My 1974 Kwaka KZ400 Brat build.

[eden]

Hey KB readers and riders.

This thread has moved to the modification forum - if you want to subscribe to the thread with regular updates on this build, please click on this link below.

--->Kz400 Brat build link<---

I don't see why this thread can't continue though... the new topic will be ....

Motorcycle injuries and Safe practice of maintenance.

Just a quick introduction, i'm Eden, Rider of 5 years, owned 2 bikes, ridden ALOT more, motorcycle addict and avid lay mechanic.

GORE coming up soon, if you're squeamish.. don't look. If you already have? I'm sorry.



It started when i accidentally chopped my index finger off whilst lubing my chain on my 1992 Suzuki GSF250 Bandit - a freak accident that left me unable to ride for at least a year, and kicking myself pretty hard.

Said lack of finger - Yummy.


So instead of wallowing in despair, and not being able to ride, i instead dreamed about having the chance to revive a dying motorcycle and give it a good help of brat style loving. I ended up building one and the build thread is in the link above - feel free to have geez.

Have you injured yourself working on motorcycles?

Got any pics of your injuries? How did they heal up? Did the affect your confidence?

[98tls]

Ouch that musta hurt fella,great post and what a cool little Kwaka,subscribed and awaiting updates,good on ya..have fun.

[eden]

Yeah i've just noticed that it's not in the modifying bikes section, so i might move it before too many start following. Keep an eye out over there so you can re subscribe.

[98tls]

Yeah i've just noticed that it's not in the modifying bikes section, so i might move it before too many start following. Keep an eye out over there so you can re subscribe.

Will do.Maybe easier to just pm a mod and ask him to move it,then again maybe not instead they might just infract your arse..

[eden]

Will do.Maybe easier to just pm a mod and ask him to move it,then again maybe not instead they might just infract your arse..

Hahaha, easier just to move it myself.. i'd rather not get in a moderators way :P.

For anyone else who came this far, moved over here.

New thread in modifications forum <-- click here

[fridayflash]

that finger pic is a lesson for all of us..you were lubing the chain with the motor running, in gear yeah? i do it too...ouch! i take it your digit's all good now?
the custom z looks cool man, aircooled twins/twinshockers are a great basis for a caf job....keep it coming mate

[caseye]

Come on then, we're all rears.!

[investinwaffles]

Ouch - that is a gnarly injury
Hope it healed up nicely!

I really like the look of the bike when you got it - what kind of plans do you have in-store for it (other than general rebuild/maintenance)?

[BigAl]

Wow, did they re-attach your finger Eden?

Cool project especially starting with a bike so run down.

[Banditbandit]

Cool bike ... a rebuild always takes a lot of work - but it pays offs ... Have fun.

[F5 Dave]

That's not a freak accident. I know a few people who have done the same thing.

Don't get your fingers near the chain of a running bike & spin only by hand backwards.

Better yet as above & use the little extn tube as well.


Mate had one of those KZ back in the day & I wanted it.

[eden]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...400-Brat-Build

I won't be updating this one. But if you want to it could always be a 'watch out for your finger' thread? lol

[eden]

That's not a freak accident. I know a few people who have done the same thing.

Don't get your fingers near the chain of a running bike & spin only by hand backwards.

Better yet as above & use the little extn tube as well.

Mate had one of those KZ back in the day & I wanted it.

I agree with everything you said - except for....

Mine was a freak accident mate - there would be NO WAY in fucking hell i would ever want to purposely twist/pull my finger off. Furthermore your premise

"I know a few people who have done the same thing."

doesn't support your assumption that these happenings aren't freak accidents. Just because something happens frequently doesn't out-rule the chance that each individual situation happened by accident with a similar miscalculation.

Mine wasn't a miscalculation either - I had just finished wiping down my chain while the engine was off, before doing the lazy chain squirt in 1st gear on its rear stand. My hand was well away from the chain while squirting WITH the extension nozzle when the rag which was wrapped around my index finger happened to drop onto the chain and pulled my hand through the rear sprocket with some serious crunchy noises.

Accident. - not on purpose.

People shouldn't put their hands near moving machinery anyway - learn a lesson from my mistake, just turn the wheel by hand man.

[Road kill]

Very nice bike.

I modified one of my fingers a bit like that a few years ago,still remember it real well.

[eden]

that finger pic is a lesson for all of us..you were lubing the chain with the motor running, in gear yeah? i do it too...ouch! i take it your digit's all good now?
the custom z looks cool man, aircooled twins/twinshockers are a great basis for a caf job....keep it coming mate

Yeah man, bad news bears. Do it with the engine off by hand. One thing goes wrong and you could lose your finger too! I almost lost my thumb with this accident, i was lucky to only lose the nail of it!

Love my kwaka Z, i'll never sell it. :P. Too many good memories attached to her.