Ranger's 76 KZ400 Hardtail bobber

[toreadorranger]

This is my second bobber build. My first was a shaft drive XJ650. I picked up a 1976 Kawaski KZ400-s2 a couple days ago for $100. The plan is to do a hardtail build this time around.

I have some parts on order. New points, new front brake shoes, new plugs.

I have a tube bender for bending truck and car roll cages but Im going to buy a TC brothers Universal hardtail kit as their kit is cheaper then the die I would need as I only have a 1.75" die for larger applications.

[toreadorranger]

Ordered a bunch of carb parts today, mostly orings and new pilot jets and needles. I have to make up a temporary gas tank as mine is pretty rusty and I dont plan on using it for the build anyways. Gonna pickup a new set of plugs on my ride home. when the carb stuff comes in I should have everything I need to try and get it fired.

[gr8paradox]

I have used many things as a temp tank. The best was a camping fuel can. I put a 1/4 inch nipple in the bottom side of the can with a shut off valve.I liked the can because I could hang it or set it down since the stub out was on side.Open the cap for vent and there you go.It was easy to remone the nipple and store on top of can.Didn't need to do this but the can stored on shelf better. Good start on your project. Welcome to the group.

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[toreadorranger]

If all goes to plan she should come to life this week. Im going to make sure it runs on the stock carbs but I have a CR125 Carb in the mail to convert to a single carb setup. My TCbrothers kit came in last week also.

[toreadorranger]

I put in a new 5.0 Ohm Dyna coil and wires. So yesterday I was able to get a nice fat blue spark.

[toreadorranger]

I started stripping the bike down getting it ready to cut the back end off.



I also bought a tank for this project. 70's Hodaka Chrome tank. I really like the style and a chrome tank is different.

[n9viw]

Good start! That frame is really going to lend itself well to a hardtail, the lines just flow back to where the rear wheel will wind up (I'm guessing 4+?). Keep us updated, inspiration is powerful for the rest of us!

[toreadorranger]

The plan is start tearing down the bike more today. Take the motor out and take the harness off so I can rework it.

[toreadorranger]

Stripped the frame down and started trimming off parts of the frame. Hopefully I will be putting the hardtail on this weekend.

Question. you guys think 5" enough ground clearance?

[gr8paradox]

Depends how you ride it. I got about 1.5 inch and drag the pipes and kick stand in a good lean. you should have plenty if you really have a full five inches.