P/U in morning

iatrucker · Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2010 8:24 pm Post subject: P/U in morning

Going to pick this up in the morning only about 40 miles away. http://desmoines.craigslist.org/mcy/1927970269.html Fella says it turns over. Thats all thats necessary. Wondering what anyones thoughts are on this type of frame being cafed? I have been looking for something with a frame, unstuck motor and rims that really isn't worth restoring to cafe and I figure for the price what the heck. If nothing else, sell parts.

paul66 · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 2:22 am Post subject:

I've got a Z440 that I'm going to cafe after I finish the A100, so I follow these bikes a bit. The LTD is the "chopper" look so they are popular bobber projects. I've got an 84 LTD belt-drive that's waiting for a motor. These bikes evolved into the Kawasaki Vulcan cruisers. They really are good looking bikes. The fuel tank gets me everytime.

You will get a lot of support over at THE KAWASAKI TWIN OWNERS FORUM - http://www.armbell.com/forum/index.php?mforum=kz400

Good Luck,

Paul

iatrucker · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 4:25 am Post subject: paul

Your provided link is in my favorites. Wondering what your thoughts are on turning this style into a cafe. Will have a better idea in about 2 hours when I can actually see it.

paul66 · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 1:34 am Post subject:

How does it look?

iatrucker · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 8:28 am Post subject: Looks sad

The fellow said it turned over, well supposedly when he checked it 3 months ago it did. Doubtful. Offered him 50 bucks and he took it. Useless as a cafe so maybe I'll go chopper or just part it out. I figure frame and wheels are worth at least 50. I am in no hurry so it will be Marvel Mystery oil to the cylinders for a bit while I think about it.

ol55 · Commuter Joined: Feb 09, 2009 Posts: 391 Location: VA

Can you add a picture of it when you get a chance? The owner deleted the posting.

Thanks,
Larry

MR.CHocko · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 4:52 pm Post subject:

I would personally chop the frame. If you can't free the motor then part it out. You will get your money back plus.

iatrucker · Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2010 5:41 pm Post subject: pretty ratty

MR.CHocko, that is the optimistic plan. Bout the only things useful right now are the frame, rims, and the side covers are excellent. We shall see with the motor. More field find than barn find. The curbside header was off and I just blew stuff I could not identify out of the hole. Not encouraging but we shall see. I am now working on the wife to let me get just one more. Guy I work with has a rented garage full of old bikes and a tax problem. He offered a 400f, I think 1976, to me for 500 bucks. Looked at it yesterday. It is sweet. Ran when parked but needed throttle cable. Man I love that original 4-1 exhaust. Looks complete and in pretty decent shape so I am working on the wife pretty hard. Anybody got a spare bedroom in their basement? Will keep you updated.