I had one just like this except green back in 81. Rode it from middle Ga. to Conroe Tx. Took the scenic route over 1100 miles. Great little bike, but not really a long range cruiser. It was a pretty fast little bike though.
That is the same bike my son will be learning to ride when he is 16 next year. And we have been doing some mild restoration and such to it, these are great bikes and plenty of power really. Surprising for a 400. I also have an 83 Harley sportster with 88ci swap, and although I love the thumping torque and experience it gives, I enjoy the KZ400 just as much and in a different way. Nimble and light.
Thanks, Deadly Ernest... our customers love their bikes. We can only make our recommendations, but in the end it's whatever our customer wants. These projects are much like kitchen remodels... you start out with one thing which leads to something else, before you know it you've gutted the place! Thanks for your interest!
Hi Johnny, just wondering how many miles were on the bike prior to restoration? I have acquired a 77 Z400 with 17,000 kms. Got to get it running but it looks just the same condition as your project.
Hey Johnny, Would Love To See More of The Actual Engine Assembly, and Know if Rings or Pistons were replaced ...if the Bore was Honed out etc.... But Your Vids are Always a Good Watch ... Cheers Mate 👍🏻
Hi Michael. This project was progressing faster than I could walk it through on video, so I'll do my best to fill you in. This motor was in excellent shape, so not much was needed. We did hone it out We put in rings and gaskets, the pistons were good, I think we replaced a couple of valves and valve guide seals and a few small parts but like I say the motor was in excellent condition to start with. Thanks for watching!
@@Johnnysvintage Your joy and dedication to great service is amazing. It is obvious in all of your timely and well organized project videos ~ Thanks for the time to get back to us!
Never give up your toys for a woman! especially if she gives you an altimatum! had a kz400 too did what you did after sometime she was gone too! I learned my lesson and now I miss my kz400 more than her!
tear apart a perfectly fine over-built to begin with engine just to polish it? glad i don't have to pay an hourly rate at your shop my man..why do so much for little gain? if it was a CBX I'd understand.. what is a VIN Number? oh vehicle identification number number I get it...
Our customer purchased this bike new. He came to our shop and liked our work.This was not about resale value. This is his bike, and that is what he wanted. This was a very nice and fun project.
Totaled my 78 on the back of in Impala at 40 MPH... Loved that bike, rebuilt it after a long rehab. My mother thought I was crazy to every ride again.
I just bought one . Hope it turns out half as well as this one
I had a 78 and really loved it. I miss it
I had one just like this except green back in 81. Rode it from middle Ga. to Conroe Tx. Took the scenic route over 1100 miles. Great little bike, but not really a long range cruiser. It was a pretty fast little bike though.
That is the same bike my son will be learning to ride when he is 16 next year. And we have been doing some mild restoration and such to it, these are great bikes and plenty of power really. Surprising for a 400. I also have an 83 Harley sportster with 88ci swap, and although I love the thumping torque and experience it gives, I enjoy the KZ400 just as much and in a different way. Nimble and light.
Excellent Job...Brings back memories....
Fantastic Johnny..
Just love the sound of this bike!!
As always, beautiful job! Thank you for sharing.
They were called Z400 in the UK, I had a new 1979 Z400G in Black and gold, the G had 6 speed box and alloy wheels instead of spoked wheels.
Had one the same colour in 1980 , not a bad commuter bike .
Johnny says, “we might just clean up that frame”. Next minute - full powder coat job. Ha ha. Every time. Nice job guys.
Thanks, Deadly Ernest... our customers love their bikes. We can only make our recommendations, but in the end it's whatever our customer wants. These projects are much like kitchen remodels... you start out with one thing which leads to something else, before you know it you've gutted the place! Thanks for your interest!
Hi Johnny, just wondering how many miles were on the bike prior to restoration?
I have acquired a 77 Z400 with 17,000 kms. Got to get it running but it looks just the same condition as your project.
@@Johnnysvintage
Chris Riddiford
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very good....abah ! meuni alus pisan eta motor KZ 400 ,kanggo abdi..😃
Did the staining on the left muffler (due to battery acid) buff out, or was it necessary to rechrome the muffler?
certainly looks like it boss
That one was a walk in the Park Johnny
beautiful!
Hey Johnny, Would Love To See More of The Actual Engine Assembly, and Know if Rings or Pistons were replaced ...if the Bore was Honed out etc.... But Your Vids are Always a Good Watch ... Cheers Mate 👍🏻
Hi Michael. This project was progressing faster than I could walk it through on video, so I'll do my best to fill you in. This motor was in excellent shape, so not much was needed. We did hone it out We put in rings and gaskets, the pistons were good, I think we replaced a couple of valves and valve guide seals and a few small parts but like I say the motor was in excellent condition to start with. Thanks for watching!
Nice job
So it looks like the exhaust bluing did get removed and the battery acid drips got somewhat removed, if what I saw was clear.
pretty much all of it
@@Johnnysvintage Your joy and dedication to great service is amazing. It is obvious in all of your timely and well organized project videos ~ Thanks for the time to get back to us!
Very Nice!
tnx for sharing
How much did you charge for the job Johnny?
Good question !
Just curious, how did you end up restoring the exhaust pipe with the battery acid damage?
Our polisher did a great job on that. You could still see a faint shadow of the stain, but it was all polishing and whatever compound that he uses.
11000 miles? I just put 9000 on mine in the first 9 months.
long time ago it was either the KZ400 or girlfriend, the girlfriend won then I miss the KZ400 now...
They are still out there to buy! I just found a 1980 kz440 B1 a few months ago for just under 1K. It has been a lot of fun to ride and wrench on.
Never give up your toys for a woman! especially if she gives you an altimatum!
had a kz400 too did what you did after sometime she was gone too! I learned my lesson and now I miss my kz400 more than her!
Yeah..probably did the whole job for about 350- 400 bucks or whathaveya..
Didn't really need anything much doing to it IMO! In part, the bike's life history being erased.
tear apart a perfectly fine over-built to begin with engine just to polish it? glad i don't have to pay an hourly rate at your shop my man..why do so much for little gain? if it was a CBX I'd understand..
what is a VIN Number? oh vehicle identification number number I get it...
Our customer purchased this bike new. He came to our shop and liked our work.This was not about resale value. This is his bike, and that is what he wanted. This was a very nice and fun project.
Keeping the cusomer happy is job 1...nicely done.
are you looking for one I have one thats been sitting for 20 years and is in VERY good condition
@@browntrout3994 I could be. Where are you located? Can you send photos?
Horrible el respaldo, para ponerle una multa .