Work in progress and “Oh! I forgot that part” happens, right? Usually it hits right at the weekend, then something delays it into the next week… Lately that’s been happening a lot. Plus the lift won’t free up… And tomorrow August starts…
I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed?
So here’s the LTD blog update with most of the work basically done.
Service Request: Front and rear tire replacement + drive chain swap
Parts Used:
Tires: Bridgestone BATTLAX BT46 (The pinnacle bias tire model)
Chain: EK ThreeD (Three-D) 530Z Series (Premium 3D forged plate chain)
Key Points: Thorough cleaning and re-greasing of wheel bearings and axle shafts during tire replacement, plus careful riveting dimensions and meticulous chain grease removal on the ThreeD chain. We drastically reduce rolling resistance and drivetrain losses!
With a frame stand, removing both wheels like this is risky. The shop keeps evolving every day…
Daytona’s Rebel stand adapter works perfectly for Z and Katana models. It grips these “round & ribbed” frames beautifully. A solid, secure lift really lets you focus on the work.
The BT46 has really improved so much. It’s a tire that makes riding genuinely fun.
Quick SPL? With the tire changer we mounted it gently without any creaking. Hearing the tire changer work is kind of fresh…
That grinding sound. Not exactly pleasant…
Lately I’ve been monitoring sprocket wear
When the chain roller wears into that shape, it’s time to replace. Swapping the chain at the same time is even better. When tires, chain, sprockets, and brakes all come together, the bike really rolls smoothly.
I hate non-sealed bearings.
I really dislike the non-sealed bearings on the sprocket hub. I swap them for sealed types and finish up the hub nicely.
When component quality goes up, it gets me pumped to work on it (*´ω｀*)
So that’s how we did the swap… but. The damper wear is bothering me.
When the hub damper wears out, you get lag on throttle on/off. In other words, “When you crack the throttle open, there’s a slight hesitation before it responds” It feels a bit off. So we put this on hold and ordered a replacement…
Time passes…
It arrived! Brand new. Let me install it and…
Hmm… no wow factor at all ( ；∀；)
40×20mm T=1mm POM shim washers, made a bunch and installed 6 to start. It feels pretty solid now, no more play.
It’s not a dramatic change, but when you eliminate these little bits of slop, everything becomes smoother and it all adds up to something better.
I’m a DID guy, but if you prefer EK or RK, just request it and
EK ThreeD 520ZN Since I don’t use EK much, I have to check their site carefully or I’ll get lost… *There are lots of similar designs
Black & gold really tightens up the look. Accounting for pivot and axle length, we kept it one link longer like before. The Z’s swingarm is a bit short for the era…
Now the rear spins light and easy (*´ω｀*)
Kawasaki Z1000LTD (Classic air-cooled Z cruiser).
Topic: Upgrading drivetrain and shoes with Bridgestone BATTLAX BT46 tires and an EK ThreeD drive chain . Details: Happy Friday night from the Decoboco tech bay! To wrap up July, today’s maintenance log features a gorgeous Kawasaki Z1000LTD. For the tires, we fitted the Bridgestone BT46 , the gold standard for classic bias tires offering incredible wet grip and predictable cornering. While the wheels were off, we thoroughly cleaned and re-greased the axle shafts and wheel bearings. For the drivetrain, we installed the top-tier EK ThreeD (3D) 530Z chain . Featuring forged, 3D-curved outer plates and lightweight hole-punched inner plates, it drastically reduces rotational friction and adds striking modern functional beauty to the vintage chassis. Verdict: The difference is instant—pushing the bike out of the shop feels effortlessly smooth, and throttle response becomes buttery and direct. Keep your classic legends running light and sharp!
ポチップ
