Kawasaki KZ400 Cafe Racer by Cory Hebert

The KZ400 is an often overlooked UJM made by Kawasaki from '74 to '84. When stripped of its body work and reduced to the basics, it starts looking pretty good. In the hands of a pro like Cory Hebert at Maindrive Cycles, it gets even better. Rather than take the easy way and just lop off the rear end and throw on a universal fiberglass tail, Cory built a loop and crafted this KZ's tail from steel.

This is one of the first ChopCult features to show actual in-progress photos so you can visualize the build process. There are more on Cory's Flickr Page. In its raw state the machine looks menacing and ready to go, and even slicker finished off with paint and seat. 

Owner: Andy Hines

Location: Carrollton, TX

Bike name: Slack Stealer, it's a phrase I overheard my son using. He and his older brother were fighting over a blanket while watching TV. The younger one yelled, “Gimme some slack, you ol’ slack stealer!” My wife and I looked at each other and started laughing, and it came to me: "That’s the name of my bike." My son takes credit for it at every opportunity.

Engine, year and make, model, modifications: 1977 Kawasaki KZ400, bone stock

Frame: Stock, but heavily modified with custom tail section and upper shock mounts, and lots of unused stuff removed

Fork: Lowered 2 inches, legs and trees shaved and powdercoated gloss black

Tire/wheel size and style: 3.50" x 18" Coker Firestone classics; stock wheels with a dark grey sparkle powdercoat

Favorite thing about this bike: Riding it!

Next modification will be: I’m not interested in adding or changing a thing.

Other mods, accessories, cool parts, etc: Fabrication and assembly by Maindrive Cycle; gas tank, tail section, seat pan, exhaust, battery box/internal wiring, wheel lacing/truing

Cool parts: FabKevin Single Shot tag plate, Burly 10.5" shocks

Paint by Scott at The Backstreet Bucket

Seat upholstery by Hardluck Designs

Builder: Maindrive Cycles