Basket Cases

[Greg Harding]

Hi Everyone,

There is no pulling the wool over the eyes of Trials Tragics! Yes, it is the straightish darkish little rubbery strappy thingy between the side cover and air cleaner as so accurately described!

Below is a photo of it ready to serve after being cooked in the solar powered wok. Any ideas as to what it is??????

[David Lahey]

WAG No 1 is that it is a swinging link from a set of girder (motorcycle) forks

[Scorps]

Howdy Y'all,

Greg, from memory, the separate brake adjuster is from 1975, though i think in 1976, it was "very lightly" tack welded together, so easily can become a 1975 model. You are in luck because it seems you have the proper front brake arm, so aftermarket cables will slip straight on. You also seem to be lucky that your mudguard mounts aren't broken.

Check the frame number at the headstock for year - if it starts with KT2 it is 76, if it doesn't, it is 75.

As far as the chain tensioner bracket goes, it is just round bar with an internal thread welded to a bracket on the swingarm. If you need a bracket, I am sure I have an aftermarket stainless one I got made. You can have it in a couple of weeks (when I am home next) if you like.

As far as the bikes on ebay, they are worth a giggle. I think people are trying to seriously hype up what a KT really is - an uninspiring trials bike, which deserved what model run it had, that is loved by quirky collectors. I wouldn't pay a cent over $2000 for either, if anyone is seriously interested in buying.

Cheers,
Your friendly Neighbourhood KawiMan,
Scorps

[Greg Harding]

Hi Everyone,

David, girder forks you say, makes sense to me. My thoughts were that it is old judging by the way its made, because the middle bit is turned in a lathe from squarebar, what the? Rather than machining from barstock and milling flats in a milling machine. Then the ends were oxy welded which dates it because such heavy material would be easier to electric weld. So its old or made by someone with just a lathe, drillpress and oxyset. This piece is very similar to the link with three pivot holes on a monoshock bike. However there is no provision for bearings or bushes, even a Fantic 301 has bushes! BTW, those mudguard mounts could be off a TL125 or TL250 which are both different! I know some people who are looking for some of each.

Scorps, I haven`t looked at the frame number yet, but the engine number starts with K T 2 E , do Kawasaki align both the numbers in the factory? Looking like the engine at least is a 1976 model by what you have stated. The mudguard brackets have been broken and rewelded, I will be making a forkbrace as I dislike twisty forks and the centre bit is missing. The chain tensioner is not a problem as I have a spare which is very similiar.

It has been said that the KT is the best looking twinshock bike, not sure about that one but I do like the general styling. Perhaps I am a quirky collector?????

Raining in Coffs Harbour still, found enough time between showers to snap a shot of motor parts, yes it`s in pieces and now you can see what is missing! There is a foreign extra piece, can anyone identify it?

[chippy]

Hi all,
Greg I will put you out of your misery..... The silver plated item isnt as old as you may think. In fact it is good you didnt discard it, as you will need it for your KT. I had it on very good authority as to where it was used on the KT.
It happens to be the two spacers that go between the motor and the frame at the front and the two bolts go through the two large holes to secure the motor.
Someone in its past life has welded that piece in between to strengthen/secure it maybe.
I may have a carby and barrel for you to Greg.
Regards
Andrew

[Greg Harding]

Hi Everyone,

Andrew, Ah starting to make sense NOW! After looking at the two crankcase halves sitting in the frame cradle, I can now see what you mean. Knowing all too well that we males only look at the instructions when ALL else has failed! Still baffled as to why someone has added weight in this way? Below is a diagram from the spare parts manual and part number 10 (4 off) is listed as collar,engine mounting. Nice long weighty bolts almost as long as TL250 front engine bolts (perhaps this is why KT`s are almost as heavy)!

Scorps, the diagram below has revealed modifications to the frame as you suggested, it appears to have the collars welded to the frame before powdercoating. Checked the frame number and starts with KT2, but has different numbers.

The second foreign piece mixed up in the motor pieces (now I am sure it`s not KT because made in Australia on it ), can anyone identify it ?????????????????????????

[Scorps]

Howdy Y'all,

Greg, I have had 4 frames come through my possession over the last few years, and all of them have the spacers on the right hand side welded on, ie, they have all had only 2 loose engine mounts.

Having said that, all my frames are KT2, so maybe the older frames have this set up.

Cheers,
Your friendly Neighbourhood KawiMan,
Scorps

[PA]

Hi all,

It happens to be the two spacers that go between the motor and the frame at the front and the two bolts go through the two large holes to secure the motor.
Someone in its past life has welded that piece in between to strengthen/secure it maybe.

Maybe a sidecar mounting modification.

[Greg Harding]

Hi Everyone,

Scorps, the frame diagram above is from the KT250-A parts book, which I assume predates KT2.

PA, A sidecar mount you say, hadn`t thought about that but it makes sense. Interesting to note that a South Australian picked that up! Is it true that 2011 Aussie Titles will have three classes for Sidecars?

Still no takers for the second foreign piece in the motor parts photo? It`s pretty obvious when you look, not looking good for someone to solve it this year!

Browny, thanks again for the loan of the books, below is a page out of RIDE IT by Don Smith, obviously very proud of his KT. Now I know where the photo of two KT`s mounting the back of a Cortina without riders came from.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Everyone.

[PA]

Interesting to note that a South Australian picked that up! Is it true that 2011 Aussie Titles will have three classes for Sidecars?

As I understand it there will three. May not be the only class that is expanded to allow riders of a lower level to have a ride too.