Doesn't sound like my Ducati to me

[OldKneeDragger]

So here it is.

It's been a long time since I have heard this thing.

http://images.sportbikes.org/zoom-zoom.mp3



Everything took far longer than I ever expected. Just about everything that could go bad after 15 years of sitting did. However, now that the motor runs, it's time for the paint! When will you be ready Jim?

This has been quite a project just to get it to this point but the sound of 6 cylinders on a 120 degree crank just lites my fire. This 30 year old KZ1300 is breathing again!

For those of you too young to remember, when 4 stroke street bikes started coming from Japan there was a HP battle with bikes at the same time the mussel cars were battling from Detroit. Some landmarks were the Honda 750 and the Kawasaki Z1 900. One thing led to another and the horse power war was on. Honda came out with the 1000cc CBX 6 cylinder air cooled, chain drive bike while Kawasaki went over the top with a water cooled, shaft drive 1300cc 750 pound monster.

It was about this time that Harley Davison went to Congress and had the imports taxed while we ended up with 85 MPH speedometers and 55 MPH speed limits. Things really sucked for a while.

Neither the CBX or the big KZ1300 seemed to be the market success that they wanted but they really were both technology wonders of the day and I feel they mark a time in history.

[Tipys]

I maybe young but arent we still having these Horse Power wars?

[ChrisCBX]

Congratuations on getting your KZ1300 six going.

Are you repainting it to stock or doing something custom?

Are you still able to get parts for your KZ? My CBX's don't share a lot of parts with other Hondas of the era so that makes them extra hard to repair/restore. Honda has been good about continuing to provide most maintenance parts for the bike but restoration parts are practically impossible to get from Honda.

Keeping old bikes on the road can be a challenge and restoring them always seem to take a lot of time but the pay off is when they look and run like they should.

All of my old sixes were neglected and abused. A lot of restoration work was needed to bring them back. Its all worth it when I can blast them down the road and hear the that inline six sound.

My '79 and '80. '79 is on the right, it should be silver but its silver bodywork is being worked on.



Bringing back an old six race bike back to road use. It hasn't been running in a number of years. Should be running again by the end of this month and out on the road next spring.



I hope you have continued success with your KZ. Post pictures of it if you can.

[sandboxshooter]

Here's what I did. Converted my 82 GPZ750 to an Eddie Lawson replica using 2006 ZX10 green paint and a ZRX1200 decal kit. I really like it. When finished will have the headlight fairing and badges still waiting to mount.

[OldKneeDragger]

I maybe young but arent we still having these Horse Power wars?

Perhaps but my focus has been on getting the power to the road in a controllable package. Just try wicking the throttle open on an old Kawasaki H2 750 2 stroke triple and you will understand what I am saying. The first HP war was all about HP and the rolling frame was just something to set the motor on.

[ChrisCBX]

Here's what I did. Converted my 82 GPZ750 to an Eddie Lawson replica using 2006 ZX10 green paint and a ZRX1200 decal kit. I really like it. When finished will have the headlight fairing and badges still waiting to mount.

Lookin' good.

[BigE]

Perhaps but my focus has been on getting the power to the road in a controllable package. Just try wicking the throttle open on an old Kawasaki H2 750 2 stroke triple and you will understand what I am saying. The first HP war was all about HP and the rolling frame was just something to set the motor on.

Ahhh, H2 triple my first street bike

[sandboxshooter]

I can't wait to see that CBX when you're finished.....awesome seeing all that engine sticking out the sides......lol.

[sandboxshooter]

This might be next on the agenda....kicking around getting it back to good paint and running better.....1973 S2 350......

[Mental]

I have said this before, but OKD, you are what I want to be when I grow up. That is so freaking awesome.

Proof bikes keep you young.

[Tipys]

I have said this before, but OKD, you are what I want to be when I grow up. That is so freaking awesome.

Proof bikes keep you young.

And cars make you old.

[OldKneeDragger]

And cars make you old.

Unless the car is much older than you!

[Tipys]

Most cars are to me

[asp_125]

Old UJMs freakin rock! Esp the old superbikes.

[GSXRJOHNNY]

At the motoGP in CA. in 2006, Honda fired up one of their old 6 cylinder GP race bikes. It was one of the most increadible sounds I've ever heard in my life! In 2007 they didn't do this and I was so disappointed. That was the high lite of the 2006 race for me. I recorded it, but sadly lost the disk on the return trip home. I've always loved the sound of the big CBX's and the looks were stunning. Hope the KZ turns out real nice and I can sit in behind it this next summer to enjoy the sounds..... WAY COOL OKD!

[dirkterrell]

We ought to do a classic bikes ride/show sometime next year. I'd love to see everyone's restored classics and show off mine.

Dirk

[dirkterrell]

Just try wicking the throttle open on an old Kawasaki H2 750 2 stroke triple and you will understand what I am saying.

Ain't that the truth.

Dirk