1976 KZ400 - project bike

[Billy Thunder]

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.

(Not my bike! lol)

[Fritz]

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

[Dennis]

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 

[fast1]

    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?

[bofud]

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

[Billy Thunder]

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.

[danielg]

 
This is grand news! its potential is awesome. That lil bike is awesome!

[Donovan]

I am all for it.

[Billy Thunder]

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.

[Fritz]

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[Dennis]

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

[Billy Thunder]

 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.
 

[Billy Thunder]

 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.

[fast1]

  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.

[Billy Thunder]

 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.