82 GPz for $1700, decent price?

[Nessism]

Ok, would it be too weird or crass to put the GPz 84-85 front cowling on an 82-83?
I like the twin rear shocks.

The '82 was the twin shock version with the fork mounted faring. Starting in '83 the bikes got a mono shock and frame mounted (larger) fairing.

As far as mounting the later fairing on a '82 is concern, I'm not sure it would fit without modification. Considering the cost and availability of parts and bikes, a project like that seems out of scope in my opinion.

 

[Road_Clam]

Ok, would it be too weird or crass to put the GPz 84-85 front cowling on an 82-83?
I like the twin rear shocks.

I have a spare cowling your welcome to it N/C, just throw me a few bucks for shipping. It's been repainted late 80's road racing hot pink , but it's solid..

I can also take detailed pics of the fairing bracket, I think I have a spare bracket as well. I've got an attic FULL of spares for the GPz , and my GSXR

 

[Buffalo Bill]

I'll make a note of that Road_Clam. Don't have a GPz now and won't be able to buy a bike until mid-summer. We never know what's gonna show up suddenly.
Looks like your offer neutralizes Nessism's cost opinion. Plus I checked airtech-streamlining.com, GPz half fairing and windshield don't cost so much.
Much rather have your OEM stuff.
From what I see in parts diagrams, most half fairings have a supporting subframe that fastens to the steering head and each down tube. It would take some skill to fabricate that, but not cost much at all.

 

[geol]

For the OP... if you have the need for the OEM look and can paint:

https://www.maier-mfg.com/catalog/large-sport-fairing-rectangular-headlight

The paint was called Firecracker Red btw...

 

[Nessism]

For the OP... if you have the need for the OEM look and can paint:

https://www.maier-mfg.com/catalog/large-sport-fairing-rectangular-headlight

The paint was called Firecracker Red btw...

Don't buy from that source. You can buy those Maier fairings for less than $120 on ebay.

 

[Road_Clam]

I'll make a note of that Road_Clam. Don't have a GPz now and won't be able to buy a bike until mid-summer. We never know what's gonna show up suddenly.
Looks like your offer neutralizes Nessism's cost opinion. Plus I checked airtech-streamlining.com, GPz half fairing and windshield don't cost so much.
Much rather have your OEM stuff.
From what I see in parts diagrams, most half fairings have a supporting subframe that fastens to the steering head and each down tube. It would take some skill to fabricate that, but not cost much at all.

Word of caution, Maier and Airtech are NOT anywhere near OEM fit and quality. They are really "race" only bodywork that you can make work for oem substutute but I found that the aftermarket stuff fits up to oem mated components VERY poorly. I bought an Airtech upper cowling for my GSXR and the fit was totally crap, not even close to fitting my oem mid panels. I've been searching high and low for many years to try and find a Firecracker Red accesorie GPz lower for my '84. kawasaki sold a lower kit as a accesorie but they are ultra rare. There was also an aftermarket that made a color matched lower as well , I saw one for sale many years ago but it was a silver one.

 

[bwringer]

In fact, George's old bike is for sale by the current owner:

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/5371581482.html

1983 GPZ750 - $2200 (Indy)

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I agree with you Bill on the monoshock GPZs (and GSes, for that matter) looking a lot slicker than the twin shock models. But your choices in modding the rear suspensions are the biggest limitations on the monoshocks. You can still get a Hagon monoshock for most of the mid-80s Japanese models, but it ain't cheap. Some have found units off newer models that will fit the older bikes as well.

I like both types very much. If I were looking to race in a vintage class or just have a fun day track bike, I'd go with a twin shock model though, mainly for the suspension choices still available.

For the record, George's old GPz is wearing a shock from a late model sportbike. I believe it's from a GSXR or Hayabusa -- there are a fair number of low-mileage stock shocks floating around, since these bikes so often end up modified. It was a straight bolt-in, other than we had to find a spot for the reservoir -- this ended up zip-tied to the frame with a piece of foam for padding. Overall, the shock transplant was a resounding success -- much better ride, much better control.

I believe he found the info on the swap on the KZrider forum. Although my memory isn't perfect, I think the odds are that it was a Hayabusa shock, since the spring was stiffer than the GPz original; a GSXR is so much lighter that I can't imagine the stock shock spring would suffice for a heavier older bike.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

Interesting, same Hayabusa shock works in the GSX750F, although it's a bit longer and raises the rear.
Another shock swap is from the Yamaha R6 but that is a bit shorter and lowers the rear.
In my 90 GSX750F the OEM shock is still in very good condition.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

Probably just me, but I far prefer the older GPzs with the little bikini fairing or none at all. My first streetbike was an '82 GPz 550. Loved that thing.

 

[Rob S.]

Probably just me, but I far prefer the older GPzs with the little bikini fairing or none at all.

Gotta agree you with you. And I say 1100 or 550 - go big or go home. :beguiled:

 

[Road_Clam]

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of mid priced options for my '84 monoshocker. I almost pulled the trigger on having a Hagon custom built but I got cold feet after the $700 price tag. I actually can live with the OEM rear as I only weigh 160 , but the front forks are absolutely garbage they feels so soft no matter what oil I try. The front end has always been an issue with me especially when you snap the front end over quick and hard into a corner, it feels like it just wallows when pushed hard.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

$700! Gasp!
Yeah, you can find a used Hayabasa monoshock on ebay for less than $100. Need more info on what year would work best, but just taking a chance would not be expensive.
Front springs you can get a new pair from Sonic Springs for less than $100. I just did my GSX750F, and my GS1100G.

 

[Road_Clam]

$700! Gasp!
Yeah, you can find a used Hayabasa monoshock on ebay for less than $100. Need more info on what year would work best, but just taking a chance would not be expensive.
Front springs you can get a new pair from Sonic Springs for less than $100. I just did my GSX750F, and my GS1100G.

I'm no suspension expert and i'm not sure if stiffer springs will help. The GPZ experts say to first ditch the anti-dive units and the forks will perform better but I really want to preserve my bikes OEM status so im trying to resist mods.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

I had an 83 Yamaha XJ750 Seca with antidive, seems all the sport 750s had them in those years.
I replaced the seals and checked the antidive system and it was all in order. I could not tell how effective it was, but I did do some hard braking tests and thought that bike handled real good.
Replacing springs will not effect the antidive system.
On my GS1100G I did find that adding air pressure to the forks stressed the seals and they leaked. After I replaced the springs they had no need for additional air pressure and the seals stopped leaking.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

Contact Traxxion Dynamics to inquire as to whether they can rebuild your shock. They do amazing work.

http://www.traxxion.com/

 

[Rob S.]

...The GPZ experts say to first ditch the anti-dive units and the forks will perform better but I really want to preserve my bikes OEM status so im trying to resist mods.

Cycle World reported the same findings, but I agree with your OEM strategy.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

I know nothing about the design of the Kawasaki system, but for the Yamaha system people said all that needed to be done was block off the oil passage with a piece of sheet steel under the gasket. I never did because it seemed to work fine.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

Interesting the way Wayne Rainey is riding and the way the Muzzy GPz has pull back handlebars.
Just like Eddy Lawson on the KZ1000 that Rainey was riding with the year before.

 

[Grimly]

I realize that a lot of guys like the bigger bikes, but to me the '81 GPz550 is the best looking.

If memory isn't playing tricks, a friend discovered the bodywork from its larger sibling fitted straight on with no problems. Gave him much better protection and other benefits for the long days on the road.