1983 Kawasaki KZ750L3 aka Black Mamba

[flipstyledsm22]

Had her for a few weeks now, but thought it was still appropriate to make a thread.

I have been dreaming about this bike ever since I've seen it wedged in front of my buddies 72' Camaro in his garage.

Frigging nuts, has 3,200 original miles on it and had 1 owner prior to me on papers. Everything was restored years ago, but it needed a touch of TLC to get it going 100% again.

So far I've detailed the hell out of it, put fresh fluids in her, dump the debris out of the gas tank, deep cleaned the carbs, installed an in-line fuel filter, added a fuel shutoff valve, and bled the brakes.

Still need to add bigger jets in the carbs, paint the KZ750 front fender I sourced, and find a windscreen for it.

I'll post as I progress... Hope y'all enjoy!

 

[Pushrod]

Nice.

One of the most rational motorcycles I'd ever ridden. Not overpowered nor underpowered. Handled like a grocery getter, Could see daylight through the engine area, didn't get traffic cops attention and still kept up on a Sunday morning.

Seemed like a rocket ship compared to my CB 500.

 

[motomania2007]

Had a riding buddy back in the '80s that had one of those.

I only rode it a couple of times, it was a very nice solid UJM type bike.

 

[flipstyledsm22]

Thinking about doing some modifications that will enhance the look in a more sport bike way. I would like a modernized retro bike, but retaining the original look.

I had the idea and had to visualize it... so I took a picture and edited it in my standard desktop app. I've attached the unedited/edited pic for reference.

What do y'all think?

I'm thinking about learning how to form plexi or poly glass and make a custom one-off.

 

[Slow Goat]

Oh, hell yes...

 

[SFMCjohn]

Oh, hell yes...

+1 ... another vote to leave it stock. :laughing:thumbup

god bless Kawasaki ... :gsxrgrl

 

[Pushrod]

. . . vote to leave it stock.

Or if you HAVE to mod it, do it so the casual eye assumes it came from the factory like that.

 

[1962siia]

I say do what you want but keep the factory stuff so you can put it back to stock if you want. That big box of a headlight could be too 80’s for a lot of people’s taste so I could see making some changes just don’t make them permanent if you can help it. Bike it’s looking sweet! Congrats!

 

[bikewanker]

It’s interesting how much attention a stock 80s UJM gets at a gathering. Subtle’s good, not sure I’ve seen a clean one in 30 years.

 

[ratpick]

I had a 1980 model and put 45k on it. Marzocchi shocks,progressive forks springs with heavier oil,super trapp pipe! I ground the foot pegs Half way off of that bad boy!
Loved it!

 

[flipstyledsm22]

It’s interesting how much attention a stock 80s UJM gets at a gathering. Subtle’s good, not sure I’ve seen a clean one in 30 years.

Come out to the 49 Mile Ride tomorrow and you can say you saw a clean KZ750L again :thumbup

 

[GPzPop]

Even more lovely in person.

nice to meet you today at the 49 mile ride

--S

 

[flipstyledsm22]

Even more lovely in person.

nice to meet you today at the 49 mile ride

--S

It was a pleasure meeting you too :thumbup

I ended up breaking down, so I wasn't able to chat with you guys later in the day... But till next time!

Break down deets here: https://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=546571

 

[Yao]

sick bike

 

[flipstyledsm22]

6Sigma Jet Kit - Stage 1 for KZ750L3

Got my carbs jet kit in the mail and installed them this evening :thumbup

Going to go ahead and source all new hardware tomorrow morning. The screws on the exterior bowls were on the brink of stripping. Plus I can use a better shutoff valve and a new inline filter, since I've gotten this deep into it again.

Anyways, till next progress!

 

[HeatXfer]

Wow, that takes me back. I always like that paint scheme.

 

[flipstyledsm22]

Got the carbs in yesterday...

Went on a mini-journey to find replacement hardware and was striking out at every hardware store in town. I finally went the extra distance to Fastenal and got everything I needed. Now, I won't have to struggle loosening the screw caps on the corners of the bowls. I now have stainless steel socket screw caps on top and bottom of all the carbs. Looks great too! I have attached a before and after pic.

After getting everything buttoned up, I fired her up!

She sounds WAY BETTER! Before it would idle kinda choppy and would hesitate on a quick snapback of the throttle. Now, it idles flawlessly... almost a steady hum, with the occasional change of tones, but very smooth transitions. This is as close to fuel injection it'll ever sound on a quick snapback of the throttle... pretty responsive!

I went up and down the driveway and a few quick hammers on our street. Very pleased, but now my clutch is starting to slip at high RPM's (mainly between 6k - 10k). Going to have to look into that next. It should be grabbing a LOT harder in that range.

Anyways, stay tuned :teeth