My Kz200

[HossInReno]

This is a pic of my KZ 200 which I call the ELR Jr. and my SDR 200 Yamaha.

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[kz_cafe]

Hey HossInReno, somehow, I found this website for the first time today, and your post was the second one I looked at... PLEASE post a LOT more photos of your beautiful ELR Jr. ASAP! I'd like to see as many details as possible; both before and after photos if any exist.

Just for the record, I joined this site simply to ask for more details and photos of the transformation from garden-variety KZ200 to ELR Jr., because your work looks outstanding. I've been looking for an old(er), small(er) KZ to convert to a cafe bike, and the ELR Jr. just might inspire me to finally pull the trigger on such a project...

Up to you now; I'm already using the original photo you posted as my new desktop background photo, but I'd REALLY like to see more of your work, along with any written details you can provide. I confess, I was born without the mechanical gene, but I'm willing to learn, just so I can build my very own ELR Jr.

OK, so I admit, I also like your Yamaha, but the ELR just jumps out at me. Back in the day, I wanted an ELR replica badly, but didn't have the money to spare. Now, I realize I can use a smaller KZ to build my own tribute to it, just as you've done.

Thanks for the inspiration, but we want DETAILS now; your work should be documented online for posterity. You might motivate people to keep the old iron out of the boneyard, because as we all know, it never escapes...

Keep punching, and please post more photos and details whenever you can... old bastids like me need all the motivation we can get!

[HossInReno]

I bought the little KZ200 as a basket case. It was the stock brown color and was a rusted hulk. After taking it all apart I was going to replace the wheels with stock rims. I decided to replace them with 17 inch aluminum rims and stainless spokes instead because the tire choices were better than the stock 16 and 18 front and rear hoops. I had the seat recovered and did some details on badly weathered parts and pieces. Instead of using the ugly headlight brackets I bought the neat light weight brackets you see in the picture. I went through the engine and had the cylinder bored to accept the piston from a GPZ 1000 motor. which increases the displacement to almost
250cc's The carb was re-jetted to accept the engine changes and the back half of a Honda CB 200 exhaust pipe as it had a better look than the stock KZ200 pipe.. The stock header was used and the Honda exhaust can was welded onto it. I rattle canned the paint and it came out like you see it. It took me about 2 weeks to complete and the ELR-Jr was born. I too wanted a real ELR but money could not be found to get one. One other note. The gas tank was signed by Eddie Lawson Himself at the MotoGp at Laguna Seca.
Here is another Picture for you.

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[HossInReno]

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[HossInReno]

This is my next project that I am starting. This is my 1973 Harley Davidson SX 125. (Yes That's my ZX14 in the background) It's a 125cc two stroke that was made for Harley Davidson at the Aermacchi Factory In Italy. I am going to again go with 17 inch rims supermoto style and paint the bike H.D. Racing orange like the 750 Dirt Trackers (XR 750's) I will also post a pic of an old Bultaco that was Supermoto'd or what I call a Retro Mod SM

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[HossInReno]

A Retro Mod SM Bultaco Pursang

[HossInReno]

This is another Retro Mod SM.. A 1975 XT 500 Yamaha.

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[kz_cafe]

HOLY SMOKES! Do you have the key to Fort Knox, or do you print your own money? How can you afford to do all those incredible projects???

Not trying to be nosy; just wondering how I get into your line of work. Clearly, I've chosen the wrong career field (more than once)... but I'm willing to start over if it will help me afford such nice toys!

The gas tank was signed by Eddie Lawson... can't beat that with a lead pipe!

I was curious about the origin of the exhaust pipe on the ELR JR, so thanks for clarifying that for us. Are those 17" Sun rims from Buchanan's? If not, can you post more specific details about the rims? Are they Excel, or DID, or some other brand I can't think of this late at night? I KNOW they aren't Akront rims... unless Akront made rims WITHOUT shoulders...

Did you paint the front caliper gold, or has it been anodized, or bronzed, or??? Whatever you did to it, it looks very nice indeed...

OK, if it was MY machine, these are the changes I'd consider making (not that you've asked for my opinion AT ALL):

First, I'd install a 7" headlight on the ELR JR.; I think it would help to enhance the Superbike look. That (original?) headlight (looks like 5 1/4 inches) just seems puny in comparison...

Next, I'd try to find some black chrome K&N Superbike bars for it; failing that, I'd install the black Bikemaster Superbike bars, which are (painted / non-chrome) copies of the K&N bars. As you know, K&N was one of Lawson's biggest sponsors...

Third and last, I'd swap the fork legs, which would move the brake caliper to the right side of the bike. That would place the weight of the caliper and pads behind the steering axis, which would be more authentic than leaving it in the stock position. If the front tire tread is directional, the tire would have to be removed and remounted; otherwise, the direction of rotation would be wrong. Maybe it would be better to wait to make that change until you need a new front tire...

Back in 1969, Honda mounted the CB750 caliper in front of the axle to keep the caliper out in the airstream; the entire industry followed suit, because no one realized the adverse effect it would have on handling. As it turned out, the brakes got plenty of cooling even when they were mounted behind the fork leg, and moving that weight behind the steering axis improved stability and turn-in. Back in the mid-70's, an old friend of mine had a very disturbing high-speed front-end oscillation problem on his '73 KZ900; he attended a Superbike race at Laguna Seca (in 1977, I think), and noticed that every motorcycle in the race had the brakes BEHIND the axle, not in front of it. He made the switch, and the front end stopped wobbling...

The old Aermacchi H-Ds are a blast; never owned one, but I'd love to have one of the 350cc four-strokes in my garage (if I ever HAVE a garage)... The XR750 paint job will be a nice tribute; will you name it "Lucifer's Hammer Jr."?

The Pursang is a beauty; Senor Bulto would be proud to see it. What frontend did you graft onto it? Do you call it "Taco Jr."?

I miss my old SR; your XT just knocks the eyeballs out of my head! Can you provide any details on the frontend and rims? I sure wish that thing had a plate on it; I'd love to see it on the street someday...

OK, I've asked a THOUSAND questions, and I'd really appreciate any information you can provide. I'm determined now to find a good (1970's) KZ400 to build my own ELR Jr. from; I want wire wheels, like yours, to save weight, and to maintain that "retro" look.

I do realize that you'd have to write a BOOK to answer all of my questions in detail, and I don't expect you to do that. Still, I hope you can provide more details about your work, because I really think your incredible results will motivate others to follow in your footsteps... you never know who you might influence...

Thanks for taking the time to post so much detail with those photos; I realize you have better things to do than to answer a multitude of questions from a stranger, but I really do hope you'll provide more information for those who'll see this thread in the future, because your work is too good to hide from the public...

[HossInReno]

KZ Cafe....... Dude Just email me at my normal email with your normal email and we can exchange phone numbers. I don't type so fast.....LOL
Here is mine....... fakeEmail@yahoo.com LOL

[kz_cafe]

Thanks Bob; I just sent you an e-mail; please delete your e-mail address as soon as you can, so the nasty evil ignorant spammers don't find you...

[kz200]

Hey there,

I am currently doing up a Z200. It sounds a bit like yours used to... all the chrome is gone and the wheels have seen better days! I was wondering where you got those wheels from? What size are they. Do you have to get them re-spoked? Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

[Franx]

Dammit boys that's some swett iron!!!

[dahondaboy]

Originally Posted by HossInReno

A Retro Mod SM Bultaco Pursang

oh my gosh!!! this photo nearly made me cry. i had a 77 bultaco frontera 370 new off the showroom floor, it was the best bike i ever have owned. super short stroke, huge piston made for wild acceleration and kept up with the yz 400-s and 460 maico's and toasted the 90's model cr and kx250's in drags. it didnt have the suspension to compare to late model bikes, although it wieghed 10 pounds less than my 97 kx-250! and simple to work on, you could literally didassemble the whole bike on the trail with the tools in the pack! not with the newer bikes lol! and with the built in center stand trail tire changes are a breeze. sadly after years of fun and hare scrambles i had to part with it but swear to someday have another one.

[gameovergt]

that is pimp

[dahondaboy]

here is the 77 kz200 i am nearly finished with.

[HossInReno]

Nice little KZ200......Working on a 78 KZ750 twin right now turning it into a Street tracker..Will post a pic in the next month or so when I am done...Hoss

[HossInReno]

Been going thru a divorce and got off track with my projects. Back to life now and now going thru my KZ750 twin Street Tracker project. Frame is now at the powder coater's shop after some modifications. Engine is rebuilt and the carbs gone thru. I went to 17" rims instead of the normal Dirt Track hoops just because it's easier getting good rubber. Going to mount the Shinko 003 radials because the price is right and the tire just works great and looks even better. When buying the KZ750 I found a guy who sold me 3 bikes in pieces and I have lots of KZ 750 parts. Don't know if I am going to sell off the parts or make two more to sell to people who want a Kawasaki KZ750 Street Tracker like this one is turning out. I expect to be all assembled by September 15th. Expect pictures then.....HossInReno

[sharky nrk]

so so very cool

[CosmicBlooper]

I love the ELR JR's paint job, and new wheels- very nice.

Where did you get the wheels for it?

[HossInReno]

The wheels are Aluminum 17 inchers X 3.0 that I found in a sale for $20 each.
I had them respoked at a place in Garden Grove Ca. I bead blasted the hubs the clear coated them before I had the respoke done......Keep the projects going guys !