i have an 83 kz750 ltd belt drive 2 cylinder model. im planning on bobbing it out. what im wondering is if there are sprocket drop in replacements for the belt drive on my model? i want to convert to chain and raise the ratio too to reduce vibration on high rpm highway driving. if so, could you post a link to more information? also, will my engine run correctly if i remove the vacuum system and associated tubing, then seal off the holes? thank you in advance!

 

Welcome, Lo! I would think there would be a way to convert to sprocket, but I'm not convinced the end result will be what you want; in fact, I would bet you would notice MORE vibration once you get rid of the belt drive. As for the vacuum, your engine obviously won't run the way it was designed if you remove the plumbing. Some things need vacuum to work properly (and are more than just EPA doo-dads.) While "plugging the holes" might seem OK, you can literally explode your engine if you plug the wrong ones. Sorry to offer mostly bad news.
Welcome again. Maybe some other members have better ideas.

 

How is the belt condition and wheel balance? I would think that ride should be smooth for cruising if the drive train is good. Bearings checked as well.

I do not have the manual for your ride to have any idea on what vacuum hoses you are referring to (the clean air system I would assume). But, as mentioned, if you start plugging up everything like the crankcase breather, etc, then you will most certainly have issues.

Welcome to KF

 

I assume your belt is old so it could be missing chunks or somethin causing a vibration. I myself would just leave the belt on. If you arnt good at lubing chains, a belt is your friend. Plus you'd save money on sprockets. I agree with Drag on checking your wheel balance and even your wheel bearings. Doesnt take much to cause a bad vibration.

 

no, the vibration is on the bars and my homemade engine guard from the high revving engine. im at alomost 6000 rpm on the highway and freeway. the drive train is fine. i wanted sprockets to make it easier to change the ratio to drop the RPMs a bit. one more question, when i bob this out, i would like to strip it down to just necessities. mine has a kick start in addition to the electric start. i believe it has electronic ignition. will i be able to kick start without a battery installed? im not sure if the battery is required for helping produce the spark. my uncle was saying that the regulator needs the battery to operate the regulator properly to power the lights and stuff. even if the battery is too dead to operate the starter, there is still some voltage left to control the regulator? ty

 

Eeeeeeeeee, 6K on the hiway.....memories of the old 900F Honda.... I feel your pain.
Any way you can post some pics of the drive (rear wheel, and engine output) so we can wrap our heads around the sprocket idea?
As for the kick start, I'm confused on where you want to go with this; KEEP the kick start and eliminate the battery, electric starter, etc?
(Not being critical here; just suggesting) you're going to get into a LOT of work on old iron. Are you sure you want to do this?

 

ill try to get some pics soon. yeah, im keeping the kick start. im just wondering if the bike will run without a battery. i have electronic ignition, but im not sure if the battery is a necessity for ignition to operate. i know a guy that owns a metal working shop. hes new to this, but has done several bikes and wants to get his name out there. when he saw my great condition KZ750 he said he had to bob it. since hes getting his name out he will do it for real cheap.

 

You'll need some source of energy for your (ultimate) spark to the plugs. Go "old school" and use a magneto.....

 

You could also look into those new lithium units for something like 1/5th the weight of lead-acid if you're trying to save weight.

I miss my KZ750LTD. Gave it to my father-in-law, and he bobbed it. It looked real nice until he gave it to his son who fubar'd it.