1981 Kawasaki GPz550: Restoration

[Nessism]

I put Conti Go's on my 750. No personal experience with them but Continental don't make junk. They were the cheapest of the top brands at the time I shopped too.

http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=33_108_871

CONTINENTAL CONTI GO 4.00-18 M/C 64H, REAR $92.55

CONTINENTAL CONTI GO 3.25-19 M/C 54H, FRONT $77.76

Sub-Total: $170.31 + free shipping

[srsupertrap]

I thought the OEM bolts/nuts are Metric, no?

Yep you are right, it sounded right when I wrote it. Although the PO did install 1/4-20 bolts in the cam bearing caps.

Changing subjects, the local powder coater will be done with the wheels early this week. I have a new set of bearings to install but have not decided on a set of tires. Big T suggested sticking with Avon's which is a sure bet but I noticed the Pirelli Sport Demons are bit cheaper @ Dennis Kirk. Didn't Renobruce use a set of Sport Demons on one of his GS1000's . . . don't recall his experience with them.

Any other opinions/experience with the Pirelli's Sport demons?

[Nessism]

I thought the OEM bolts/nuts are Metric, no?

They are. Thus the M6 and M8 comment, which references metric.

By build up on threads . . . . your worried if a bolt/screw is "replated" the M6/M8 thread major diameter will be significantly larger than a OEM bolt/screw which when installed will strip the mating threads?

I thought the OEM bolts/nuts are Metric, no?

T I've yet to experience any issues with too much plating thickness in the threads on my stuff. Take a nut and try to spin it onto a matching bolt to test.

I've had some OEM bolts/nuts triple chromed and still there were no issues. Obviously, zinc plating is a lot thinner so no worries

[Nessism]

The KZ rotors are fat, grinding on them should be no problem.

Plating looks good Steve. I've yet to experience any issues with too much plating thickness in the threads on my stuff. Take a nut and try to spin it onto a matching bolt to test.

And how much was taken off each side? And how much is left as far as wear limit per the service manual? I am not familiar with what the original thickness and wear limits on nthe GPZ is so that why I ask.

I'm wondering the same. When I enquired from a few shops locally I was told the rotors (GS850 in my case) don't have enough meat so grinding them leaves them below the serviceable limit

[srsupertrap]

By build up on threads . . . . your worried if a bolt/screw is "replated" the M6/M8 thread major diameter will be significantly larger than a OEM bolt/screw which when installed will strip the mating threads?

If that's the question, the plating shop strips the metal part by washing them removing the original finish. The bolt/screw is now back to its machined dimensions. Ed did this by dunking his hardware in phosphoric acid & then wiring wheeling the hardware. Most plating shops have this process automated. When I asked the Plating Manager should I strip all the hardware in phosphoric acid before dropping them off she said don't bother. If you go the commercial route understand the plating shop capabilities, i.e. do they have barrel tumbler & do they certify their work to ASTM or MIL-Std. She did add Dawn dish detergent is one of the best degreaser out there for what its worth

Very nice! Maybe a dumb question but is there a build up on the threads? What happens when you tap a screw?

[srsupertrap]

My GPz 550 hardware was actually in very good condition from the axles up but after being inspired by Ed's plating results I decided to replate the hardware and push out the completion date. I contacted Specialty Plating (ISO 9001:2008) in Denver and spoke with Heather the Shop Manager. She told me they handle lots of enthusiasts jobs and they recently installed new tanks and recertified their zinc plating process. She confirmed type I finish would produce a bright zinc finish. I dropped off 340 pieces of hardware which was plated to ASTM B633 Type I Clear Zinc

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AFTER

[chuck hahn]

And how much was taken off each side? And how much is left as far as wear limit per the service manual? I am not familiar with what the original thickness and wear limits on nthe GPZ is so that why I ask.

[srsupertrap]

You can buy tubeless motorcycle tire valve stems at NAPA for something like $5.00. They fit right in the chamfered hole.

I will check it out this weekend, Thanks

Those disc's look awesome Steve. How much did it cost you to have them machined?

Thanks Ed, Not cheap @ $55 per but beats the EBC alternative. It's same guy who used to advertise on EBay around 2009.

[Nessism]

Those disc's look awesome Steve. How much did it cost you to have them machined?

[Griffin]

You can buy tubeless motorcycle tire valve stems at NAPA for something like $5.00. They fit right in the chamfered hole.

[srsupertrap]

The GPz550 rear brake pads were almost down to metal & the disc needed replacement or help. I decided to have the disc resurfaced with a rotary surface grinder.



After





Anyone know of a source for just the black seal on the tire air valve assembly below? GPz 550 has tubeless tires