Headlight is on
Well I managed to get some more progress as the weather held off for 30mins. What I managed to get done was test mounting the headlight to make sure the brackets would work and they do!
First up some comparison shots of the old and new headlight. You can see just how much smaller the new one is.
I fitted the bracket off the bike first, to test it would work
Then I got it fitted to the bike. I love it! The pictures came out blurry unfortunately. I will have to take some better ones when I’m next out there.
Headlight woes
Currently here is the problem. As it stands now there is all this mess of cabling in the current shell. Which is 7.5inches in diameter. As you can see it’s a total mess. I’ve cleaned up the speedo cabling, which was the worst of the looms, but there is still more that needs to be attacked.
The new headlight has a ring of LED’s around the outside just inside the shell casing. You can make them out in this picture here:
The whole thing is designed as a sealed unit that is not used to hide the cabling. So I think moving the cables back towards the tank area is the best plan of attack.
If the weathers not tipping it down, I will try to find some places to hide the wiring mess. I’m thinking maybe somewhere underneath the tank would be the best place. As it is hidden from view, but is close to where the existing wiring is. Maybe even in some kind of box to keep the connectors out of the worst of the weather.
Headlamp headaches
Well the headlight has turned up this morning and it looks great.
There is one thing that I wasn’t expecting. That is this headlamp has no space for the tons of wiring in the current one! Arggggh! Add to that the mounting system I’m currently using will not work as this uses smaller bolts and has no way for the indicator wires to go.
So I will have to think whether this can work, or do I have to modify it too heavily. I think I can work out moving the current wiring to somewhere else. The issue is where and how then do I mount the headlamp and indicators.
Speedo Bracket Fitted
I’ve managed to do a few more bits on the bike. I’m awaiting a few more parts before I can the last few bits done before getting it on the road.
I’ve fitted the speedo bracket into place using the existing bolt holes. I was going to paint it, but actually it looks better in silver. So I’ve left it like that for the time being. I plan on changing this in the future when I get rid of the ignition switch for an m-switch.
I’ve rewired the front brake switch to something less dodgy. I’ve also ordered a new headlamp.
It’s smaller than the current one and has led’s in a ring. That should look nicer and be safer.
Kawasaki Purchase
Well it’s been a bit slow round here. I’ve got a few fun projects to add to the site over the next few weeks. First up though is my first motorbike. I bought it last week and I’m very pleased with it.
Kawasaki KZ650 Arrives
It’s a 1978 Kawasaki KZ650, though its far from standard. It’s had the front and rear of a ZXR400 added so has much better handling and braking. It’s also got Ducati monster exhausts for added sound.
I plan on modernising and simplifiying the bike, with the aim of making it more cafe racer styled and losing some of the bulk.
First off I’d like to clean up the bar area as it’s currently got lots on. I’ve a wish list of parts including the following
Motogadget M-Unit
This will clean up the tired wiring and make the whole thing much more simple.
Next will be a new speedo
Motoscope Mini
This is a tiny digital speedo, that will clean up the bars.
M-Switch
I think with these dream items I can clear the bars up a ton and clean up the current wiring a fair bit.
