Kawi2strokes.com Forum

Ok, I have been around this and the last forum long enough, I figured I should start a build thread at some point. First off a little background. This is my first bike build/redo(actually first any major build of this kind). This is also my first triple, and have never rode one to date unless you count 1 lap around the yard on this bike . I did not grow up in the era of these bikes and every year and model triple is older than I am. I saw one of these bikes a while back at a bar and after hearing it leave I knew I wanted one. I went home and started to look on Ebay at them and saw what kind of prices they were getting and figured it would be out of my range.

Some time after that I had some cash in the bank and saw this bike for sale on craigslist. I called the guy and went and picked it up. I have had it for more years than I want to admit. The pictures make it look nicer than it was but I had also got a roller bike with it that had no motor that had some decent rider parts on it. In hindsight I should have just put the nice parts on it, went through the mechanicals and rode the thing for a while. No, instead I ripped it apart and sold a bunch of stuff from them

I have putted around on various items here and there on it but life in general was always getting in the way. Well, I am attempting to put a major effort at this thing and get in finished before it gets sold in boxes. Don't expect any lightening fast progress on it but I am hoping to have it finished by next summer.

This is what I started with, like I said pictures make it look nicer than it was.

You will notice through out this build that I tend to make things harder on myself and in general do a whole bunch of things that really doesn't need to be done. I don't know why it works this way but it does, so just sit back and enjoy.

Here is where I am at now with it. There is a reason that they sell grinding discs in packs of 5





Start of some metal going back in



That's it for now.

Close up of the headstock bracing



A little kh500 style under tank bracing



Laid down shocks. Drill jig





New hole drilled for mounts



Old mounts and bracing cut out and new bracing put in

Are you going to re-install the crash bar?

J

Very nice welding you did.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

Thanks, I have to hold myself to a high standard to keep up with the factory welds.

Yeay! A new project!!

I agree with Jim.. the welds are far too nice to be anywhere near a triple frame.
Maybe next time close your eyes and leave some wire sticking out every once in a while?

What kind of welder do you have Oxford?

Hell yea, my kind of project for sure. You welding up some wtf's?

...

Are you kidding? Of course I am putting the crash bar back on, that was the main reason I picked this bike. It was the same reason I picked this for a rd350





I am using a Thermal Arc 186. I couldn't afford a Miller inverter and don't really have the power for a new or used transformer machine.



I have a set that have been patiently waiting for me to get a welder for the house. Now that I do they will be coming to life soon.

how much "input" power is needed? Will it run on a 30 amp circuit?

I'm still welder-shopping. Almost bought a Miller Diversion 165 a few weeks ago, but the seller wouldn't budge on price. For another $300.00 I can buy a brand new one with warranty..

The TA186 is one of the main competitors of the Diversion 180 (165's big brother).... Which is close to a $2k machine.

There is NOTHING used in this area right now, unless you want to spend 3,4, or 5g's.