'83 Kawasaki GPZ750 Cafe Racer Build- 2014 Greasy Dozen Builder # 8
- Thread starter farnie
- Start date
farnie
Built, Not Bought...
For those builders new to the game, like me- here are some great thoughts on procrastination, sometimes due to intimidation, by Bear at The Old Bike Barn, the originator of the Greasy Dozen sponsored builds;
Bad Ass Suggestions On Surpassing Procrastination
1. Make your project public, tell friends about it, ask for help and let your plan be known, nothing puts a fire under my ass better than saying I'm gona do something and having to live up to it. Start a thread, a blog, chronicle it on Facebook what ever it is just make sure you're accountable to more than yourself for the progress.
2. Don't make excuses. Over the years I have found a laundry list of excuses why I didn't complete a project over the winter. The fact is most of the excuses I have made are bullPoo. I don't have the money (I have seen plenty of $500 choppers that were cool), I don't have the time (make it), I don't have the skills (learn it or get help)? I'm at least 50% computer geek but I manage to figure things out when I decide to. Skinned knuckles heal and they make girly computer hands stronger. I have found none of the excuses most of us make hold water- when it comes to bike building you simply have to want it bad enough and commit.
3. Make A Move! It's easy really, you can start right now? Get out a pen and paper write some Poo down, set you goals and your budget. It's the first step and it gets you past the day dreaming point. Far too often people don't realize how cheap it can be to resurrect an old bike or update their daily driver, but it takes figuring out what you want to do. Set some deadlines and make this a priority. The one irreplaceable commodity in life is time and if you don't build now when will you.
4. Plan Ahead. Some of the obvious things that need to be considered: The parts you will need, the tools and of course the space to do it in. Now I know this all sounds kind of no-brainer, but how often do we PLAN UNTIL SPRING and not get the project done. Be mindful of the fact that it's truly amazing what you can do with only a few solid weekends of work. Sometimes just getting a bike back in the wind is a good starting point. How many of you have a non-runner kicking around?
5. Always Have A Dedicated Area. Even if it's very small, one too many bikes never see the road again because someone moved a box of parts and the wife or kids put it at the curb. Make it clear to people that you are working on something important to you and not to mess about in that part of the garage, basement, or living room (A special wife is required on that last one).
For me turning wrenches is 50% of being a biker simply riding one does not give you that title. Whether it's a simple make over or a full on build does not matter, but turning wrenches does. I promise you won't regret following through.
Just don't get caught planning until spring! BUILT NOT BOUGHT it?s the only way to fly!
And I'll add my new rule- work on the project at least 1 hour every day. Whether its wrenching, researching parts, working on the step by step "to do" list, or reading forums specific to your project. Turn off the TV, get into the shop space (I have a dedicated computer out there) and get 'er done!
Farnie
Bad Ass Suggestions On Surpassing Procrastination
1. Make your project public, tell friends about it, ask for help and let your plan be known, nothing puts a fire under my ass better than saying I'm gona do something and having to live up to it. Start a thread, a blog, chronicle it on Facebook what ever it is just make sure you're accountable to more than yourself for the progress.
2. Don't make excuses. Over the years I have found a laundry list of excuses why I didn't complete a project over the winter. The fact is most of the excuses I have made are bullPoo. I don't have the money (I have seen plenty of $500 choppers that were cool), I don't have the time (make it), I don't have the skills (learn it or get help)? I'm at least 50% computer geek but I manage to figure things out when I decide to. Skinned knuckles heal and they make girly computer hands stronger. I have found none of the excuses most of us make hold water- when it comes to bike building you simply have to want it bad enough and commit.
3. Make A Move! It's easy really, you can start right now? Get out a pen and paper write some Poo down, set you goals and your budget. It's the first step and it gets you past the day dreaming point. Far too often people don't realize how cheap it can be to resurrect an old bike or update their daily driver, but it takes figuring out what you want to do. Set some deadlines and make this a priority. The one irreplaceable commodity in life is time and if you don't build now when will you.
4. Plan Ahead. Some of the obvious things that need to be considered: The parts you will need, the tools and of course the space to do it in. Now I know this all sounds kind of no-brainer, but how often do we PLAN UNTIL SPRING and not get the project done. Be mindful of the fact that it's truly amazing what you can do with only a few solid weekends of work. Sometimes just getting a bike back in the wind is a good starting point. How many of you have a non-runner kicking around?
5. Always Have A Dedicated Area. Even if it's very small, one too many bikes never see the road again because someone moved a box of parts and the wife or kids put it at the curb. Make it clear to people that you are working on something important to you and not to mess about in that part of the garage, basement, or living room (A special wife is required on that last one).
For me turning wrenches is 50% of being a biker simply riding one does not give you that title. Whether it's a simple make over or a full on build does not matter, but turning wrenches does. I promise you won't regret following through.
Just don't get caught planning until spring! BUILT NOT BOUGHT it?s the only way to fly!
And I'll add my new rule- work on the project at least 1 hour every day. Whether its wrenching, researching parts, working on the step by step "to do" list, or reading forums specific to your project. Turn off the TV, get into the shop space (I have a dedicated computer out there) and get 'er done!
Farnie
farnie
Built, Not Bought...
Picked up the titled donor gpz rolling frame with complete harness, electrical bits, brakes and suspension today, along with a running, albeit rough '81 kz750 with title, and a '80 kz440- also a runner, and equally rough. Plus extra assorted parts- all for $500. Pretty good deal in this neck of the woods.
Anyway, got the frame up on the stand, and started tearing it down. The front fork tubes are bent pretty bad, and while I have everything loosened, I cant pull them out. First point of advice needed on that please.
The second issue is the connectors in the headlight can- most disconnected easily, but the two pictured will not come apart. They have a triangle pin that slides into a slot. Even when I disengage this pin, no joy. Are these not supposed to come apart? If not, whats the process here. They must be disconnected in order for the headlight housing to come off.
Thanks,
Farnie
Anyway, got the frame up on the stand, and started tearing it down. The front fork tubes are bent pretty bad, and while I have everything loosened, I cant pull them out. First point of advice needed on that please.
The second issue is the connectors in the headlight can- most disconnected easily, but the two pictured will not come apart. They have a triangle pin that slides into a slot. Even when I disengage this pin, no joy. Are these not supposed to come apart? If not, whats the process here. They must be disconnected in order for the headlight housing to come off.
Thanks,
Farnie
Attachments
Doctor Jones
Been Around the Block
This looks interesting and anything with those groovy Gulf colours gets my attention. Good luck Sir.
Powderfinger
Been Around the Block
On the forks, see if you can get the top triple clamp up off the forks. Then they should bind less and you can pull them out of the bottom clamp.
Also you will want to tap a screwdriver or wedge of some sort into the slot where the pinch bolts clamp down on the forks. This will widen the slot and loosen the grip on the fork.
Also you will want to tap a screwdriver or wedge of some sort into the slot where the pinch bolts clamp down on the forks. This will widen the slot and loosen the grip on the fork.
I'm onboard. I followed the GD last year as well. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this one.
For the fork tubes: check here: http://www.frankmain.qpg.com/
For the fork tubes: check here: http://www.frankmain.qpg.com/
Streetfighterkz
Been Around the Block
I have a set of fork (actually most of the entire front end minus stem) left over from my project. I can't remember but I think the tubes were in pretty good shape.
Later, Doug
Later, Doug
farnie
Built, Not Bought...
Just found this video online of the 1982 Kawi GPz750 (KZ750R) donor bike that I got for $250. Taken about 2 years ago, when my seller bought it. My seller told me it ran for him recently, but I was skeptical. This is going to be a great build in its own right if I don't cannibalize it too much! I really love the tank and tail- so much better looking than the 1983 tins. Im going to swap them out, and maybe the engine if I can get it to fit in the 1984 frame...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjuxxxTj0ss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjuxxxTj0ss
farnie
Built, Not Bought...
Im thinking about changing directions here... actually going 180 degrees in the other direction. I just want to get the concept/design part done so I can move forward with the building.
The '82 GPz750 runs, and it has the tins, stance and frame that are more traditional for a cafe racer style. The '83-'84 GPz750 frame is funkier, and Im having a hard time envisioning a good looking cafe racer style bike on that platform, without cutting the tail up anyway.
Plus the '82 tank wont fit on the '83 frame without major mods to the tunnel. I could build a fiberglass one from scratch on the original tunnel, but thats a lot more work for just a design feature. I'd rather put my wrenching time into go faster better features.
But I like the mono shock and anti-dive front end technology on that platform, which ultimately changed sport bikes forever.
Im thinking I use the '82 as the platform (engine is a runner, and it already fits the frame) and convert it to the mono-shock system, and add the '83-'84 front end to it. It would look similar to the pic below- with a different paint scheme.
Feedback is appreciated.
The '82 GPz750 runs, and it has the tins, stance and frame that are more traditional for a cafe racer style. The '83-'84 GPz750 frame is funkier, and Im having a hard time envisioning a good looking cafe racer style bike on that platform, without cutting the tail up anyway.
Plus the '82 tank wont fit on the '83 frame without major mods to the tunnel. I could build a fiberglass one from scratch on the original tunnel, but thats a lot more work for just a design feature. I'd rather put my wrenching time into go faster better features.
But I like the mono shock and anti-dive front end technology on that platform, which ultimately changed sport bikes forever.
Im thinking I use the '82 as the platform (engine is a runner, and it already fits the frame) and convert it to the mono-shock system, and add the '83-'84 front end to it. It would look similar to the pic below- with a different paint scheme.
Feedback is appreciated.
Attachments
Not sure this info is useful but the mono shock and antidive are a bit of a pain on GPZ. Most guys by pass the antidive because it universally really doesnt work. Almost everyone on GPZ 550s pulled it off. The mono shock. Ok after having an 82 GPZ 550 with the monoshock I can tell you that replacements are crazy expensive and very few and far between. I am not sure if the case is the same for the 83 750. Might want to check on that 
Good luck! I love GPz's The 83 and later are not nearly as pretty as the 82!
Good luck! I love GPz's The 83 and later are not nearly as pretty as the 82!
farnie
Built, Not Bought...
brubache said:Not sure this info is useful but the mono shock and antidive are a bit of a pain on GPZ. Most guys by pass the antidive because it universally really doesnt work. Almost everyone on GPZ 550s pulled it off. The mono shock. Ok after having an 82 GPZ 550 with the monoshock I can tell you that replacements are crazy expensive and very few and far between. I am not sure if the case is the same for the 83 750. Might want to check on that
Good luck! I love GPz's The 83 and later are not nearly as pretty as the 82!
Interesting- I had an original '84 GPz750 that I bought new. I loved the anti dive feature, and had no issues with the mono-shock. With that said I only out 5000 miles on it before I had to sell it 3 years later.
I currently have a complete running '82 GPz750, an '83 GPz750 parts bikes and an '84 rolling frame. So an extra mono shock, and set of front forks. I think this big pile of metal will become 2 separate cafe racer builds- the '82, and the '84.
Thanks...
my .02 = 1982
farnie
Built, Not Bought...
Re: '82 Kawasaki GPZ750 Cafe Racer Build- 2014 Greasy Dozen Builder # 8
Ok Gents- decision made. Going with the '82 GPz750. The '83-84 hybrid going on the shelf for now...
Got the bike on the table, and started tear-down. The harness is screwed, so will have to work on that. I'll have questions on wiring later. Have been working on design, and came up with the pic you see below. Same tank (disregard red color) and a tail that is either made out of another back section of same tank design, or a fiberglass one, along with seat tray. I've always felt that on cafe's, the tail should mirror, or at least match the lines of the tank. So that's what we're gonna do... The last 6 inches of the frame that's really just there to hold the taillight will come off, and new taillight and turn signals will be built into the new design.
Some questions for you guys-
The bike currently has 20" rims- the same old looking mags that a lot of the older KZ's have. I'm thinking about swapping in the 18's from the '83 GPz for the different rim look, plus I have read somewhere that for the sports bikes, 17-18" rims are optimum for handling... Thoughts on that??
Also considering swapping the swingarm and rear mono suspension for the stock 2 shock suspension. Do you guys have any feedback on the advantages/disadvantages of a mono versus duel shock system on a cafe racer/sports bike in regards to handling, etc?? Thanks for the input!
I'll may also use the '84 brake calipers, as they are in the best condition of the 3 sets. More tear-down today, and hoping to get the engine pulled by next week so I can start to peer inside (very intimidating for this novice) to see how things look. I'll also start the carb soak and cleaning as well.
Need to start looking on eBay for a new gas tank, as the red one is roached inside- someone tried to coat it, and did a crappy job. Im sure it can be rehabed, but if I find another affordable one, I'll cut up this one for the tail section.
Thanks for the input and help!
Ok Gents- decision made. Going with the '82 GPz750. The '83-84 hybrid going on the shelf for now...
Got the bike on the table, and started tear-down. The harness is screwed, so will have to work on that. I'll have questions on wiring later. Have been working on design, and came up with the pic you see below. Same tank (disregard red color) and a tail that is either made out of another back section of same tank design, or a fiberglass one, along with seat tray. I've always felt that on cafe's, the tail should mirror, or at least match the lines of the tank. So that's what we're gonna do... The last 6 inches of the frame that's really just there to hold the taillight will come off, and new taillight and turn signals will be built into the new design.
Some questions for you guys-
The bike currently has 20" rims- the same old looking mags that a lot of the older KZ's have. I'm thinking about swapping in the 18's from the '83 GPz for the different rim look, plus I have read somewhere that for the sports bikes, 17-18" rims are optimum for handling... Thoughts on that??
Also considering swapping the swingarm and rear mono suspension for the stock 2 shock suspension. Do you guys have any feedback on the advantages/disadvantages of a mono versus duel shock system on a cafe racer/sports bike in regards to handling, etc?? Thanks for the input!
I'll may also use the '84 brake calipers, as they are in the best condition of the 3 sets. More tear-down today, and hoping to get the engine pulled by next week so I can start to peer inside (very intimidating for this novice) to see how things look. I'll also start the carb soak and cleaning as well.
Need to start looking on eBay for a new gas tank, as the red one is roached inside- someone tried to coat it, and did a crappy job. Im sure it can be rehabed, but if I find another affordable one, I'll cut up this one for the tail section.
Thanks for the input and help!
Attachments
Nebr_Rex
Coast to Coast
'82 should have 19 front ,18 rear. 18 fronts can be found on same vintage 550s.
You will not notice the difference between a 19in. vs. an 18in. front. I have Conti Gos
and Sport Demons on my KZ1000st and KZ750e respectively. I ride my ST more
"enthusiastically" than my ZRX and have not had a problem with handling. I did
some tuning on the suspension though.
.
You will not notice the difference between a 19in. vs. an 18in. front. I have Conti Gos
and Sport Demons on my KZ1000st and KZ750e respectively. I ride my ST more
"enthusiastically" than my ZRX and have not had a problem with handling. I did
some tuning on the suspension though.
.
I like the monoshock idea depending on how you setup the linkage, etc... As for the cafe tail, be careful using another tank section for the tail. In your pic the tail looks way too big. I've seen other builders do this wrong. I agree it should fit well with the lines of the tank but to me using an actual tank results in a fat tail section that doesn't actually flow well.
If you keep adding up my .02, one day you'll have a nickel.
If you keep adding up my .02, one day you'll have a nickel.
