Kawasaki Z200 with a twist.... would you?
Discussion
Yes, definitely, and looking at the photos it shouldn't take too long.
I still have my first "big bike", a 1977 GS400B with over 50,000 miles on it, and that is my first project when I retire.
I wouldn't have any of the others that I've had since, including any of the Harley's, the Commando, the SP400, so I don't (luckily) have any "I wish I hadn't sold...".
I still have my first "big bike", a 1977 GS400B with over 50,000 miles on it, and that is my first project when I retire.
I wouldn't have any of the others that I've had since, including any of the Harley's, the Commando, the SP400, so I don't (luckily) have any "I wish I hadn't sold...".
Today's work:
Ran the engine to get this small clip.
http://s77.photobucket.com/user/mj_skinner83/media...
Then had it stripped in time for lunch and dropped off at powder coaters.
Unfortunately the exhaust is needing replaced.
Ran the engine to get this small clip.
http://s77.photobucket.com/user/mj_skinner83/media...
Then had it stripped in time for lunch and dropped off at powder coaters.
Unfortunately the exhaust is needing replaced.
black-k1 said:
Given what the old compound was like to ride on 
I assume that they've eased back on the cement dust and iron filings ratio in the new one! 
That made me smile I assume that they've eased back on the cement dust and iron filings ratio in the new one! 
When I was 17, my best mate had a GT185 with an Avon SM on the back, which he called the DeathMaster. It had a really square profile, almost like it was designed for a sidecar. He fixed it by putting the bike on the centre stand with the engine running and in gear and used a wood surform to give the tyre a more circular profile, and it really did seem to improve it.
Mr2Mike said:
That made me smile
When I was 17, my best mate had a GT185 with an Avon SM on the back, which he called the DeathMaster. It had a really square profile, almost like it was designed for a sidecar. He fixed it by putting the bike on the centre stand with the engine running and in gear and used a wood surform to give the tyre a more circular profile, and it really did seem to improve it.
Although in the 70's, the standard Jap Teflon-coated Bridgestone and Yokohama tyres were a damned sight worse than the British Avon Speedmaster. The first hint of dampness on the road and you were on your arse! They lasted for ages, though!When I was 17, my best mate had a GT185 with an Avon SM on the back, which he called the DeathMaster. It had a really square profile, almost like it was designed for a sidecar. He fixed it by putting the bike on the centre stand with the engine running and in gear and used a wood surform to give the tyre a more circular profile, and it really did seem to improve it.
What a fabulous project and story.
If it is a keeper, which I imagine this will be, then its final value means nothing.
I still ride (occasionally) my 1980 Guzzi V50, and although in nice condition it isn't as nice as that is going to be.
West Midlands Police used the Z200 as their "Panda" bike in the late 70s early 80s.
If it is a keeper, which I imagine this will be, then its final value means nothing.
I still ride (occasionally) my 1980 Guzzi V50, and although in nice condition it isn't as nice as that is going to be.
West Midlands Police used the Z200 as their "Panda" bike in the late 70s early 80s.
Just a small update. Been waiting 6 weeks now for the chroming to come back, and still waiting so that has held it up somewhat. Got the loom fixed and re-wrapped, and done a lot of zinc plating of fixings. It doesn't seem like much but the zinc plating and alloy polishing takes an age.
evil len said:
Looking good chap. Yeah, polishing is a ballache isn't it ... don't you find you're absolutely black afterwards ?
All the black crap up my nose is the worst part. I keep forgetting to wear a mask. Pretty new at polishing so learning as i go. Finding that working my way through wet and dry paper from 600 up to 1400 then course compound on a sisal wheel up to "super shine" on the loose flappy wheel works ok, but its still not perfect. Think i might be using too much compound as i end up with stuck on residue that then needs scrubbed off. A bit more last night. Taken the clutch cover and front sprocket cover off to start polishing, then i painted the engine case in alumimium paint. Looks ok so far but will be nicer once it is built back up as its a bit bright just now. Kawasaki left these areas bare alloy but the finish was too far gone to make it look fresh without paint.
Got all my chrome back and built the wheels back up. Then taken the wheels to a bike shop to be "trued". This is where i made a stupid mistake and didnt take not of the dish before i cut out the hubs. So they are going on centre then measured then adjusted again. Feel like a prize plum.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff