on it right now.....I will check around my shed and see if they are there....Should be here somewhere
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Dennis on December 14, 2011, 01:06:23 PM
Here is an idea.

A few years back, we successfully rebuilt and raffled a beautifully restored R5 two stroke Yamaha.  We raised some pretty good money for the club.   The project also frayed some relations as the project dragged on.  Selling tickets was a hassle also, and if it wasn't for some stellar efforts of Kurt Vanderlans, ticket sales would have been a bigger burden.  Most members participated in some aspect of the R5 project.  I can personally say that I loved the project and the raffle and thought it was one of our finer moments.   Firing it up at the Quesnel Show 'n Shine to admiring spectators while Kurt shook them down to buy tickets was a memorable day for me.   Watching Guy take it out for the first rip up the street was also pretty cool.

I have heard murmerings of a desire to conscript/entice/encourage new club members that were a little less vintage themselves. 

Perhaps building a low buck bobber and raffling it could be a way of (a) dabbling in a club project again (b) raising some funds for our chosen charity  and (c) exposing our club to potential young members as something other than a bunch of old farts. 

The bobbers always attract wannabees.

We have the collective skills. 

Anyone want to discuss this further?

Peace and Grease, Dennis 
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: fast1 on December 14, 2011, 06:52:00 PM
    Raffling a custom bike can be dangerous because of the liability issue. It would have to pass inspection with flying colors. Lights would all have to be there and bright enough. FRONT FENDER would have to stay etc... That being said I would participate in the build.  Have you thought about how hard it is going to be to get everyone to agree on a tank, seat, fenders pipes and colors????
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: bofud on December 14, 2011, 07:23:40 PM
Just to let you guys know----- that r5 now resides in Peachland  BC . The guy that won it still owns it but is selling it. I did go and see it -last i heard it was $4500.00
 Bofud
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Billy Thunder on December 14, 2011, 08:53:53 PM
If the club decides this would be a good project, I'm on board with donating the bike as a starter.
 I understand how a project like that could cause some grief - but I don't think we should need to consult the group for decsions on paint color, seat type or every little thing. Maybe an appointed project manager could have last say, with imput from members?
 The points of liability and the need for everything to be perfect that fast1 brings up, might make the whole 'low budget' part of the idea impossible.
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: danielg on December 15, 2011, 11:46:34 AM
 :D
This is grand news! its potential is awesome. That lil bike is awesome!
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Donovan on December 18, 2011, 01:32:31 PM
I am all for it.
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Billy Thunder on January 05, 2012, 10:17:55 AM
If there is a club interest in this project, I would like to get confirmation. If not, I would like to get this bike sold, or get the carbs for it....
 Since we have discussed this as a possible club project, the bike is sorta in limbo... I would like to get this bike moved out.


 Edit: I have a cash offer on the bike, as is, but I'll wait a few days. If there is club interest in doing this bike as a project, I'm still on board with the donation of the bike, I'd just like to know what to do with it now. Now is the time to speak up, if anyone has thoughts on this.
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Fritz on January 05, 2012, 12:00:58 PM
...
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-WCFUGCOLLU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Dennis on January 05, 2012, 04:51:36 PM
Todd, it would be a shame as our newest member for you to get embroiled in bad feelings.  Speaking as a lawyer, you are under no legal obligation whatsoever.  An offer of a gift, and even acceptance of the offer, does bind the giver legally unless the agreement includes a trade which make it a contract (or the actual transfer of the gift has already occurred).   This is why some "gifts" or other transfers which are otherwise free are said to be for "$1.00 and other good and valuable consideration."

Speaking as a new executive, I would say that the PGVMC never confirmed that we were committed to this project despite some enthusiam.  It would be a shame to pass up a sale so I say go for it guilt free.  Or as Fritz has said, "take the money and run."

If we as a club, or even a sub group of the club wants to follow up on a project, there are no shortages.  However, coordinating committment and structure is something that should be done at a meeting, and it is not fair to ask you to wait if there is cash pending.

Your initial offer was very generous and appreciated by those who supported the idea, and I am sure appreciated by those who did not support the idea.  I cannot imagine any members not being appreciative of your offer.  Perhaps we snoozed and loozed, but that is not your fault.

Besides, $200 is better than a kick in the pants, and clearing out some garage space can be worth even more.

Dennis Smith
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Billy Thunder on January 05, 2012, 06:43:34 PM
 Thanks Dennis for clearing up the legalities...lol. I can take or leave the offer for now...
 I'm still willing to hear from anyone who is for or against this project. If there is enough interest I will wait until we can discuss it at a meeting.
 
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Billy Thunder on January 05, 2012, 08:12:59 PM
 After reading through some of my posts, I'm not sure my intentions were made clearly.
 I'm all for donating this bike if the project will take off. I would be happy to be the one who helped get the project started and would be proud of whatever the club decides to build from it.
 I've decided to make a spot for it, out of the way, until we can discuss it at a meeting.
 Perhaps we should start a thread about club build projects, so we can discuss the pros and cons, aside from the issue of this particular bike? I will leave that to someone else, if they see fit.
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: fast1 on January 05, 2012, 10:00:03 PM
  Alas, the road to ruin is paved with good intentions. I agree that if you have an offer from someone who is going to put it to use and you want to take it--go for it! There is no shortage of projects out there. Hey Mikey, what ever happened to Rob Bakers little bike? It had the perfect bobber forks. Seen at V.V. boutique (value village) Joe rocket ballistic jacket. Black and red, XL , good shape-99.95.
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Billy Thunder on January 05, 2012, 11:07:59 PM
 I hear ya, fast1. We have about 30 days until a meeting? That will give anyone a chance to weigh in on the topic and we'll put it to vote.
 There may be better projects than this bike, too. We should consider the appeal to the general public, or whoever the potential ticket buyers are.
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Dennis on January 06, 2012, 02:14:45 PM
Kurt Brewer had a good suggestion.  Rather than expose ourselves to liability from a raffle, and rather then burden members with ticket sales, perhaps simply selling at the end to the highest bidder/offer.   We would not have the same time constraints as we had when we were raffling, and we could still haul it around to shows or whatever.  We could put pictures on craigslist and Kiji with reference to the club and gain some promotional exposure.  Best of all, we could pocket any profits (or elect to give to charity).

I also have some ideas on legalities (not surprising), but I can describe those in greater detail at our meeting.  I think I could easily deflect club liability by creating a trust document, where one person actually owns the bike in trust for the club.  On a sale, it would simply be a private sale from that individual to the buyer.  I would of course also create a waiver of liability/no warranty document that any purchaser would have to sign.  This would allow us to sell a vehicle which was in any state.  We could even sell it unfinished, if the project becomes a dog's breakfast or our enthusiam wanes.

There is also no reason why this project would have to involve everyone.  One of my ideas for our club is that membership should be easy, fun, and not carry burdens (other than the $25 membership fee).  Members should feel free to participate as much as their time and enthusiam permit.  That is not the same for all of us.   Some can make the weekly movies, rides and other meetings/events, and some cannot.  Some are keen to do a bunch of things, and other just enjoy hanging out from time to time.  I would not want to get a project going that would stress people out. 

I for one would love to do another group project.  To that end, I would volunteer a portion of the build to occur in my shop; specifically any tubing bending, welding and frame modifications.

Some parts would be donated, but others would have to be purchased.  We would need a structure for re-imbursement.   

These are my opening ideas for discussion.

Peace & Grease, Dennis.
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Kaw-meister on January 19, 2012, 10:05:23 PM
the motorcycle in question is a 1977 KZ400 C3 the guages with it are incorrect for model, the engine is incorrect for model, and there are no reg papers. the previous registered owner is deceased, and the exec of his 'Will' (widow) flatly refused to sign the bike over. leaving the question 'how does one then get reggy?'. yes, this is a BC registered MC.
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Billy Thunder on January 20, 2012, 11:15:07 AM
Kawmiester may know something about this bike that I don't... but it is a 1976. The serial number begins with K4S on the frame and K4E on the engine and I don't think I have any guages with the bike..
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: fast1 on January 20, 2012, 03:52:54 PM
 "know ye this is the kingdom of kicks, wine bikes, drugs and chicks" That is what is written on the wall of Dennis' avatar. Used to have the poster many moons ago. Don't know nuthin bout no reg .
Title: Re: 1976 KZ400 - project bike
Post by: Dennis on January 20, 2012, 05:41:30 PM
I wanted the writing on the wall to be complete in the avatar, but it gets cut off.  Bummer.  This was my favourite David Mann poster.  I still have a bunch from 80's Easyriders centrefolds which I kept and hope to put on the wall of my dream shop.