Possible new bike... Any interesting info for me?

[VonYinzer]

(Just a random pic from the interwebs...)

1986 Kawasaki GPZ600r "Ninja".

Looks like I can get it for next to nothing. Low mileage, 100% complete, and in good shape. Been stored for awhile. Im wary, as I have a weird thing about the Kawasaki sportbikes. No idea why... Just do. Convince me that its a good idea. Haha.

I need a bigger bike, for more long distance riding. Ive always liked 80s/90s era sportbikes, but really prefer the Yamahas, and Hondas. That said, the price is really right on this bike...

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

Re: Possible new bike... Anything interesting info for me?

Fine bike if you like that kind of bike.

 

[Swapmeet Louie]

Re: Possible new bike... Anything interesting info for me?

Any bike has a "Right" price. When they do come along seize them no matter what it may be!

 

[VonYinzer]

Re: Possible new bike... Anything interesting info for me?

Ya... I think theyre goofy looking, in a kinda neat way. The price is less than most here pay for a running cb350.

 

[IndieSol]

Buy it. Do it. You know you want to.

 

[sallgoodguy]

Nice bike. "sport/ touring". I like Kawi, but not a fan of the under 750 bikes, but if the price is right get it!

 

[porsche77]

I have been thinking about a similar bike for my next build. Was thinking all the new technology but vintage cafe look. Has anyone done that yet? Either that or a mid 80's 400-500 2 stroke mx bike cafed ? Can't wait to see what you do with it

 

[bradj]

Valve adjustments ssssuuuccckkkk stupit anti dive forks and air mono shock tire are hard to find for the 85 or 86 cant remember. the swing arms kick ass ive put them on every bike ive build

did i mention i love those swing arm

 

[Swapmeet Louie]

Brad, how wide are those swing arms at the pivot?

 

[ProSimex]

Take it. Ride it, abuse it, have fun with it. When/if it dies then get your money back in scrap. Oh might as well rattlecan it black and glue some bones on the bodywork, can't hurt the looks.

 

[Mr.E]

Get it! I had a 750 and loved it. Wish I had it back all the time. Keep it well maintained and somebody like me (with more money than I have) will offer you a wad of cash some day to relive their first bike memories. Ah the memories... parts are a tad sparse tho...

 

[teazer]

Great bikes for the time. If it runs and is titled, what do you have to lose? Do a quick mental checklist of what it will cost to get it "right" and work it from there.

 

[bradj]

Brad, how wide are those swing arms at the pivot?

ill check

 

[crazypj]

Valve adjustment is actually pretty simple, BUT, getting to them SUUUUUUUUCCCCCCKKKKKKSSSS (drain coloant, remove radiator,remove water pipes THROUGH cam cover : )
Apart from the usual weird Kawasucki wiring they are one of the best Kwakers, better than the 900~1100 with the chain drive alternator, lots of damage when the tensioner quits

 

[Bozz]

In general they are neat little bikes.

However, My only real beef with them is the handlebar.

I turned down some replacement bars so they wouldn't be so narrow, but the angle is still off for me.
(I'm sort of a big fella, and my hands were inside of my shoulders by a bunch with the stock set-up)

LSL used to make a kit for them, but no longer do and finding an old one is near impossible.

The electric anti-dive is not a great loss if it is hosed, but progressive springs help a ton.

 

[moon303]

If its cheap and you got the room....go for it!!