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1981 Kawasaki GPz550: Restoration

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    Originally posted by Nessism View Post
    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

    Last edited by srsupertrap; 03-06-2014, 10:27 PM.
    Steve

    1979 GS1000E (45 Yrs), 1981 GPz550 (11 Yrs)

    Comment


      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

      Last edited by srsupertrap; 03-06-2014, 11:10 PM.
      Steve

      1979 GS1000E (45 Yrs), 1981 GPz550 (11 Yrs)

      Comment


        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
        Last edited by srsupertrap; 03-17-2014, 09:49 PM.
        Steve

        1979 GS1000E (45 Yrs), 1981 GPz550 (11 Yrs)

        Comment


          Need more parts?

          Current stable:

          85 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator
          87 Kawasaki ZL1000 Eliminator
          99 Kawasaki ZRX1100 Eddie Lawson replica
          15 Yamaha VMAX - The Maroon Monsoon

          http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o..._Avatar1_1.jpg

          Comment


            Originally posted by 83GS1100E_Tornado View Post
            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
            Steve

            1979 GS1000E (45 Yrs), 1981 GPz550 (11 Yrs)

            Comment


              Originally posted by 83GS1100E_Tornado View Post
              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?
              1978 GS 1000 (since new)
              1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
              1978 GS 1000 (parts)
              1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
              1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
              1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
              2007 DRz 400S
              1999 ATK 490ES
              1994 DR 350SES

              Comment


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

                Comment


                  Originally posted by Montanaman View Post
                  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

                  Originally posted by BigT
                  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.
                  Last edited by srsupertrap; 03-18-2014, 02:32 PM.
                  Steve

                  1979 GS1000E (45 Yrs), 1981 GPz550 (11 Yrs)

                  Comment


                    Found this one Steve - http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/mpo/4378716512.html
                    Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

                    1981 GS550T - My First
                    1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
                    2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

                    Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
                    Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
                    and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

                    Comment


                      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
                      Last edited by Guest; 03-19-2014, 11:07 AM. Reason: my mistake

                      Comment


                        Great build

                        Comment


                          Originally posted by Nessism View Post
                          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?



                          Steve

                          1979 GS1000E (45 Yrs), 1981 GPz550 (11 Yrs)

                          Comment


                            What are you waiting for?

                            Comment


                              Current stable:

                              85 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator
                              87 Kawasaki ZL1000 Eliminator
                              99 Kawasaki ZRX1100 Eddie Lawson replica
                              15 Yamaha VMAX - The Maroon Monsoon

                              http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o..._Avatar1_1.jpg

                              Comment


                                Originally posted by 83GS1100E_Tornado View Post
                                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.
                                1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red

                                2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.

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