This is certainly not the first story I’ve written about choppers built on the cheap, but this is probably the first one that's been coast to coast. Jake Smith of Jake Smith Motorworks hard-tailed this beast four or five years ago. I’ve seen it in many variations since 20" over forks, short chop, but mostly jumping stuff with dirt tires at events all around the Midwest.

The KZ750B is Kawasaki’s late 70’s twin that tends to go unnoticed as a customizable platform. Many people will say that Kawasaki only made 4 cylinder KZs, yet this odd duck twin is real. For a 750 it’s a big lump of a motor that’s reliable and way more balanced than the popular XS650 motors. It puts out a solid 55hp stock, has a good charging system, and with its dual overhead cam design (rare for a parallel twin) it will pull away from many stock vintage V-twins. Its frame also lends itself to customization easily and I love what Jake has done with this one. It sits right and has, for lack of a better word, “stance.” LOL

The look and feel of this abused machine speak to many generations of bike building, but only draws on the cleanest and pure of them. Simple lines and bare-bones style can be hard to achieve on many Japanese machines, with their miles of wires and plastic covers. This one shows us what a dirty Jap chopper can be in its rawest form.

The best part is that Jake only has about a $1000 and 10000 miles of fun into this one. Sure, he can build show quality stuff, but his personal rides always show his attitude. They have a bare bones, ridden hard and put away wet appearance that just screams good times.

Owner name, location: Jake Smith, Columbus Ohio

Engine, year, and make, model, modifications:1976 Kawasaki KZ 750B

Frame: Modified stock

Fork: Ks175 Kawasaki

Chassis mods: Hard tailed

Tire/wheel size and style: 21" front 18" rear spoked

Favorite thing about this bike: Gas tank, was a giant Harley tank I cut five inches out of and re-tunneled

Next modification will be: Gave it to the girlfriend, she has a few plans for it

Other mods, accessories, cool parts, etc: Only thing stock on it is the motor

Any building or riding story or info you'd like to include: Get out and ride!

Thanks to My TEAM!

Be sure to give Jake a follow on Instagram.

Thanks,

Bear