GPZ550 cafe racer

[tomixas]

Hi,
My name is Tomas, I'm from Lithuania. Here is my project. today I have some progress, I hope my ride will be finished in the start of new season.
kawasaki GPZ550 82'
before:

I was good child, so I got present under my christmas tree

fitting new wheels:

some parts painted:

new bearings, new shafts, measuring the center

making back frame:

cutting:

and welded together:

everything welded together:

seat frame is done:

 

[yorkie350]

Welcome in mate great progress so far , tank looks amazing real eye popper 8) look forward to ya thread, likewise mate cant wait for good weather for a decent rideout . keep up ya good work ime in

 

[WildeJ]

Very nice looking bike, and the tank and wheel colors are amazing.

 

[DohcBikes]

Painted the tank already huh. Interesting order of operations.

Rear tire clearance is inadequate.

 

[tomixas]

Its enough space for tire in swing arm also the distance between tire and chain is normal. rear tire on spoked wheel is 150, its the widest for this swing arm. I painted tank for the reason to see the real color how it looks on the bike.

 

[DohcBikes]

Tire to seat pan clearance is inadequate for max suspension travel. I can see it plain as day.

 

[WildeJ]

Tire to seat pan clearance is inadequate for max suspension travel. I can see it plain as day.

Not an issue if he will be on flat roads as are common in Europe. Eastern Europe anyway. When I was in Belgium, Prague and Budapest there was nary a pothole or bump. Its like having one of those lowrider cars, only inches off the ground. In NYC it would be a disaster. In LA it would be fine. Hes in Lithuania. Flat!

 

[rundown]

Great start, excellent selection. Are there many Japanese bikes from before the Soviet demise?

As to the rear wheel clearance it looks nearly unchanged, and with the lighter bike it may be fine. Plus the "drop link" form the rocker to the swing arm, looks a easy way to adjust, just make it longer and voila, the rear suspension would rise as necessary.

l Love to see projects form Eastern Europe, will be following.

 

[tomixas]

Great start, excellent selection. Are there many Japanese bikes from before the Soviet demise?

As to the rear wheel clearance it looks nearly unchanged, and with the lighter bike it may be fine. Plus the "drop link" form the rocker to the swing arm, looks a easy way to adjust, just make it longer and voila, the rear suspension would rise as necessary.

l Love to see projects form Eastern Europe, will be following.

In soviet union was no other cars and bikes, only from soviet. now we have same bikes like in other Europe countries. older bikes, like mine, are imported nowadays from Belgium, Holland, Germany, France... My grandfather all life was riding soviet motorcycle- IZH JUPITER 2, 1969. now my plan is to restore his bike, so after cafe project i'll start my restoration. I've bought second IZH for spare parts. Also I have Harley Davidson sportster custom.

 

[tomixas]

Tire to seat pan clearance is inadequate for max suspension travel. I can see it plain as day.

With the distance between tire and seat frame everyone can be calm, I'm not asking an advice. the height difference from custom seat and original seat is only about 2cm. so everything is measured. rear fork now is in the lowest position, so I can raise it up. also spoked wheel is lower for about 3 cm than the red one. So you don't need to worry about my project

 

[WildeJ]

With the distance between tire and seat frame everyone can be calm, I'm not asking an advice. the height difference from custom seat and original seat is only about 2cm. so everything is measured. rear fork now is in the lowest position, so I can raise it up. also spoked wheel is lower for about 3 cm than the red one. So you don't need to worry about my project

Dude. Your project looks great. Dont be bothered by people who dont see your vision or who dont support you. I think you are doing GREAT work and it looks amazing. I love it. Keep up the good work!

 

[WildeJ]

Dude. Your project looks great. Dont be bothered by people who dont see your vision or who dont support you. I think you are doing GREAT work and it looks amazing. I love it. Keep up the good work!

I repeat

 

[DohcBikes]

I repeat

You sure as hell do

 

[Winston]

Hi Tomas!

Keep at it, I will enjoy watching the progress.

 

[VonYinzer]

Not an issue if he will be on flat roads as are common in Europe. Eastern Europe anyway. When I was in Belgium, Prague and Budapest there was nary a pothole or bump. Its like having one of those lowrider cars, only inches off the ground. In NYC it would be a disaster. In LA it would be fine. Hes in Lithuania. Flat!

That is honestly one of the stupidest things ever posted on this site.

 

[redwillissuperman]

Did you hear about the Lithuanian that hit a pebble at speed, locked up his rear tire and died? Truly funny.

 

[WildeJ]

That is honestly one of the stupidest things ever posted on this site.

Perhaps. But he seems like a capable builder, more than capable, who is accounting for such issues. Im sure he will be fine, and so far so good on his bike. Looks great to me.

 

[Green199]

Perhaps. But he seems like a capable builder, more than capable, who is accounting for such issues. Im sure he will be fine, and so far so good on his bike. Looks great to me.

But...but that literally means nothing.

 

[VonYinzer]

Sorry for the derailing of your thread.

Please keep the updates coming.

 

[tomixas]

something new today:
clean&fresh engine:

seat soft part is finished and I gave it for sewing

started thinking about exhaust: cutted out cylinder part with partinion inside. I'll try to remove them, because I don't like the sound.