1981 Kawasaki GPz550: Restoration

[srsupertrap]

Good sleuthing Steve. Must have been that trans gear then.

Bearings looking good.

Figured out the rings situation yet?

Yes, kudos to 7981GS for pointing me to a shop in France which has the Wiseco XC piston rings. JMJ speaks English quite well and I have already received 8 sets of 61mm rings. Although there is no ground shipping from France so this wasn't cheap either.

Old & in the way in the background . . . new upfront. Signing off

[srsupertrap]

Measured connecting rod end bearings journals tonight using the same Plastigage process



The service limit is .10mm just like the crank, #3 which is known to fail first measures .076mm






Lots of photos . . . All good



Consistent readings


These all look good too. Note at the front of each how the bearing insert is peened into place. Glad I don't have to replace them.



Service limit for connecting rod diameter is 32.96mm, I measure 32.98mm interference fit with the the Mitutoyo D/C


Add assembly lube to everything. I believe I have a good crank with no signs of distress at #3 rod

[srsupertrap]

Degreased the frame & rear wheel with 3 cans of degreaser. The rear wheel paint is still good but looks like I may have to paint the frame



Just a little bent

[Guest]

Need more parts?

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/4379860884.html

[srsupertrap]

Need more parts?

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/4379860884.html

Although the 1981 GPz550 is the only dual shock model, I could use those forks, front master cylinder (mine is dry) & rear rotor . . . too far but please keep your eye our for an 1981

TIA

[Big T]

Need more parts?

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/4379860884.html

Very little parts compatibility between the models

The 1981 is a one year only bike

Steve

Good progress, were you able to button up the motor yet?

[Montanaman]

I've got a complete extra airbox & boots if you decide to get away from pods -

[srsupertrap]

I've got a complete extra airbox & boots if you decide to get away from pods -

Thank you for the offer Montanaman . . . I am currently inclined to stick with the Mikuni Flatslides just because the GPz was running with them before it went into stasis. Perhaps between the two of us we can make one whole 1981 GPz550. I agree these are money pits

Steve

Good progress, were you able to button up the motor yet? -

No, Kleeme Performance is done with cylinder head which needed a valve job, valve stems milled to get the valve lash back in spec, bolt weld repair, valve springs, stem seals, bead blast you get the idea. Tom is currently wrapping up his inspection of the cylinders. I am suppose to get an update this week along with the bill.

PS: I would appreciate everyone keeping an C/L eye out for 1981 GPz550 parts. My requests on the Gpz550 forum for a seat, rear fender, rear rotors etc have gone unanswered. My front M/C is dry so I am figuring that must be toast too.

[cowboyup3371]

Found this one Steve - http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/mpo/4378716512.html

[winfield]

the guy says to call or leave a text but makes it difficult to find ph #. Hit the contact button and it shows up.

Not good at marketing

[jwhelan65]

Great build

[srsupertrap]

Wow, that sucks. Live and learn. Shouldn't be overly difficult to find a clutch hub.

There is a 1986 KL600 clutch hub on EBay which will fit the GPz550. Ebayer states it has 11.5K . . . half of the mileage on this motor. Probably won't get any better right?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-KAWASAKI-KL600-CLUTCH-INNER-HUB-/230917007687?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35c3b9e947&vxp=mtr

[SVSooke]

What are you waiting for?

[Guest]

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/mcy/4388179899.html

[Rob S.]

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/mcy/4388179899.html

Wow!

33 years ago I was riding my '73 Z1 from NYC to Rochester. I cruised most of the way at 80 to 85 mph. Near Monticello on route 17 one of those GPz 550's caught up to me. The highway became grooved with some curves, and I backed off at around 105 mph. I didn't have the guts or the suspension to keep up with him.

I remember at the time, Cycle World proclaimed the GPz 550 the first production bike with suspension good enough to race completely stock.