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Kawasaki LTD 440 Caferacer - Low-budget - Improvisation
- YSS twinshocks meets Action matt-black lacquer from the Spraycan. -
"Not too expensive, especially not perfect but still awesome."
Welcome to the amateur league! I am Riki, a mechanical engineer, and passionate motorcycle rider for many years.
Before studying mechanical engineering, I completed an apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic and worked in the Technical-Service. So I am not a blank slate in the technical field. But if we're being honest, that says absolutely nothing about the ability to rebuild a motorcycle. - But it certainly helped ;).
After an enduro, a naked bike, a chopper I always wanted to own a cafe-racer
Of course, because it just looks incredibly stylish but also the many inspirations on the Web made a certain thought grow. The thought was not just to buy a finished bike but to do the whole conversion myself - or let's call it to try it myself. Of course, the price also plays a role. Until the Caferacer-project, I had always bought motorcycles for a small budget and made them more stylish with simple things. So motorcycles were never just a means of transportation.
I had respect for the project and to increase the pressure I sold my current motorcycle. So exhibiting the project also directly meant not being able to ride a motorcycle at all. Admittedly, I would not do that again :D.
Choosing the perfect Caferacer base
The question of the right model was decided fast. My parents got to know each other through a Kawasaki LTD440.
My mother had her motorcycle broken and my dad should repair it. Let's put it this way: 25 years of marriage and four children later, the motorcycle was never repaired and eventually sold. I immediately liked the idea of using this model as a base.
So I went looking for a Kawasaki LTD440 - also suitable as it is a compact model. Built-in 1981. 184kg, 440cc. I had previously also thought about a BMW r18 with a boxer engine, which I had seen before often as a conversion and I like visually super but with my 53kg weight and limited muscle mass seemed to me that not quite suitable. The search for a Kawasaki LTD440 was relatively easy and cheap in Germany. the bike I finally bought for 750 euros. I bought the bike in Germany and then imported it to the Netherlands (where I now live). Since the bike already has 40 years on the hump, also a cost-effective action and cheap alternative.
Also cheap enough to improvise without worry. Ultimately, without experience just started. If something goes wrong - no problem - in the cost range everything is half so bad.
Kawasaki LTD 440 built plans
I had an exact vision of how I imagined the end result. Shorter frame, color scheme black-brown, and kind of a mix of classic and modern. (And a lot of matt-black :D)
In the end, everything went a bit more complicated than expected, but no problem because I was only a FaceTime call away from a good and helpful tip - #Dad.
Technically of course I noticed some wear points after 40 years such as brakes, worn tires, leaking front fork, old spark plugs, nasty oil, weird or cracked wiring, etc.
Cosmetically but then most of it happened: LED turn signals and headlight for a modern touch. A brown leather strap in a vintage look, matching handles. The girly touch is made perfect with a glitter paint job on the gasoline tank.
Heat protection tape around the manifold with matching matte black exhaust. And my highlight: super fat YSS twinshocks for Kawaski LTD440! On the frame, I just cut out a piece at the rear and reinstalled the original connecting elbow - shorter tail - sportier look.
The project is far from finished! Many things I have adapted are very "simple" and tinkered with. For example, the original chrome fender is still installed but pimped: I have shortened it a, sanded, degreased, and then painted it matte black (spray can of Action for 3Euro). The chrome speedometer I have also as a first interim solution simply painted matte black. That must all still come.
things like a digital small speedometer, smaller mirror, and much more are still on my wish list.
Conclusion:
Pure technology, without much electronics, has completely captivated me.
It was more work than I thought but I am incredibly proud of the result! Now it just has to be spring again quickly. And who knows what will happen in the winter in the garage yet :). My starter shopping tour was at Caferacerwebshop with the main elements!
Want to see more? Check out my Instagram page! (Click here)
Products used for this built:
