I owned a 71 F7 in 1972, Bought it brand new from a Kawasaki dealer. This was my first bike and it put through some hard rides. I did a lot of off road riding and used this bike to ride to work. I had it long enough to wear out a piston. I loved this bike. most fun recreational thing I ever did.
Love the F7! It was my first motorcycle--purchased it from a pawn shop for $200 in 1992 as an undergrad. Just bought another one (a 74) a few weeks ago--super great original condition--only 1500 original miles. Starts first kick every time and I can turn the choke off right away. Such a blast to ride! Can't wait to see this one done!
Bought a 73 F7 from a buddy in 2021 for 600 taught myself to ride and fix some of the simpler issues on it ,and started replacing some hardware (I come from bicycles so I like cap screws). cant wait to see the rest of your videos. the funny thing is i found your mill repair video yesterday fixing something at work and the algorithm showed me the rest
Hey thanks man, you will enjoy the F7 for sure, great bikes, but hard to find parts for. New hardware does make one look a lot better. Will be getting back to the F7 project pretty soon. I don't pretend to understand all that algorithm stuff, that You tube does, I'm just going along for the ride.
Hi Dale, I learned a lot about what goes where from your disassembly. Looking forward to the restoration. I have a ‘73 and a ‘75 F7. Just got them for my 16 yr old twins to learn riding. Thanks for the video.
That's a rare bird Dale. You hardly ever see the early Kawasaki trail bikes here, it's amazing to see the US bikes that haven't completely rotted. I join you in despising the Scotch Blok quick connectors or 'electrical fire waiting to happen'. Best wishes, Dean.
Hey Dean, yes sir, think they call them Scotch locks here, they are a terrible connector, lots of folks use them to hook up trailer lights here and the moisture plays havoc with them. I will tell you there are not too many Kawasaki's around here anymore. Matter fact all those old bikes are getting really hard to find.
@@montana2strokeracer Scotch Lock, that's the name. Awful things. I think trailer wiring is the most popular use here too. Whenever you see a trailer that's flashing the side lights with the indicators, you know that's what they used. Best wishes, Dean.
I Bought mine new in 71, cost about $525. Hatta forks could be adjusted up and down 3 positions but I liked it the second setting. Also axle has 2 positions. I think you can bore the cylinder, I know I seized mine but don`t remember. Great bike to ride to high school.
Great Project Dale, Looking forward to all the trials and tribulations !! I'm sure when its finished it will be another Sweger Masterpiece , Good Luck !! Malc U.K.
Hey Dale, Yes you can bore it they are not chromed, I think the pistons wrist pins and crank assembly are the same as a KE 175 so that might help with finding parts. Also it seems to me that the fuel tanks may be the same as the KE models at least they look the same. Looking forward to the rest of this restoration. Thank you
Wow thanks James, that is a lot of help. I looked a few months ago and the parts situation was looking pretty bleak. That should give a larger pool to pick from. Thanks again, appreciate the help.
Great project, Dale!! It was painful to see what prior owners did to the wiring harness. Ouch. Looking forward to this old rotary valve coming back to life.
Hi Gary, man I did a little looking as I'm sure you have, that seems to be a tuff one. Have you asked around on the Yamaha forums to see if that one is the same as say 360 Yamaha enduro piston? If you can find the same height and pin size, you can cut skirts and drill ports and that kind of thing, but you can't add on of course. There has to be something out there. Sorry couldn't be more help.
I really like that color. Hey I have a 77 Ke175 and the tachometer goes right to the redline as soon as I start it, is it possible to fix it or should I look for another one?
Hi Andrew, yes I have seen the issue you are referring to. The first thing I would look for is where the cable screws on at the bottom of the gauge. Those sometimes break loose there. If so you will need to remove it and reposition it and re peen it so it doesn't move. If that isnt the problem you may need to send it to a repair service, or just try to pick up another. Hope I have been some help.
Hi Rick, these were the Hatta forks as they were advertised in the day. They were to be fully adjustable. You could alter the wheelbase (with the different axle locations) or spring rate through the caps and raise or lower the rake of the forks through the upper and lower triple clamps. They never were all that great but did have something, a gimmick, that no one else did at the time. Thanks for watching.
I have three 350 Bighorns. 70 73 74. If you need parts I might have some. I'm trying to make one bike out of them. Not street legal, just dirt bike. So what ever is left over?
Please please please don't ruin the original yellow paint and stickers!!!!! Touch it up and clear coat if you must but repainting is sacrilege. A clean survivor is way more impressive and respectful to the bike. Restore everything else just don't ruin that yellow paint! It's only original once and looks really good still. Ask the opinion of others if you don't believe me.
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I owned a 71 F7 in 1972, Bought it brand new from a Kawasaki dealer. This was my first bike and it put through some hard rides. I did a lot of off road riding and used this bike to ride to work. I had it long enough to wear out a piston. I loved this bike. most fun recreational thing I ever did.
Great bikes, love the laser decals, the greatest of all at the time.
Love the F7! It was my first motorcycle--purchased it from a pawn shop for $200 in 1992 as an undergrad. Just bought another one (a 74) a few weeks ago--super great original condition--only 1500 original miles. Starts first kick every time and I can turn the choke off right away. Such a blast to ride! Can't wait to see this one done!
Yes, the F7 is a great classic, I am having fun with this project, but the parts are hard to find, that's the only issue.
Bought a 73 F7 from a buddy in 2021 for 600 taught myself to ride and fix some of the simpler issues on it ,and started replacing some hardware (I come from bicycles so I like cap screws). cant wait to see the rest of your videos. the funny thing is i found your mill repair video yesterday fixing something at work and the algorithm showed me the rest
Hey thanks man, you will enjoy the F7 for sure, great bikes, but hard to find parts for. New hardware does make one look a lot better. Will be getting back to the F7 project pretty soon. I don't pretend to understand all that algorithm stuff, that You tube does, I'm just going along for the ride.
Hi Dale, I learned a lot about what goes where from your disassembly. Looking forward to the restoration. I have a ‘73 and a ‘75 F7. Just got them for my 16 yr old twins to learn riding. Thanks for the video.
Glad to hear Gil, I am learning here too, think this will be a fun project. Your kids are going to love these old bikes. They are just so much fun.
Hey Dale, yeah I'm definitely glad to see a kaw in the barn.
Thanks Larry, going to be a learning project for me, as all are, just a little more so.
Yeah Kawasaki, Awesome been looking forward to seeing you work on a "Green Machine". Thanks Dale keep up the good work !!! Cheers
Oh yeah, this is going to be fun, lot of new to me stuff.
A great project brother.
Thanks Cain think it will be fun.
Nice project Dale. Look forward to watching the refurbishment.
Thanks Graham, think this is going to be fun, just hope I can find the parts I need.
Another cool bike! A friend of mine back in the day had one of those.
The graphics were a hit in the day, I know they sold lots of them, but hard to find these days.
That's a rare bird Dale. You hardly ever see the early Kawasaki trail bikes here, it's amazing to see the US bikes that haven't completely rotted.
I join you in despising the Scotch Blok quick connectors or 'electrical fire waiting to happen'.
Best wishes, Dean.
Hey Dean, yes sir, think they call them Scotch locks here, they are a terrible connector, lots of folks use them to hook up trailer lights here and the moisture plays havoc with them. I will tell you there are not too many Kawasaki's around here anymore. Matter fact all those old bikes are getting really hard to find.
@@montana2strokeracer Scotch Lock, that's the name. Awful things. I think trailer wiring is the most popular use here too. Whenever you see a trailer that's flashing the side lights with the indicators, you know that's what they used.
Best wishes, Dean.
I Bought mine new in 71, cost about $525. Hatta forks could be adjusted up and down 3 positions but I liked it the second setting. Also axle has 2 positions. I think you can bore the cylinder, I know I seized mine but don`t remember. Great bike to ride to high school.
I remember the ads of the day about the Hatta forks, thanks for the info on the cylinder, will need to tear it down and measure.
Great Project Dale, Looking forward to all the trials and tribulations !! I'm sure when its finished it will be another Sweger Masterpiece , Good Luck !! Malc U.K.
Hey Malc, yes and I'm sure there will be many trials and tribulations. They keep us on our toes and make it more fun. LOL
I just got the same bike. 1971 F7, same bike was in the movie On Any Sunday
Hey Congrats, they are fine bikes, On Any Sunday.....my favorite movie.
bonjour de france. c est super ton travail. dale tu es le meilleur !
Thank You for the kind words, hope you stop back by for more of the restoration.
Great video.
Thanks buddy for stopping by.
Hey Dale, Yes you can bore it they are not chromed, I think the pistons wrist pins and crank assembly are the same as a KE 175 so that might help with finding parts. Also it seems to me that the fuel tanks may be the same as the KE models at least they look the same. Looking forward to the rest of this restoration. Thank you
Wow thanks James, that is a lot of help. I looked a few months ago and the parts situation was looking pretty bleak. That should give a larger pool to pick from. Thanks again, appreciate the help.
another great project dale that engine looks really good be intresting to see if its ever been apart great job keep it going
Hey Mark, I think your right, don't think this engine has been a part.
Great project, Dale!! It was painful to see what prior owners did to the wiring harness. Ouch. Looking forward to this old rotary valve coming back to life.
Yes, sir the harness is a mess for sure going to have to make a new one.
Very interesting bike! Love your videos.
Thanks Kevin, think this is going to be a fun project.
Yes she is beautiful
They have a very nice look; they were certainly the craze in the day.
Where does one find Yamaha pistons that are not sold anymore? Have a TY350 that needs first over . Thanks
Dale
Hi Gary, man I did a little looking as I'm sure you have, that seems to be a tuff one. Have you asked around on the Yamaha forums to see if that one is the same as say 360 Yamaha enduro piston? If you can find the same height and pin size, you can cut skirts and drill ports and that kind of thing, but you can't add on of course. There has to be something out there. Sorry couldn't be more help.
I really like that color. Hey I have a 77 Ke175 and the tachometer goes right to the redline as soon as I start it, is it possible to fix it or should I look for another one?
Hi Andrew, yes I have seen the issue you are referring to. The first thing I would look for is where the cable screws on at the bottom of the gauge. Those sometimes break loose there. If so you will need to remove it and reposition it and re peen it so it doesn't move. If that isnt the problem you may need to send it to a repair service, or just try to pick up another. Hope I have been some help.
@@montana2strokeracer Thank you, I'll take a closer look at it.
How about a video about your Sun engine analyzer ??
Hey that's a thought, I haven't used it in a long time. But it is a nice piece of history.
i made it Sunday 3:30am.
I knew you would make it Frank.
Where did you get the springs and rack rechromed?
I use St Louis Plating Co. Inc 314-652-0488
Hey Dale, I have a spare F7 ignition coil laying around if you need it.
Thanks for the offer, it was running, I really think I can repair it. If not, I will take you up on the offer. Thanks so much.
@@montana2strokeracer Best of luck!
wondering reason the front axle has 2 mounting locations ??? Someone help
Hi Rick, these were the Hatta forks as they were advertised in the day. They were to be fully adjustable. You could alter the wheelbase (with the different axle locations) or spring rate through the caps and raise or lower the rake of the forks through the upper and lower triple clamps. They never were all that great but did have something, a gimmick, that no one else did at the time. Thanks for watching.
I have three 350 Bighorns. 70 73 74. If you need parts I might have some. I'm trying to make one bike out of them. Not street legal, just dirt bike. So what ever is left over?
Wow, thanks, I may take you up on your offer when I get started on the F5, its down the road a ways yet.
First
Johnny's vintage Kawasaki has some nos parts on his website
Thank you for the source, it is appreciated.
Please please please don't ruin the original yellow paint and stickers!!!!! Touch it up and clear coat if you must but repainting is sacrilege. A clean survivor is way more impressive and respectful to the bike. Restore everything else just don't ruin that yellow paint! It's only original once and looks really good still. Ask the opinion of others if you don't believe me.