Kawazonkey

[donkeychomp]

We got snow today. I got a new seat and a set of Pirelli Corsa Rosso's for Mia. Thought I needed a new starter motor and I rang a Cagiva Mito specialist in London. He even listened as I tried to start the bike and tells me exactly what is wrong. It's the bendix, not the starter and he was right too. He could have sold me a new one for...get this...£363. He even told me there was one on ebay and I got it for £38. Nice to see some honesty, a rare commodity these days. Also rebuilt the wheels on 'lil Kawazonkey and I am waiting for some paint to cure then they can go on. Engine goes in next!

[donkeychomp]

The basis for my track day bike arrives this morning. Only a rolling chassis but with the benefit of a freshly stove enameled frame, a tank, and clip ons. Pics to follow.

[donkeychomp]

Got the wheels and engine back in the Kwak. Just a case of bolting it all back together now and painting the tank etc. Shouldn't take long (he says).

And here is the Yamaha RD400E frame with seized Marzi shocks. Already found an LC engineer and he is putting together an RD350LC engine for me...they bolt straight in with a couple of minor tweaks.

[Rhinoman]

That takes me back, have you weighed those wheels? if they are the ones that I think they are then they weigh a ton each, they were marked 'mallable iron'. Back in the day TZ fitment Astralites were a common mod for track use, the wheels that had on my XBR were from a TZ.

[donkeychomp]

Well the whole thing seems pretty light but I know what you mean, they are the originals and some TZ ones or similar would be ideal but have you seen how much people want for those (if they are ever available..mad money). So they stay for now. The LC engine has some TZ parts in it, the pistons are, and it comes from a bloke called Gerry Pell who in the 80's was something of a 2 stroke genius. Everything I put on the bike will be as light as possible though, and when it's all done I'll see what she's like. This will take some time though lol.

[Rhinoman]

I haven't looked at the prices for TZ parts for a long time, when I was racing I used to scoop up parts from other racers as they upgraded, the wheels ended up on my XBR and aren't for sale. The bolt pattern for the discs is fairly standard on Yams, on my TZ wheels I ran an EXUP disc with a 4-pot GSXR caliper, I shed a lot of weight there as well as they originally had cast iron Brembo discs with Lockheed caipers.

[donkeychomp]

Top tips! Like I said I'll get her all ready, have a track day and then decide where to go. An RGV front end does appeal, I had one on my old LC.

[donkeychomp]

Loads done today, painted a ton of bits and 'lil Kawazonkey has her new bars on.

The screen for the Mito is wrong...and why am I not surprised. Informed the ebay seller that I will return it and found the correct screen elsewhere so ordered that. An hour later I get an email saying it will take 28 days to arrive...where's it coming from?? Sheesh. Cancelled that and am on the hunt for one.

[donkeychomp]

I'd have Kawazonkey 2 finished in no time if the parts I order are ever the right ones. Had to send back the brake lever, air filter and bolt kit as none are right. But she is getting there. And Mia the Mito's bendix works a treat but the battery is so tired she won't fire. The new battery arrived today so that should fix it.

[kiwizook]

good work so far!
your trouble with parts sound like our local parts suppliers, unless you take the old bit in, there's a 80% chance you will get the wrong part!