This just in.........

[outrunner]

As of today, new resident in the workshop. 1980 Kawasaki z200, bought cheaply, and I mean VERY cheaply. It has stood dejected in a garage since it's last MOT in 2008 but I reckon it is worth saving, if for no other reason than I need something to do.

I am led to believe the mileage is correct, but you never can tell.

And before anyone says, I know the seat is a naff colour even though it is well made and underneath it still has most of the original tool kit.

As to be expected most of the chrome has suffered a bit, might be able to recover some of it but I think I will be looking for quotes on getting things re-chromed and the front rim is beyond recovery so that means a new one, at least I will be able to try out my wheel building skills.

As an aside, I am told the registration should be worth £325 at least so I am on a winner already.
I guess some,if not all of you will think I am nuts taking this on, but what's a man to do?
It may be some time before this little bike gets to go back out the workshop door!!


Andy.

 

[Philwhiskeydrinker]

It looks a great basis for a resto Andy, and if the price is right why not?
To be fair, it looks near enough for an oily rag resto

 

[Lutin]

Brilliant! Another build thread.

Top work, Andy.

 

[Steve T]

You must be getting soft - you've got the heater on in the garage in May FFS

My only experience of old kawa's of that vintage would lead me to think that "very cheap" was still way too expensive , but you have the time and patience to prove me wrong.

keep spannering,

Steve T

 

[outrunner]

You must be getting soft - you've got the heater on in the garage in May FFS

I will have you know that building has stone walls 3 feet thick, and it's draughty and a bit damp and the fire is only on one bar. Got to look after the ageing bones don't you know.

PS. It would give me no end of pleasure to prove you wrong, unless it runs the cam out of the head that is.

Andy.

 

[Lowflyer]

Jeez Andy,

Gotta admire your spunk ( that just sounds so wrong doesn't it ?? )
That's a fair old refurb job, there's more rust there than on the Titanic

Anyways good luck old codger

 

[outrunner]

Jeez Andy,
That's a fair old refurb job, there's more rust there than on the Titanic

Yes John, but the rest of the bike is OK, only the chrome bits that will really cause me a problem cash wise, everything else is just elbow grease (and a bit of luck) Don't worry, it will be fine.



Andy.

 

[Lowflyer]

Jeez Andy,
That's a fair old refurb job, there's more rust there than on the Titanic

Yes John, but the rest of the bike is OK, only the chrome bits that will really cause me a problem cash wise, everything else is just elbow grease (and a bit of luck) Don't worry, it will be fine.



Andy.

I'm just saving this for posterity

Good luck

 

[Philwhiskeydrinker]

I recommissioned the neighbours z400 twin, it had stood for over 13years & left full of fuel, what a mess.....
Got it running 'ok' but really, no REALLY needed new carb rubbers, he reckoned they weren't available along with various other bits & bobs.
Still, it's nice to make these non runners splutter into life.
Keep us posted Andy

 

[Steve T]

. . . . . . splutter into life. . . .

Sounds about right for that age of Kwak

 

[outrunner]

I recommissioned the neighbours z400 twin, it had stood for over 13years & left full of fuel, what a mess.....
Got it running 'ok' but really, no REALLY needed new carb rubbers, he reckoned they weren't available along with various other bits & bobs.
Still, it's nice to make these non runners splutter into life.
Keep us posted Andy

Well, once I had cleaned out the carb and all the jets, fitted a new battery the old thing fired no problem, runs as sweet as a sweet thing in a sweet shop. As for unobtanium bits, if you dig deep enough and are not in a rush something right will always turn up.


Andy.

 

[Steve T]

Strong is the force in this one I think

Andy 1 - Steve 0

 

[outrunner]

Things progress slowly, various bits removed today. All the chrome taken off, that is going to have to be replaced, or re-chromed, either way it will cost a bit.
Engine almost ready to get cleaned up.

Time now to strip down the frame and clean it ready to take to the powder coating guys.

More boring pictures of a pile of bits soon.

Andy.

 

[Steve T]

Andy,

Just spotted this on local gumtree:-

http://www.gumtree.com/p/kawasaki-motor ... 1117920243

Donor / spares machine?

Steve T

 

[fatowl]

I used to dispatch ride on one back in the day. I rather liked it - but they do have a ravenous hunger for camshafts & heads...

 

[outrunner]

I used to dispatch ride on one back in the day. I rather liked it - but they do have a ravenous hunger for camshafts & heads...

Yes, I know they can have problems, but for all the miles I will do with the bike it will be fine.

Andy.

 

[outrunner]

With a bit of patience and perseverance, a barrowload of different grades of wet and dry, 5 gallons of Autosol and a few yards of cleaning cloth you can change this.............

To this...........

Not the same fork lower obviously, but I forgot to take a picture before I cleaned it. Oh well, only one more to go.

Andy.

 

[Lowflyer]

You have too much time on your hands





Lucky bugger

Keep them pics coming Andy

 

[outrunner]

Just a quick update. Got the frame, swing arm, headlight shell and various other bits back from the powdercoaters today and I am well pleased with the quality of the work. Sorry, no pics as I did not have the camera today but will post some up tomorrow (ish).


Andy.

 

[Lowflyer]

Come on Andy,

Get a grip -- no pictures ?

You muppet