Due to a change in circumstances, my beloved K13R had to go (but you never know if my numbers come up...) FatBob was given a GPZ500 for free not so long back, when his Bandit got pinched and as that's back (meaning the Kwak was surplus) the GPZ has now found it's way into my hands. I had an early 500 in the late 90's before they had 17" wheels and a distinct lack of ground clearance, so I've got a bit of previous with these (mine ended up in a ditch when the belly pan touched down, lifting the front wheel off the deck due to the lack of ground clearance and my lack of ability/sense!) Background covered so back to the thread title, 'So here's the plan.....' Turn this unloved and not exactly inspiring looking bike:- And turn it into something like this:- The GPZ500 is 'blessed' with a steel frame, so no specialist welding gear needed and the tank's going to need some thought as to getting it to either look right (wrong shape, but fits the frame) or modifying a fibreglass tank (right shape but doesn't fit the frame) I'm leaning towards going naked as well, firstly cost and secondly, I prefer nakeds. First thing is a good service and get the bike running properly and some bits to sort for an MOT and I'm back on 2 wheels. After that, KR750 replica seat unit to be ordered and a subframe to build....!
Another great project thread! I'll watch this with an eagle eye :thumbsup: Oh, and as i always say, everything is better when naked.
Looking forward to seeing what you do to it bud! Im just gutted i didnt have the time to put into it that it deserves
Well, so far, work has got in the way of my social calendar, so not much has happened so far..... Walshy turned up today with a battery that 'will' fit (once I've got the battery tray out and trimmed a few bits back) and pretty much first crank and the old girl fired into life, unfortunately the 500 twin is a 250 single at the moment, but I'm betting that some fresh petrol and a clean out of the carbs should rectify the problem! Onwards and upwards as they say!
It was running on 2 when we got it going (done the classic feel the downpipes test) and carbs seemed pretty clean. May be the HT lead we sorted out on so is probs the other thats gone?
Have you had a look at oberdan bezzi's designs ? I was mad for the continental circus (xj600) last year but never got round to sourcing the bits.
Thanks Stu, I hadn't, but have now! The ideas I've posted above are amongst them. Some good inspiration there.
