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Post by mrcrowley13 on Apr 8, 2014 23:37:33 GMT -6
hey guys n gals, this is my introduction to the site. Ive been surfn around this site for a few weeks with plans on bringing an old 454 home, that plan went well and made a solid trade to obtain my first bike. Cant say that ive ridin much but might as well learn and have fun. everything ive built up until now has had 4 wheels and doors so venturing off into the bike side of things is a new adventure and somthing fun to learn. glad to say its definitely not rocket science tho! LOL My new bike is an '85 kawasaki 454 ltd thats, well we'll say shes had a life in the 31k mi thats shes had put on her. my goal for this bike is to clean it up and bring it back to life as i turn this gem in the rough into a well respectable reliable bike for myself just to have fun with. My vision is to create a mild cafe fighter stance with that mean edge of odd but cool. somthing you just wouldnt expect to roll up next to you at the light, but not be an eye sore ya know. clean and simple but awesome! first things first on this bike is fixing the coolant leaks from the old hardend and cracked hoses, o-rings, as well as a new t-stat and water pump. ive heard her fire up n run so i know im good there but cant really ride and tune with coolant dumping out from the front. Ive found some good pricing online for the parts needed, anyone find a good website with oem parts at a great buy? im about ready to hit submit on my shopping cart over at dealercostparts.com next on the list will be the front forks and brakes. brakes are 50/50 and forks leak but im looking for an upgrade set up from another doner bike such as maybe the ninja 500 or similar. ive searched this site many different ways in the search box with key words and days etc but found no real information confirming kawasaki bike swapped parts from one bike to other...  anyways, sorry for the long intro post, ill have some pics and progress up in a little while, ill just keep posting in this thread as to not add more and more threads... thanks for any tips n tricks ahead of time. |
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Post by mrcrowley13 on Apr 8, 2014 23:57:05 GMT -6
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Post by dave65 on Apr 9, 2014 4:55:51 GMT -6
Welcome , I'm not sure on OEM parts, But aftermarket I picked up on oldbikebarn.com . He carries a lot of build parts also. The O-rings that go on your coolant tubes that go into the head behind the plug . They are 9/16 I had some on hand and they work fine. Good luck on your restore. Keep us updated. Dave |
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Post by eaglerider on Apr 9, 2014 5:23:55 GMT -6
Last year the bike was built was 1990, there are very few new replacement parts available, as most have been discontinued. Most engine parts from a Vulcan or Ninja 500 will work on the 454 engine, as the 454 was the R & D engine for the 500. Best place to parts is ebay, or from a member that has extra parts. First thing is you need to get a manual, it will be invaluable. Next, as you are changing hoeses, fluids, etc, is to do a good valve adjustment...there are many posts here on the forum that will help you, and, of course, the many members are here to answer questions, and give you help.
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Post by Blaine on Apr 9, 2014 5:40:55 GMT -6
Welcome to the forum.Enjoy the rebuild.Just take your time & one step at a time.   |
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Post by mrcrowley13 on Apr 9, 2014 9:49:00 GMT -6
thanks for the responses guys, mucho-appreciated! :0)
a manual did come with the bike and the guy had just set the valves so i might be okay there, but i also may just dbl check them lol
i am however lacking the adapter needed to check my compression, any thoughts on where to obtain that? i believe the threads are 12x1.25?
as far as the "upgrades" i was trying to describe, i like the look and style of the ninja front dual brakes/forks, not sure on the year span for this swap tho. the other thought was the vulcan/en500 swing arm and belt swap to stretch the rear a little bit also. so i was just wanting a little more solid info on what other kawasaki bikes that could be robbed of their parts to benefit mine lol
but like i said this bike is a fun project ill be building so we'll see where it ends up, again thanks for the kind words coming into my first bike, first 454, and first build thread...
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Post by mrcrowley13 on Apr 9, 2014 10:10:46 GMT -6
i know its a suzuki but somewhat of the style build im after...  and this old kz looks good too!  not a fan of the tank tho on this one |
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Post by eaglerider on Apr 9, 2014 13:02:53 GMT -6
If you want dual front disc brakes, get a Vulcan 750 front end, with master cylinder...direct bolt on.
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Post by mrcrowley13 on Apr 9, 2014 17:39:28 GMT -6
not the ninja, im looking to lower the front some as well
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Post by eaglerider on Apr 10, 2014 7:34:55 GMT -6
Shorter front forks change the rake & trail, which changes the steering geometry, which changes the handling of the bike, which can be dangerous. Let me say this, not to discourage you, but to try to help you: there have been many that have tried to make the 454 into something it is not & was never designed to be, and the result, if even finished, was a disaster. If you want something like you showed pics of, the 454 is not a good choice to start with...the frame is built wrong for that. The 454 was designed as, and is, a small cruised style bike with a "crotch rocket" engine. My opinion is that if you want a "cafe racer" type bike, then you really need to find an "older" bike with a straight back frame, (such as a 70s Honda 500 to 750) that can be much easier converted, rather that the "step down" type frame of a cruiser style bike.
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Post by mrcrowley13 on Apr 10, 2014 9:45:23 GMT -6
i appreciate your concerns and advice eagle, ive read some of your knowledge around on this site before i signed up. I definitely do not want a bike that is dangerous to ride and/or unpleasant to ride, this defeats the purpose of my first bike. Ive always enjoyed tho, building somthing not many have seen or tried. you had recommended the vulcan 750 front frork set up for the dual brake system along with the master, what options have you seen to be successful when wanting to bring the front end down? the rear is a no brainer but like i said i really dont want to slap on some parts and have it handle like "poop". Also i do see where the frame down tubes are different but still should be able to create somthin cool and different without reinventing the wheel!
And im all about respectful advice and reasons for do's and donts, so thank you! Perhaps some of this build may just be trial and error to see how things work, but like i said ill keep it all here on this thread so others can see my progress.
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Post by mrcrowley13 on Apr 16, 2014 13:24:36 GMT -6
hey quick question...can anyone break down the difference on the factory 454 carbs vs the EX500 carbs? I know there was a later year EX that actually made the swap worth it as un "upgrade" do to the larger bore mm but not sure what to look for in person if i found some.
Thanks
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Post by mrcrowley13 on May 1, 2014 13:36:51 GMT -6
still have not come across a good information between the two carbs...
Eagle, on the vulcan front forks, are those a shorter tube but same diamete as the 454? If thats the case i shouldnt have to change out the trees then correct? Id simply be looking for the vulcan 750 fork tube assemblies with complete brake assembly including the master yes?
ive been making awesome progress on this bike, but only really work on her a few hours a day and a couple days a week since i first made this post, ill get some updated pics posted up soon,
thanks!
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Post by eaglerider on May 2, 2014 6:42:03 GMT -6
The Vulcan 750 fork tubes are the same length and same diameter.
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Post by mrcrowley13 on May 2, 2014 10:19:54 GMT -6
okay, so i need the trees also then...
any thoughts on the carburetors sir?
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Post by eaglerider on May 3, 2014 5:32:19 GMT -6
You do not need the triple tree...it is the same as the 454....the only difference in the front end of the 454 and Vulcan 750, is the 750 has dual brakes, and the tach has a little different markings on it, and the temp gauge in it.
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Post by mrcrowley13 on May 7, 2014 23:00:26 GMT -6
so wouldnt i just be able to locate the lowers and brake components and keep the upper tubes? What bike option has shorter tubes that could inner change? any suggestions on where to look?
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Post by eaglerider on May 8, 2014 6:34:29 GMT -6
I don't think you understand how front forks are made. The upper part of the fork just does not "slip out" of the lower part...it is one complete unit. When u buy a set of front forks, they are complete. In order for you to just find a set of the lower part as you said, and use the upper part you have, would entail work to separate the two pieces, put new seals in, and re-assemble the forks....shops usually charge at least a hundred bucks to do this, as it is not a real easy job , without the proper tools.
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Post by mrcrowley13 on May 11, 2014 11:06:43 GMT -6
Eagle I'm not 100% sure you allow others to think freely and work n build their bikes outside of your opinion, i understand how the forks work and/or come apart. where my question indeed was stemmed from was merely the fact that either the lowers would work or would not. I have seen 750 forks being sold complete but with bent tubes on eBay, obviously the forks would need to be disassembled for the installation.
I in no means am attempting to come across disrespectful but I've seen your comments and posts on other threads pertaining to other members builds and/ or questions...your reply's come across as if we are dumb, or even if we do have lack of knowledge here and there but that's why questions are asked, especially here in a website designed around one bike in particular. I am not some young punk kid scabbing together a motorcycle that will be a death trap, i am master technician with multiple degrees and have a had a wrench in my hand as long as i was able to stand, which perhaps may not be as long as you but none the less. You should embrace people whom have the creativity and ambition to make the "different" good, safe, and enjoyable!
I almost regret that i joined this site and created my build thread because i literally feel as if you think you run this site and how everyone should build their bike, your way...sorry man, until you open your wallet and start funding peoples project id start helping and share solid thoughts instead of just your person narrow opinion!
This website has some good projects, information, and helpful people it just seems when you chime in, "its not right if its not stock" We did not all purchase old, obsolete bikes just to turn them all back to stock relics!
Thanks for making me feel, throughout this entire thread, my build thread, that approaching my build wrong or the fact that i just dont "understand"!
I i under stood everything i would have no questions to ask, that would be boring! We are all here to grow and learn, i just feel your responses are border line put downs and why would yous versus actually just being friendly and helpful!
Take care!
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Post by mikestorm78 on May 11, 2014 14:14:24 GMT -6
Eagle I'm not 100% sure you allow others to think freely and work n build their bikes outside of your opinion, i understand how the forks work and/or come apart. where my question indeed was stemmed from was merely the fact that either the lowers would work or would not. I have seen 750 forks being sold complete but with bent tubes on eBay, obviously the forks would need to be disassembled for the installation. I in no means am attempting to come across disrespectful but I've seen your comments and posts on other threads pertaining to other members builds and/ or questions...your reply's come across as if we are dumb, or even if we do have lack of knowledge here and there but that's why questions are asked, especially here in a website designed around one bike in particular. I am not some young punk kid scabbing together a motorcycle that will be a death trap, i am master technician with multiple degrees and have a had a wrench in my hand as long as i was able to stand, which perhaps may not be as long as you but none the less. You should embrace people whom have the creativity and ambition to make the "different" good, safe, and enjoyable! I almost regret that i joined this site and created my build thread because i literally feel as if you think you run this site and how everyone should build their bike, your way...sorry man, until you open your wallet and start funding peoples project id start helping and share solid thoughts instead of just your person narrow opinion! This website has some good projects, information, and helpful people it just seems when you chime in, "its not right if its not stock" We did not all purchase old, obsolete bikes just to turn them all back to stock relics! Thanks for making me feel, throughout this entire thread, my build thread, that approaching my build wrong or the fact that i just dont "understand"! I i under stood everything i would have no questions to ask, that would be boring! We are all here to grow and learn, i just feel your responses are border line put downs and why would yous versus actually just being friendly and helpful! Take care! Not that I've been on the site for much longer than you have, but I really think your comments here are way out of line. You came to the forum for help, and it seems like since you didn't get the help you wanted, you're blaming eagle. That's not fair to him or anyone else on this site. Sent from my One using Tapatalk |
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Post by eaglerider on May 11, 2014 14:40:27 GMT -6
Sorry you interpret my comments the way you do, mrcrowley. Not once have you indicated what kind of experience you have, and the way a lot of your posts and questions were printed/stated, gave me, and likely others, the indication you knew very little about bikes, and especially, the 454LTD. The experience I have with the 454LTD, covers approximatly 9 years of hands on, and "teaching" by most likely the most knowledgeable person about the 454 alive. Other members have a number of years experience, one is a motorcycle tech, tho maybe not so "up to date" on the 454. I, and others here, answer questions, and try to help members, some that have never ridden or worked on a bike in their lives, daily, and for the most part, have been successful in helping them and advising them, as to how and what to do on their 454s, and different mods or custom features they want. Sorry we are not, according to your post, adequate help to you, or your ideas of what kind of bike you want. I, and the members wish you well with your build, and you are most welcome to ask for help at any time. We have a a very large 454 membership (almost 2,000) world wide, and do our best to help any and everyone that asks.
Thank you, mikestorm, for the defense....as an "ole guy" sometimes I tend to come across a little harsh, maybe I did with my response to mrcrowley, but it was unintended. As I stated, the way some questions /posts were stated, I had "assumed" (and maybe you know the rest of the question about assuming something)that he had little knowledge of the front forks. My intent was to help him, not make him feel "spoken down to". Well, the old saying is...you can please part of the people part of the time, please some of the people some of the time, but you can never please all of the people all of the time.
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Post by zekkfett on May 11, 2014 23:02:01 GMT -6
You definitely can't please everyone. Sometimes we have to assume that the posters of questions know very little about bikes. Sometimes the way our posts are worded might come off as sounding... Arrogant? But we ARE here to help. Had said poster of this thread mentioned he wasn't just an ordinary, backyard/weekend wrench, the thread might have gone another way; but that's not for me to say. And BTW, Eagle's bike is FAR from stock.... I have a LOT of interests/hobbies, but the ONLY forum that I belong to is this one. I really feel like this forum is a close-knit group. A "family" of sorts; a few of us are even friends on Facebook and chat fairly regularly. No one here is willfully going to attack another person's build. Or another member. Eagle: you are the one that keeps this forum alive. As you stated, you are the old school knowledge on this forum, and a few of us others are getting there.  I for one am glad I found this awesome group of people that are here just to share the knowledge. There's no putting down, awful language, and "I know/am better than you" here. You sir, are a class act. |
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Post by eaglerider on May 12, 2014 6:14:10 GMT -6
Thank you, Zekkfett....don't know for sure if I deserve some of those words, but I try to do my best.  And I am on facebook, too. |
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Post by zekkfett on May 12, 2014 7:39:38 GMT -6
And I am on facebook, too. Post a link! Or just send a PM if you don't want to post publicly. |
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Post by eaglerider on May 12, 2014 12:14:54 GMT -6
Just go to the search box & type in Charlie Shanklin. send me a friend request & msg, so I know who u are. LOL
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I for one am glad I found this awesome group of people that are here just to share the knowledge. There's no putting down, awful language, and "I know/am better than you" here. You sir, are a class act.
And I am on facebook, too.