1981 Kawasaki GPz550: Restoration

[srsupertrap]

Is there a thread which lists current motorcycle make & models which come equipped with SH775s. The Ebay SH775 you linked looks weather worn, probably works fine though. Second does the SH775 bolt mounting spacing line up with the Kawasaki R&R bolt mounting spacing?

 

[Nessism]

Is there a thread which lists current motorcycle make & models which come equipped with SH775s. The Ebay SH775 you linked looks weather worn, probably works fine though. Second does the SH775 bolt mounting spacing line up with the Kawasaki R&R bolt mounting spacing?

The SH775 is quite a bit larger than the typical OEM shunt type R/R. It won't directly interchange, but it's a big step up in terms of more modern technology.

 

[2BRacing]

SH775's are OEM on Polaris side-by-side 4 wheelers. That is why they have mud on them!
At least that shows the ATV was running at the time it was wrecked!

 

[srsupertrap]

Thanks Ed & 2Bracing for SH775 detail. I have to read up on SH775s because I am behind the times but then again I like older motorcycles. Since I already own a 82 GPz550 R&R which is the same design as the 81 model but has a different connector/ terminals. I placed a EBay order for 1/4" brass male connectors (China) and a crimper and will retrofit the 82 R&R and see if it regulates VDC.

Mean time I sent out the V&H exhaust for media blasting. Removed the baffle and found rust on the outside of the fiberglass packing. Blasting resulted in pin holes in the muffler. Diffuser can had rust holes also requiring repair. Header was pitted but solid. Here are those pics of the process:

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BTW what adhesive would you use to reattach the V&H logo? The old adhesive was very thin, flexible and black

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The guy blasting tried his hand at welding a cover, not much material led to the following or he didn't know what he was doing. On the underside, street facing

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No experience with V&H muffler packing so I removed about half of the fiberglass. For those who know add more?

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Plan to install this when oil filter change is due.

 

[Zaddict]

Any end of summer updates? How's the bike running now?

 

[srsupertrap]

The GPz is running really good, starts rights up, charges and the Mikuni smoothbores carbureate well even at altitude. The GPz is a joy to ride around town because its so much lighter than my GS1000. I am still getting used to the GPz gearing which seems like it could use a 7th gear for highway riding. Overall its a runner again instead of a garage project. Still have to replace a fork leg seal, winterize it etc. I did change the oil at around 75 miles.

I got this C/L link from Corey, 1982 GPz550 in your neck of the woods titled "$2,500.00 Bassani Exhaust". Looks to be a safety wired GPz550. Cheers

https://fresno.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1982-kawasaki-gpz550/6730096849.html

 

[Burque73]

This one's a little closer, and cheaper. Right next door to me in fact, if you're at all interested in another one?
https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1982-kawasaki-gpz550/6711676703.html

 

[rgstu]

I had a 83 gpz550h1 my first 4 stroke bike and a ypvs yam killer what a brilliant bike love gpz kwaks

 

[Rob S.]

...83 gpz550h1...what a brilliant bike love gpz kwaks

Cycle World called the GPz550 the first production bike that could be raced completely stock, right out of the box.

Writing about the 1981 GS1100E Suzuki, they said, "it didn't create the visual excitement of a Kawasaki GPz..."

 

[srsupertrap]

I read in Motorcycle Classics recently, the Honda VF500F Interceptor ended the GPz550 box stock racing domination.

 

[nvr2old]

I road raced a VF500F Interceptor several times in the 750 production class..and got on the podium every time. Those babies are sweet..they haul a$$ and they handle like they're on rails. I would embarrass the 750s in the tight stuff, and they could just nip me down the straights. Amazing bikes to this day.