My most prized possession is this bike. It's a '79 KZ400 Kawasaki that I picked up from Craigslist. I knew I wanted a customized bike from seeing Japanese websites like Bratstyle and Yellow. I saw many modified Yamahas and Hondas, but rarely would I see a Kawasaki twin, which made me like the bike even more.
The little KZ was perfectly stock with low miles and when I told friends of my plans to tear it apart, many objected, "Why ruin a perfectly good bike you moron?" Yes, yes, I know. But it was just in the cards for me. It was almost as if some enchanted being whispered instructions into my ear, because I really have no idea how a plain little Japanese motorcycle was transformed into what you see today.
After the bike was safely in my garage away from collectors and bike aficionados, Ewing Kustoms cut up a Sporty tank, fabricated the seat, shortened the forks and built the battery box. While the frame was being nickel plated, the wheels were blacked-out and a set of Firestone balloon tires were put on. I found the Flanders bars, head and taillights among a few other things at estate sales and swap meets, which adds to the flavor of the bike greatly. Once everything was mocked up and ready to go, Frank at AirFx doused the sheetmetal with '60s psychedelic-fish scales, circuit board and lace. When the parts came back from paint and the bike was almost together, we thought long and hard about the style of pipes we wanted. After much deliberation we came up with the dual-headed reverse cone megaphone muffler design. I think they suit my bike perfectly.
Riding around the streets of Seattle, this bike does not go unnoticed. In fact, sometimes its downright embarrassing the amount of attention it draws. It's like driving a donk. Well, it's more like riding a little green dragon that spits oil and needs its idle adjusted at every light. And it flies faster than a Geo Metro! It's freaking bright and beautiful, not to mention loud as holy hell! I only wish I had a California-style ranch house so I could park it in my living room, curl up next to it by the fire on all these rainy days.
This KZ was made to fit me perfectly in every way and for that I love it dearly. Thanks for featuring the bike and letting me tell the full story behind it! SC