Not so new '83 Kawi 440 LTD Build thread

5evenz · January 9th, 2013, 09:58 PM

For the low low price of nothing, Iv'e finally scored a second moto!
Not great looking, or well maintained, or powerful, or manoeuvrable... but she runs!!! ...almost... Not bad eh? eh?

Well anyhow the thing was free and it's now the new project for me and my buddy. First, teardown. Plus the solenoid is shot. Mechanicals are good and after a solid grinding and hacking away at everything unneeded, building it back up nice, clean and simple is the name of the game.
We're set on a Cafe/dirt tracker plan and it should turn to be a sweet, ass kickin' ride.

After replacing the decrepit parts and getting it as bare as possible we've got STUFF.
-Dual sport rubber
-new shocks, raise the rear and lower forks
-Custom seat (grandma's got a gift for upholstery)(tracker or cafe-esque)
-reworked tank
-MX bars
-Pods
-Tail tidy/ complete removal
-solo lamp
-Levers, grips, rearsets and the usual farkles
-Chopo the exhausto (wrap for coolness points)
-Powder black frame and clean metal parts

Managed to secure most of these bits on cheap so parts should only run around $1500. Any and all further suggestions are more than welcome,

Inspiration

And anything by deus is gold

csmith12 · January 10th, 2013, 05:59 AM

A 440ltd was my first street bike. Still have a soft spot for them. Good luck with your build and looking forward to seeing the completed project.

Jono · January 10th, 2013, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5evenz

If it ends up looking like either of these bikes then I will be super jealous!

Good luck with your build and Keep us updated!

lgk · January 10th, 2013, 03:33 PM

I agree those bikes look awesome.:d

himynameisjoe · January 10th, 2013, 06:37 PM

my first thought... CAFEEEEE

cuz · January 11th, 2013, 03:21 AM

testosterone levels will rise w/that bike

joshuajcrouch · January 12th, 2013, 04:31 PM

Bad ass. Props for taking on a project like this. Can't go wrong with any of those inspirational photos....

NathanUc · January 28th, 2013, 01:40 AM

DuckmanCycles (not sure if he uses this forum) recently got a 83 KZ440 and is making some videos of him restoring it. Pretty cool stuff! I'm not a fan of cafe racers at all, but these conversion builds are super interesting I think.

Link if anyone else is interested:

Link to original page on YouTube.

Racer x · January 28th, 2013, 05:32 AM

I love the Duck. He always comes up with interesting projects

lgk · January 28th, 2013, 06:48 AM

i like @TheDuck's videos as well.

i learn something new everytime i watch

January 9th, 2013, 09:58 PM	#1
5evenz ninjette.org member Name: Sev Location: Vancouver Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09' 250r Thunder Blue Posts: 165	Not so new '83 Kawi 440 LTD Build thread For the low low price of nothing, Iv'e finally scored a second moto! Not great looking, or well maintained, or powerful, or manoeuvrable... but she runs!!! ...almost... Not bad eh? eh? Well anyhow the thing was free and it's now the new project for me and my buddy. First, teardown. Plus the solenoid is shot. Mechanicals are good and after a solid grinding and hacking away at everything unneeded, building it back up nice, clean and simple is the name of the game. We're set on a Cafe/dirt tracker plan and it should turn to be a sweet, ass kickin' ride. After replacing the decrepit parts and getting it as bare as possible we've got STUFF. -Dual sport rubber -new shocks, raise the rear and lower forks -Custom seat (grandma's got a gift for upholstery)(tracker or cafe-esque) -reworked tank -MX bars -Pods -Tail tidy/ complete removal -solo lamp -Levers, grips, rearsets and the usual farkles -Chopo the exhausto (wrap for coolness points) -Powder black frame and clean metal parts Managed to secure most of these bits on cheap so parts should only run around $1500. Any and all further suggestions are more than welcome, Inspiration And anything by deus is gold

January 10th, 2013, 05:59 AM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	A 440ltd was my first street bike. Still have a soft spot for them. Good luck with your build and looking forward to seeing the completed project. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

January 10th, 2013, 03:33 PM	#4
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	I agree those bikes look awesome.:d __________________________________________________ Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700

January 10th, 2013, 06:37 PM	#5
himynameisjoe ninjette.org sage Name: Joe Location: Lancaster, PA Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250(Totaled) Posts: 984 Blog Entries: 2	my first thought... CAFEEEEE __________________________________________________ "I am a creationist, I believe man created god."

January 11th, 2013, 03:21 AM	#6
cuz cuz Name: Israel Location: Houston (me) Galveston Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 ninja 250r Posts: A lot.	testosterone levels will rise w/that bike __________________________________________________ THE GOOD LIFE

January 12th, 2013, 04:31 PM	#7
joshuajcrouch ninjette.org member Name: Joshua Location: Eugene, OR Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 142	Bad ass. Props for taking on a project like this. Can't go wrong with any of those inspirational photos....

January 28th, 2013, 01:40 AM	#8
NathanUc B-Town Ninja Name: Nathan Location: Bloomington, IN Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Black 2013 Ninja ZX6R ABS Posts: 609 Blog Entries: 3	DuckmanCycles (not sure if he uses this forum) recently got a 83 KZ440 and is making some videos of him restoring it. Pretty cool stuff! I'm not a fan of cafe racers at all, but these conversion builds are super interesting I think. Link if anyone else is interested: Link to original page on YouTube. __________________________________________________ Downgraded to a 2013 636. Previous owner of a 2010 250r --------------------------------- My moto-vlog YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/bloomingtonninja

January 28th, 2013, 05:32 AM	#9
Racer x ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Iowa City Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawmeracchi 350 2010 Project X Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 54 MOTM - Sep '18, Feb '16	I love the Duck. He always comes up with interesting projects __________________________________________________ Top speed 123.369mph. Ohio mile Worlds fastest 250 ninja

January 28th, 2013, 06:48 AM	#10
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	i like @TheDuck's videos as well. i learn something new everytime i watch __________________________________________________ Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700

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