My new bike - 1983 Kawasaki KZ550

[primal]

Here's a better idea of what I was thinking, though I'm not to sure about some of the design decisions (I wish I was artistic!).



And here is a mockup where the rims and exhaust are painted just black.

[Water Warrior 2]

You got a major nice bike there. I would be tempted to just do the necessary repairs and clean up. Stock bikes of that age are hard to come by. Ride it for a while before any changes. Get on a couple Kaw forums and see what others are doing to keep them pristine and stock or making changes for added comfort and reliability.

[primal]

Like I said, I don't have the time or money to do a decent restore job and I'd rather not do a half-assed one.

[goneoutflying]

Originally Posted by primal

Department of Defense? I think I might keep that on there instead of painting for the forks like I'd planned. I kinda like the historical aspect of it.

ely.

Nothing really historical about it. It was just owned by someone in the military or a civilian who worked on a military instillation. It is a decal that must be put on the vehicle before you can drive on base usually with two other decals one with the date it expires and one with the base name. :cool:

Although it is supposed to be removed if the vehicle is sold. :whistle:

[primal]

Originally Posted by goneoutflying

Nothing really historical about it. It was just owned by someone in the military or a civilian who worked on a military instillation. It is a decal that must be put on the vehicle before you can drive on base usually with two other decals one with the date it expires and one with the base name. :cool:

Although it is supposed to be removed if the vehicle is sold. :whistle:

Yea, yea, I know. I meant historical in terms of the bike's history. Kind of like suitcases with stickers from every country it has been to, that sorta thing.

[mrlmd1]

I too like the bike better au naturale but it's all yours so do what you like and think is best for you. I personally don't care for the red rims but that's just my taste. I think there's more appeal (and probably more value) in just having a classic older piece of machinery in tip-top shape cleaned up and in good running condition rather than ratting it up. And the cost and time spent in customizing it would maybe be more than restoring or cleaning it. Maybe only change the bars if the new ones fit you better. Only my opinion. But , nice bike, good luck. Send in more pictures when you ever finish it.

[primal]

Oh well. At least I've got patrick_777 on my side!

[patrick_777]

Totally. Hell, I'm looking at an 82 Honda GL500 for the same purposes right now.

[primal]

I was looking at one of those myself before I got the KZ550. It was a bit too tall for me though, and a lot heavier than the KZ. I still may have gotten it if it hadn't needed the carbs rebuilt. Oh well, I think the KZ was a better choice... there's a lot more parts out there for them than the GL500.

[Badbob]

Originally Posted by motorhedfred

For everyone that seems opposed to mods......this is a paraphrased quote from car guys.

"Anyone can restore a motorcycle....it takes a real man to cut one up"

You haven't modified/customized anything unless you have been cutting and welding.