Tim's Kawasaki S1 Restoration Thread

[Tim Kreitz]

And So It Begins
Well, here we go. I have scored my first project bike since college, a 1973 Kawasaki S1A triple, which I bought from Carl this week. This thread will serve as the official annal of my progress, from beginning to end, in bringing back to life a true icon of Japanese motorcycle history.

The Secret Barn of Carl Peterson
In a locale which shall remain nameless, there stands one of those stereotypical barns you only hear about in stories -- a veritable treasure trove of preserved, semi-preserved, and basket-case contraptions of various ilk; some with wheels, some with wings, but all with sleeping, dust-covered souls that harken back to earlier eras of mechanical man. It is The Secret Barn of Carl Peterson®.

And there in the very back, covered in a dirty white drop cloth, sat my S1, waiting quietly and patiently for someone to take it home and begin its process of resurrection.

Camerawise, all I had was my cellphone. But the moment Carl pulled back the cloth, I had to snap a pic:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/OSB/my1973s1inthebarn.jpg

The bike is about 85-percent complete, and seemingly mechanically sound. The motor turns freely and seems to have plenty of compression. We were in my Jeep, so I couldn't take it home, but we're going to get it either tonight or tomorrow morning.

Getting Started
I did some initial work on the carbs last night, cleaning the float bowls, testing the floats, and inspecting the gaskets. I took pics and will post them later.

The Master Plan
Here's a basic outline of what I'm going to do to the bike. This won't be a period-correct restoration, as I want to do my own thing with respect to paint and decals. It'll also have some cafe-racer cues. But it's gonna rule:

1. Bare-frame teardown, cleaning, and rust removal (almost no rust, BTW, even tank)
2. All new paint & graphics
3. Chemical polishing of chrome (re-chroming, if necessary)
4. Motor disassembly, inspection, reassembly, and cleaning
5. New tires
6. New seat cover
7. New gauges
8. Electrical inspection, and possibly a new main harness if necessary
9. Anything else I think of along the way

Wish me luck. This is gonna be fun. :dude:

http://www.japparts.nl/images/Kawasaki/k1003.jpg

[Rman of 237]

:sun:....:popcorn:

[Wayne Meuir]

Tim, The Kaw triples are fun bikes, I have a 72 H2 750 that I am doing a frame up restore right now and I am about half done. It will not be totally concours correct, but will look basically stock with a few upgrades. Here is what it looked like before I started:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p84/waynemeuir/1972%20H2%20Restoration/LeftSide1-1-08002.jpg
and Now:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p84/waynemeuir/1972%20H2%20Restoration/Roller5-12-08.jpg
I also have one of the best unrestored H1 500's around that is a totally original rider:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p84/waynemeuir/Bike%20Pics/75H112-30-07017.jpg
And a 77 KH400 with 1800 original miles:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p84/waynemeuir/Bike%20Pics/KH400Pic002.jpg
I had one of the pipes off in the pic of the KH400 because I had just mounted new tires and had not gotten it back on when I took the pic.

Wayne

[Diderich]

Thread subscribed.

[scar04]

This should be good.

[SRADkneedragger]

Of course you realize that a major portion of the purchase price was "The Ride Priviledge":trust:
SRAD

[Tim Kreitz]

Wayne, your triples are awesome. When I was a little kid, my uncle and his brother-in-law were freaks for the Kawasaki triples. I went over 100 on the back of an H2 when I was about eight or nine. I think that's where my moto-sickness began.

I'm really looking forward to getting started. I've begun cleaning out one of the big bunk shelves in my garage on which to store and catalog parts. I have to keep reminding my self to take my time and be meticulous with this project, because right now, I can't stop dreaming of riding it.

We're bringing it to Midland tonight. More pics later.

[Tim Kreitz]

Just for reference, here's a pic of a correct restoration of my exact model and paint scheme:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/1973s1correctrestore.jpg

I have made no decisions on color or graphics yet, but I'm leaning toward either Firecracker Red, the original Candy Gold, or Kawasaki Green with black and white graphics. Of course, I'm a long way from final paint and final assembly.

[Tim Kreitz]

Of course you realize that a major portion of the purchase price was "The Ride Priviledge":trust:
SRAD

Heh-heh. Understood. You'll get to ride it.

At least once, anyway. :lol2:

[McSpeedy]

Coolness. Should be a lot of fun. And work! Will you be doing all the work yourself or will you be getting some done at your local shops (ie painting)?

Also - you a tried and true Kawi fan, or do you just wind up finding Kawis that you want?

Mic

[Tim Kreitz]

Coolness. Should be a lot of fun. And work! Will you be doing all the work yourself or will you be getting some done at your local shops (ie painting)?

I'm doing every single bit of it myself. Well, that is, until I get stuck and have to call Rodger or Carl or Dave for some temporary assistance. :lol2:

Also - you a tried and true Kawi fan, or do you just wind up finding Kawis that you want?

I'm a bona-fide member of the Cult of Kawasaki®, especially when it comes to vintage and retro stuff. It's a mental illness, I'm convinced. :-P

[SRADkneedragger]

I have the same illness only mine is the twostroke stuff.
SRAD

[Tim Kreitz]

I have the same illness only mine is the twostroke stuff.
SRAD

I can vouch for that.

[pub610]

Tim, Motorcycle Consumer News had a good article on re-lining inside of gas tanks. Might be worth a look. If you can't find a copy and want it, shoot me a note with an address and I'll mail it to you.

[Tim Kreitz]

Tim, Motorcycle Consumer News had a good article on re-lining inside of gas tanks. Might be worth a look. If you can't find a copy and want it, shoot me a note with an address and I'll mail it to you.

The tank actually has very little rust in it, but yes, I would love to have that article just in case. Thank you:

[timkreitz-att-yahoooooooo-dot-comremovethis]

:thumb:

[Tim Kreitz]

Here are the pics of the floats, floatbowls, and float-bowl gaskets:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/s1bloatsgasketsbowls.jpg

As you can see, I had only cleaned Number 3 at that point. The bottoms of the bowls were filled with crud and scale. Here's a close-up of before and after:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/s1floatbowlscloseup.jpg

The floats look just great. I inspected the welds and the overall surfaces of them very closely through a magnifying glass and all appears well:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/s1floatcloseupmagnified.jpg

I'll finish going through the carbs this weekend and determine whether or not I need to order a new kit for them. Otherwise, I'm gonna clean them, reassemble them, and store them for now.

[Wayne Meuir]

Tim.
Look closely at the over flow tubes in the carbs bowls, they are bad about splitting lengthwise and causing a leak.

Also, you might want to join the Kawasaki Triples Worldwide Forum if you are not a member already. There are some guys there that will help you with anything you need and have forgotten more about Kaw Triples than I ever hope to know.

There is also a Kawasaki Triples Resource Center that has a huge technical library asociated with it that is free. Everything you always wanted to know but did not know who to ask.

By the way, the Gold color is one of my favorites, and the S-series triples handle MUCH better that the 500's and 750's, My 400, while not as fast as my 500, will ride right away from the 500 if the road is crooked enough.

Wayne

[jredford]

Good luck!

[Loyd]

I have the same illness only mine is the twostroke stuff.
SRAD

Just for you :trust: http://www.motorcycledaily.com/22april09_1100cc2stroke.htm

[BexarWolf]

Thread subscribed.

Ditto :popcorn:

the original Candy Gold

That one gets my vote (well.....if you're gonna take votes)

My first bike was a *I think* 1979 KZ1000LTD. LOVED that bike.

[djw]

Tim, The Kaw triples are fun bikes.
And a 77 KH400 with 1800 original miles:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p84/waynemeuir/Bike%20Pics/KH400Pic002.jpg
I had one of the pipes off in the pic of the KH400 because I had just mounted new tires and had not gotten it back on when I took the pic.
Wayne

Tim,

Wayne's looks quite a bit like my first bike (although it was a 75 S3 in Green/green). My riding buddy at the time had an H2 that I really wanted but did not have the money for.

I have been dreaming a of doing an ring-ding H2 project for some time so I am very interested in your progress.

Best of luck and keep the updates coming. :clap:

[Tim Kreitz]

Tim.
Look closely at the over flow tubes in the carbs bowls, they are bad about splitting lengthwise and causing a leak.

Thanks. I double-checked them under the magnifying glass at your suggestion and they look good. They're clear of obstruction as well. :thumb:

Also, you might want to join the Kawasaki Triples Worldwide Forum if you are not a member already. There are some guys there that will help you with anything you need and have forgotten more about Kaw Triples than I ever hope to know.

I found and bookmarked those forums the first night after I got home from buying the bike. I'll be joining soon for sure.

There is also a Kawasaki Triples Resource Center that has a huge technical library asociated with it that is free. Everything you always wanted to know but did not know who to ask.

Yessir. I've already downloaded the service manual, the Glenn's manual, wiring diagrams, and the technical manual for the carburetors. I'm sure I'll be grabbing a lot more reference material from there by the end of the project. Thanks again.

By the way, the Gold color is one of my favorites, and the S-series triples handle MUCH better that the 500's and 750's, My 400, while not as fast as my 500, will ride right away from the 500 if the road is crooked enough.

I've heard that from several people. I've always been told that, in all reality, the 250, 350, and 400 were the only ones whose motors weren't too much for the S-series and H-series chassis design. I think this'll be a great little bike for banging around town and entering into shows.


Good luck!

Many thanks. I'm really looking forward to the whole process.



That one gets my vote (well.....if you're gonna take votes)

I'm leaning toward it. I found a graphics kit that matches it for $75.00 and, since it's candy, might change my mind and leave the tins to a professional if I go this route. Actually, I may do it either way since the tank and tail section need minor body work.

Right now, I've just got to get the thing disassembled and build a rolling stand for the frame. :thumb:


I have been dreaming a of doing an ring-ding H2 project for some time so I am very interested in your progress. Best of luck and keep the updates coming. :clap:

I will, and thank you for being interested. I look forward to taking all of you through this journey with me via TWT, and in person should anybody want to drop by as it's happening.

[Tim Kreitz]

Alrighty, I'll take a few more pictures of her in the daylight tomorrow, but here is one of the last looks you'll get of the S1 before teardown begins.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/s1nightbeforeteardown01.jpg

[primate]

:drool:No smiley for jealousy. I have always loved the two smokes, had a friend in the 80's with a silver RD 350, and another with a gold (can't remember) 250? I will have to get one someday. I did a frame off resto on an old Bonny back in the 80's also that was a lot fun and a lot of work, but very satisfying. If I lived out yonder I would glady help, have fun and quit lollygaggin, we want to see progress. ;-):clap::thumb::chug::popcorn:

[Tim Kreitz]

:drool: ...have fun and quit lollygaggin, we want to see progress. ;-):clap::thumb::chug::popcorn:

Heh-heh. Will do. I have a little prep-work to do in my work area before I start tearing it down, but things are going to initially move quickly. After all, taking a bike apart and is the easy phase. :mrgreen:

Oh, and as promised, here are some daylight pics of the S1:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/s1dayofteardown01.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/s1dayofteardown02.jpg

[Texas T]

After all, taking a bike apart is the easy phase. I resemble that remark. :doh:

[SL350]

Tim,

I drove a 72 H1B for around 28K miles back in the day. These bikes had a bad name for handling and were not expected to last long. But I never did more than change tires, chains, plugs and points. Mostly plugs. Never a problem. Drove it long and hard. Only thing it was doing wrong at the very end was air bubbles were getting into the line from the oil tank to the cylinder. It was a clear line and all I would do is reach down there and turn a lever to pump more oil into the middle cylinder at idle. Once the bubbles were gone I would go ride until next tank (100 miles).

[Fangs]

Perscribed :popcorn: :sun: I love the triples!

[Wayne Meuir]

Tim, you might wat to bookmark Reproduction Decals website as well. They have a LOT of restoration parts and are a pleasure to deal with. All kinds of rubber repro parts, seat covers, cables, etc.

Wayne

[leekellerking]

Yea, plugs getting fouled was probably the only thing that kept me alive on my used H1 back in high school. Otherwise, I'd have probably biffed it big time.


Lee

Tim,

I drove a 72 H1B for around 28K miles back in the day. These bikes had a bad name for handling and were not expected to last long. But I never did more than change tires, chains, plugs and points. Mostly plugs. Never a problem. Drove it long and hard. Only thing it was doing wrong at the very end was air bubbles were getting into the line from the oil tank to the cylinder. It was a clear line and all I would do is reach down there and turn a lever to pump more oil into the middle cylinder at idle. Once the bubbles were gone I would go ride until next tank (100 miles).

[Wayne Meuir]

Here's a couple of my other bikes, I am kinda addicted to 2-stroke smoke:
76 GT750 I resto/modded in 2007
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p84/waynemeuir/Bike%20Pics/76BuffaloSideView12-30-07013-1.jpg
84 RZ350 all original, not perfect, but a nice rider with 13,000 miles:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p84/waynemeuir/Bike%20Pics/84RZ35012-30-07020.jpg

Wayne

[Tim Kreitz]

I love the expansion chamber on the Suzuki. Hand-made or purchased from a specialty fabricator?

[CTFII]

Tim, 2 years ago I rebuilt a 1979 KZ1000 LTD and I found this website extremely helpful. For those of you looking for original parts, frames, whole engines, manuals, and just a bunch of interesting finds, check out the Old Kaw man!!!

www.oldkawman.com

[primate]

I love the expansion chamber on the Suzuki.

Agreed, you'da thunk the factory could have come up with something better than 3 heavy oversized muffs.

[SL350]

Tim,

I just did an old tank with vinegar. It worked well. Cheap and pretty easy on the environment.

All I did was pull the petcock, plug the hole, and fill with a gallon of vinegar. I shook it several times over night and drained it after 24 hours. Flushed with water and then used rubbing alcohol to remove last water traces. Then I filled it with gas immediately as I was not relining.

Probably cost $4.

I figured that if it did not work I could always do a por-15 later.

[Tim Kreitz]

Tim, 2 years ago I rebuilt a 1979 KZ1000 LTD and I found this website extremely helpful. For those of you looking for original parts, frames, whole engines, manuals, and just a bunch of interesting finds, check out the Old Kaw man!!!

www.oldkawman.com

Oh yeah, I forgot about that guy. Does he still post bikini pics of his girlfriend sitting on his restorations? :trust:

[Tim Kreitz]

Tim,

I just did an old tank with vinegar. It worked well. Cheap and pretty easy on the environment.

I'll keep that in mind. I may go with electrolysis, too. The rust is almost non-existent.

[SL350]

I bought the pool cleaner acid from Walmart to do electrolysis. Also picked up a rubbermaid container there. But I never could get an electrode to "hang" in the tank that was not touching the tank and shorting the system out. If you dip the whole tank in, you loose the paint on the outside. I did not want to paint the tank at this time.

The guys who write the electrolysis always get Arm& Hammer washing soda but it is not sold around my neck of the woods and I have searched all kinds of grocery store, dollar stores, big warehouses for 8 years and have never found it. Finally picked up the pool acid and it is waiting for my first electrolysis project.

The vinegar just sounded so easy that I did that instead.

[wiredgeorge]

Drop by our Vintage Bike Tech forum... might have some helpful tips if you get stuck. I am a carb specialist but enjoy bringing the bikes back to life. Have 3 projects in various stages right now myself. I ride a Goldwing two up but for solo, I ride the bike in the picture... 79 KZ1000E1 ST

[Tim Kreitz]

Drop by our Vintage Bike Tech forum...

I'd love to. What's the URL?

Fantastic KZ, by the way. :thumb:

[leekellerking]

I'd love to. What's the URL?




http://www.wgcarbs.com/forum/index.php?action=forum

[Wayne Meuir]

Tim, the exhaust on the GT750 is made by TCE (Tommy Crawford Exhaust) in Ca. It is a 3 into 1 which really does not do much for top end performance, but it pulls like a tractor at low and mid-range, and the Waterbuffalo's were not exactly hot rods to begin with, so it works in the RPM ranges where you ride all the time, but signs off at about 6000. Sounds cool and is very quiet.

Wayne

[rogerlee]

The bike looks to be in pretty good shape. As with any motorcycle trip, the journey is the fun part and not the destination. Take your time and enjoy it. Let me know if you need help.

[CTFII]

Does he still post bikini pics of his girlfriend sitting on his restorations?

Ha ha ha!!! He has only one pic of her on his site now, looking pretty unhappy I might add. Maybe they broke up!!! He was offering a CD with more pics of her when you made a purchase, he's not offering that anymore either!!! I bought a couple of things from him at a very fair price (side covers, points cover) all were as represented. NO, I did not get the CD of his girlfriend!!!:lol2:

[Tim Kreitz]

http://www.wgcarbs.com/forum/index.php?action=forum

Thank you, sir. :thumb:



Tim, the exhaust on the GT750 is made by TCE (Tommy Crawford Exhaust) in Ca.

An expansion-chamber exhaust is something I may consider when the time comes. My S1's stock exhaust has a few dents and will need to be re-chromed, so I'll need to compare costs and see what's the least expensive thing to do.



The bike looks to be in pretty good shape. As with any motorcycle trip, the journey is the fun part and not the destination. Take your time and enjoy it. Let me know if you need help.

Thanks, Rodger. I'm sure I'll need help at some point. :mrgreen:

Regarding the shape of the motorcycle, I think I can make everything work except the cables and instrument cluster. Well, the jury is still out on the wiring at this point, too. It needs side covers (as you can see in the pics), but I may fabricate some cafe-style, flat-panel covers since I'm gonna remove the oiling tank and convert the bike to pre-mix only. A new chain and sprockets go without saying.

The motor turns, has lots of compression, and the carbs look to have been properly mothballed.



Ha ha ha!!! He has only one pic of her on his site now, looking pretty unhappy I might add.

Yes, I remember seeing those pics 6 or 8 years ago and thinking that she probably wasn't onboard with the whole bikini-pic idea. A note to all you aspiring bikini models: Always smile big.

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[Valker]

Tim, if you have not ridden with the leading shoe front brake before, the key to actually stopping without a Fred Flintstone imitation is carefully sanding and mating the shoe(s) to the brake drum so that there is contact over the entire length of the shoe. Most only touch at each end from the factory or supplier.

[Tim Kreitz]

Tim, if you have not ridden with the leading shoe front brake before, the key to actually stopping without a Fred Flintstone imitation is carefully sanding and mating the shoe(s) to the brake drum so that there is contact over the entire length of the shoe. Most only touch at each end from the factory or supplier.

Thanks for the tip. I'll keep that in mind. Both brakes work, but how well they work is undetermined at this point.

[Wayne Meuir]

Tim, take a look at Higgspeed chambers from the UK. They are really nice, polished stainless, and with the current exch rate, are pretty affordable, and they will surely wake up your bike. Stock pipes in good condition are hard to find for any triple now.

Most chrome shops won't touch 2-stroke pipes because of the spooge inside contaminating their tanks.

Also, if you are not concerned about total originality, the kh400 (not sure, but S3 may be disc front as well)front end will probably fit, and get you a disc brake. I actually have just upgraded my KH400 to use an EX500 Caliper to get even better brakes.

Wayne

[Tim Kreitz]

Also, if you are not concerned about total originality, the kh400 (not sure, but S3 may be disc front as well)front end will probably fit, and get you a disc brake. I actually have just upgraded my KH400 to use an EX500 Caliper to get even better brakes.

Speaking of Ninja parts, someone told me that an EX250 motor could be made to fit into an S1 or S2. It doesn't seem like it would work. Have you ever heard of someone doing this?

[SRADkneedragger]

backwards S1 motor into a 250 Ninja
SRAD

[Wayne Meuir]

Yep, S1(250), S2(350), S3(400) or KH400 motor (RD400 motor ain't bad in this chassis either)into a late EX250 chassis. Twice as fast as the EX250 motor but it will turn AND stop!

Wayne

[Tim Kreitz]

Okay, yes, I bet that was it. Thanks. :thumb:

Although I did find a guy who put an EX250 engine into a Honda Hawk with much effort:

http://www.hawkfan4life.com/cl0004.jpg

[RTL]

Of course you could go off the deep end and do something like this http://thekneeslider.com/images/2009/04/jaybuilt7.jpg

[pacman]

http://thekneeslider.com/images/2009/04/jaybuilt7.jpg

Oh my. :drool:

[RTL]

More details? http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/04/24/xj500t-jaybuilt-kawasaki-500-bellytank-triple/#commentsails here:

[Tim Kreitz]

More details? http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/04/24/xj500t-jaybuilt-kawasaki-500-bellytank-triple/#commentsails here:

Wow. :clap:

[Tim Kreitz]

Step One of the Preparation Phase Complete
I built a workbench extension tonight. It rolls on three-inch casters and is the precise width to support the stripped-down frame crossways, even with the wheels and swingarm on, if necessary:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/workbenchextention01.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/workbenchextension03.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/workbenchextension02.jpg

Total cost was about $45.

The next step will be to clear off that bottom bunk shelf you see in the background and get some containers so I can start breaking the bike down, catalog everything, and store it in as organized a manner as possible.

Oh, and I've made a decision on color, I think: Bugatti Orange with black graphics. :thumb:

[rogerlee]

That bench looks great. I didn't know you had such talent

[NPHLYT]

:popcorn:

[MPS]

Tim- Good luck with your project! i started my own kawasaki triple project a couple of months ago on a 1973 s2 350. my tact is different...i want to add a bit of a "houligan" touch. my plan is clip-ons, chambers, etc. still not sure about the paint scheme. my main obstacle now is finding affordable chambers. i search ebay daily and was told s3 chambers would work. finally found some and the guy told me they wouldn't work with an s2...the search continues. i found some in england, but they're about a grand.it seems you can find about any kind of triple parts in europe.
i had an h1 when i was 14...my dad had no idea what i was buying. the power band and sound of a triple is cool and unique. keep us updated! mark

[Wayne Meuir]

MPS, you might try JEMCO in Houston for S2 pipes. He makes a pipe very similar to a Denco for about $600.
The Higgspeed Chambers from the UK Run about $875 shipped, but they are Polished Stainless and really look nice.

Wayne

[leekellerking]

Step One of the Preparation Phase Complete
I built a workbench extension tonight.

I am so jealous! :doh:

You got plans for that workbench, by any chance?

Lee

[leekellerking]

MPS, you might try JEMCO in Houston for S2 pipes. He makes a pipe very similar to a Denco for about $600.
The Higgspeed Chambers from the UK Run about $875 shipped, but they are Polished Stainless and really look nice.

Wayne

http://www.jemcoexhaust.com/products.html

[Tim Kreitz]

That bench looks great. I didn't know you had such talent

Thanks. We need to build you one that you can wheel-out from behind your house and use in your garage or driveway.

[Tim Kreitz]

You got plans for that workbench, by any chance?

Heh-heh. You can borrow it when the S1 is complete. :lol2:

[Tim Kreitz]

Tim- Good luck with your project! i started my own kawasaki triple project a couple of months ago on a 1973 s2 350. my tact is different...i want to add a bit of a "houligan" touch. my plan is clip-ons, chambers, etc. still not sure about the paint scheme.

Post pics of your progress so far! I 'd love to see them. :clap:

I have clubman bars on mine already and will probably fab some cafe-inspired cues, including flat-panel side covers. I'm not going for a correct restoration, either. :thumb:

[MPS]

tim- after seeing how meticulous your set-up is....i'd be embarrassed to show what my garage looks like. but i'll see if i can post some "before" pictures i took before getting started. i really haven't made much progress, but...rome wasn't built in a day!

[Tim Kreitz]

i really haven't made much progress, but...rome wasn't built in a day!

Indeed it wasn't. But when they finished it, it totally ruled.

The world. :mrgreen:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/humor/l_8460e11ee03d21323e81627c4361aa2c.jpg

[Tim Kreitz]

I took the mirror off tonight, cleaned it, masked it, sanded the stem, and painted it with Krylon Fusion to test the look of the paint before using it on anything else. That's when I noticed this:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/mirror01.jpg

LOL. Yamaha. Hey Carl, just out of curiosity, off of which bike was this taken?

[djw]

I took the mirror off tonight, cleaned it, masked it, sanded the stem, and painted it with Krylon Fusion to test the look of the paint before using it on anything else.

Har.

FWIW, the Krylon Fusion in satin black does a really nice job on refurbishing black plastic odds and ends found on bikes. I have used it several times and as long as it is not a part that gets heavy duty wear it works and looks very good for a long time.

[Tim Kreitz]

FWIW, the Krylon Fusion in satin black does a really nice job on refurbishing black plastic odds and ends found on bikes. I have used it several times and as long as it is not a part that gets heavy duty wear it works and looks very good for a long time.

Yeah, I figure I'll only use it for small bits and trinkets. Someone local told me I could pain the frame with it, but I don't think so. It'll be a rattle-can paint job on the frame, but with a few coats of primer and some glossy black engine paint.

[Rman of 237]

Yamaha makes really good mirrors!:lol2:

[ed29]

Must have a different perch too.... I am thinking that the Yamaha left side mirror has left hand threads... Isn't the Kawi setup right hand on both sides?

[Tim Kreitz]

Could be. The bike has cafe bars, so there's a chance Carl took the mirror and perch off one of his other bikes and slapped in on for inspection purposes.

[JacknTexas]

FWIW .....anything you want to stay flat black, try john deere muffler paint. If the formula hasn't changed, it's an epoxy and is more than tough. I used it years ago on auto parts. By far the toughest paint I have ever dealt with.

[fastmonstr]

Heh-heh. Will do. I have a little prep-work to do in my work area before I start tearing it down, but things are going to initially move quickly. After all, taking a bike apart and is the easy phase. :mrgreen:

Oh, and as promised, here are some daylight pics of the S1:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/s1dayofteardown01.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/s1dayofteardown02.jpg

Tim, that bike looks pretty solid and clean. Have you considered just getting in solid order and riding it for awhile? Tires, brakes top end etc?

[CTFII]

I'm with Fastmonstr on this one. I would probably ride it if it's a solid runner and wait till the winter to tear it down. It looks awesome as-is to me!!!

[Tim Kreitz]

Heh-heh-heh. I'm glad to see you guys are just as excited about getting this thing back on the road as I am. :lol2:

Actually, I'm gonna restore it through the miserable heat of summer so it'll hopefully be ready by autumn. It'd be a shame to start taking it apart just as the riding weather is becoming perfect again. :thumb:

By the way, the pictures flatter it. It's rougher than it looks in those shots.

[RTL]

Take your time with the restoration and it will make a sweet little street bike. I had a rootbeer colored 500 triple back in the late '70s. Put some S&W air shocks on the back, a homemade fork brace, superbike bend bars, cast spoked wheels (Morris???), a set of triple expansion chambers, triple K&N carb mounted filters, 75/100 watt halogen headlight bulb and a careful rejet job. Boy, I wish I still had that bike! Nothing like the wail of a multicylinder two stroke coming "on the pipes"!

[Tim Kreitz]

Take your time with the restoration and it will make a sweet little street bike. I had a rootbeer colored 500 triple back in the late '70s. Put some S&W air shocks on the back, a homemade fork brace, superbike bend bars, cast spoked wheels (Morris???), a set of triple expansion chambers, triple K&N carb mounted filters, 75/100 watt halogen headlight bulb and a careful rejet job. Boy, I wish I still had that bike! Nothing like the wail of a multicylinder two stroke coming "on the pipes"!

You and Wayne could have some conversations. Here's his in case you missed it earlier in the thread:

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p84/waynemeuir/Bike%20Pics/75H112-30-07017.jpg

[MPS]

Tim/Wayne- I'm appreciative of the info provided by both of y'all thus far regarding Tim's project. I'm not trying to replace the front fork tubes on my s2.... I found some at frank's forks in Illinois for $250/set. A bit pricey. Y'all know of any other source? Are they interchangable with any more current models... not an s1 or s3?
Wayne- I've emailed Jemco in Houston...no reply yet, but I plan to call them.

[Tim Kreitz]

Tim/Wayne- I'm appreciative of the info provided by both of y'all thus far regarding Tim's project. I'm not trying to replace the front fork tubes on my s2.... I found some at frank's forks in Illinois for $250/set. A bit pricey. Y'all know of any other source?

Check with Mike Long at Motorcycle Performance in Odessa. He has a ton of Kawasaki stuff -- hundreds of Golden-Era KZ, S, H, and Z examples. I bet he'll have a set of fork tubes for an S2.

Motorcycle Performance
(432) 563-1589
12106 W. Highway 80 E. • Odessa, TX • 79765

Good luck! :thumb:

[Wayne Meuir]

I have a new set of Frank's forks on the H2 I'm restoring, and they are really nice hard chrome pieces. Should last linger than I do.

Wayne

[Tim Kreitz]

Hey Wayne, help! :mrgreen:

How do you remove the choke cable from the VM-series carb? The throttle cable was easy enough, but I can't find or feel the release journal on the other, and there's no access into he molded part.

Any info greatly appreciated. :thumb:

[Wayne Meuir]

Tim. You have to unscrew the hex nut that holds the choke assy onto the carb body. Once you do that it is SUPPOSED to just pull out with the choke plunger still attached to the cable. Unfortunately, sometimes the plunger stick in the body of the carb and are tough to get out. I ruined a carb body on my H2 trying to get one of them out. Most will come out if they are stuck by soaking in penetrating oil. The best mixture I have found is a 50/50 mix of acetone and auto tranny fluid, but you will have to seal it up in a coffee can or something or the acetone will evaporate.

Wayne

[Tim Kreitz]

Tim. You have to unscrew the hex nut that holds the choke assy onto the carb body. Once you do that it is SUPPOSED to just pull out with the choke plunger still attached to the cable. Unfortunately, sometimes the plunger stick in the body of the carb and are tough to get out. I ruined a carb body on my H2 trying to get one of them out. Most will come out if they are stuck by soaking in penetrating oil. The best mixture I have found is a 50/50 mix of acetone and auto tranny fluid, but you will have to seal it up in a coffee can or something or the acetone will evaporate.

Thanks, Wayne. I sprayed it with WD40 before I went to bed last night. If that doesn't work, I'll try using penetrating oil.

[DaveC]

Thanks, Wayne. I sprayed it with WD40 before I went to bed last night. If that doesn't work, I'll try using penetrating oil.

NEVER use wd40 on your rubber parts. It causes them to swell. It well lodge a piece quicker than you can say ....wd40! :doh:

The preferred method is to use brake cleaner or boil the carb with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar. Do this outside to prevent the house from becoming uninhabitable for a day or so. Distilled water rather than tap water if it is available.

[Tim Kreitz]

NEVER use wd40 on your rubber parts. It causes them to swell. It well lodge a piece quicker than you can say ....wd40! :doh:

The preferred method is to use brake cleaner or boil the carb with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar. Do this outside to prevent the house from becoming uninhabitable for a day or so. Distilled water rather than tap water if it is available.

Well, I know Carl mothballed the carbs with WD40, which preserved them well, but that could well explain why the plunger is stuck. I've used WD40 on rubber grommets and such in the past and never had a a problem, but this is a little different. At any rate, I'll probably do the acetone/ brake cleaner/penetrating oil thing tonight and let it sit.

[DaveC]

If used in a brake piston it well swell the seal, making the piston stick. It well also cause carb seals to expand to the point that they are bigger than they should be. (Float valve). In the case of the plunger, it is a tight fit made even tighter by the swelling of the seal. They don't un-swell.;-) Brake fluid may work better. Have you tried air pressure?

[Wayne Meuir]

If you have the rest of the carb dissassembled except for the choke plunger, you are OK. There are no rubber parts in the choke plunger. There is a rubber boot on top where the cable goes in (just slide that back up the cable out of the way) but not in the plunger itself where it sticks. It is simply a brass plunger and it stick due to dis-similar metal corrosion forming. Sometimes, you can get them out, sometimes you can't. You can soak them in penetrating oil (my formula above was recommended by a study done at a university somewhere, I did not dream that up) of your choice. Kroil works pretty good. I tried PB Blaster and did not find it very effective.
You can also use a good amount of heat after it has soaked for a while, but you have to be careful or you can melt the carb body.

Wayne

[Tim Kreitz]

If you have the rest of the carb dissassembled except for the choke plunger, you are OK. There are no rubber parts in the choke plunger.

Yeah, I just looked at the technical drawings and breathed a sigh of relief. I was coming back here to share my findings. I didn't think the plunger was rubber, but Dave scared me.

I'll get some Kroil this afternoon. I may need it later, anyway.

I appreciate you guys giving me input. Thanks again. :thumb:

[Tim Kreitz]

You got plans for that workbench, by any chance?

By the way, I am an idiot, Lee. I totally misunderstood what you were asking here when I originally answered the question. Upon re-reading, you obviously meant, do a have a set of 'plans' (technical drawings/blueprints) for the table. I initially thought you meant, "You got plans for that workench?" in the sense of, "Are you gonna eat those nachos?"

What is wrong with me lately? My bad. :lol2:

To answer your question, no, I don't have any plans. I just built it on the fly based on a predetermined width and height as my only non-variable values. I'd be glad to give you all the measurements, though, if you'd like.

Sorry for my confusion. :doh:

[DaveC]

Yeah, , but Dave scared me.
:thumb:

I have that effect on people! :trust: Boiling help clears out the small passages, dissolves the corrosion. You might consider just soaking it in a vinegar and water mix overnight also. If the oil process does not work.
Did you get of the nastiness of the carb for the before picture?

[Tim Kreitz]

Did you get of the nastiness of the carb for the before picture?

Actually, Carl did an excellent job of mothballing the carbs 18 years ago. He took the bottoms of the carbs off, drained them of fuel, cleaned everything, sealed the disassembled parts in an air-tight jar, soaked the bodies in WD-40, and then sealed them in surgical gloves, hanging from the control cables with zip ties.

They look pretty great, truth be told. But I'll be sure to get some pics tonight and post them for you. It'll be a good addition to the thread, anyway. :thumb:

[Tim Kreitz]

Here are the promised pics. :thumb:

The carb with the stuck choke plunger:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/carbwithstuckplunger.jpg


The penetrating oil I bought to hopefully get it unstuck. The stuff is supposedly as good as Kroil. Not according to Wayne. We'll see, 'cause Kroil was unavailable:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/pbpenatratingoil.jpg


Here are the other two carbs, still mothballed. Let's all hope they don't also have stuck choke plungers:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/mothballedcarb.jpg


Just for fun, I cleaned, sanded, primed, and painted the oil pump cover to see if I like the color of engine paint I'm gonna use on the lower cases and covers. It was the perfect test piece. I think it looks good:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/primedandpaintedtestpiece.jpg


Oh, and while I'm at it, here's the amount of rust in the tank. Worse than I first described, but still not too bad, and certainly nothing a little electrolysis or Evapo-Rust wont take care of:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/bitorustintank.jpg

Alright then, I'm headed back out to the garage to see if that penetrating oil worked or not. I may need to let it sit overnight, but the label claims it only needs to work for "a few minutes". It's been about 45 so far.

More to come. :rider:

[leekellerking]

That's okay, Tim. It may be beyond my limited woodworking skills, anyway.

And it wouldn't be worth driving to no-tree-a-stan to pick it up if you change you mind on your "plans." :trust:



Lee

By the way, I am an idiot, Lee. I totally misunderstood what you were asking here when I originally answered the question. Upon re-reading, you obviously meant, do a have a set of 'plans' (technical drawings/blueprints) for the table. I initially thought you meant, "You got plans for that workench?" in the sense of, "Are you gonna eat those nachos?"

What is wrong with me lately? My bad. :lol2:

To answer your question, no, I don't have any plans. I just built it on the fly based on a predetermined width and height as my only non-variable values. I'd be glad to give you all the measurements, though, if you'd like.

Sorry for my confusion. :doh:

[Tim Kreitz]

...no-tree-a-stan...

:lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

[rogerlee]

Yeah, I just looked at the technical drawings and breathed a sigh of relief. I was coming back here to share my findings. I didn't think the plunger was rubber, but Dave scared me.

I'll get some Kroil this afternoon. I may need it later, anyway.

I appreciate you guys giving me input. Thanks again. :thumb:
I could be wrong but I think those brass choke thingys have a small rubber insert in the end of them? I am sure that I have seen that somewhere? Well, I'm pretty sure :)

[Tim Kreitz]

I could be wrong but I think those brass choke thingys have a small rubber insert in the end of them? I am sure that I have seen that somewhere? Well, I'm pretty sure :)

I'll look at the manual again, but I don't think it does.

Oh, it's still stuck, by the way. Tonight, we add heat. :-?

[rogerlee]

I'll look at the manual again, but I don't think it does.

Oh, it's still stuck, by the way. Tonight, we add heat. :-?
I'll go out on a limb here. That thing is called an enrichning plunger? It has to have a way to seal and metal to metal won't work with a flat surface. I think you'll find a little rubber insert in that plunger. BTW, the only metal to metal thing that works is the needle and seat in the float. They rely on a precise tapered fit and spring pressure much like the cyc head valves in a 4 stroke

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d36/roger-lee/B-14.jpg

[rogerlee]

Tim , as a last resort, there is a possibility that can de drilled out and save the carb body. You would have to cut the cable to get to it. It would be tricky to say the least. Let me know if I can help. Before you do that you might try getting the cable in a vise and then tapping the carb body away from it [gently] . It might just pull the cable out and break the tip of the plunger though. Then its drill time :)

[Wayne Meuir]

Tim, even if you screw up the carb body, they are not very expensive on Ebay. I bought a full set of carbs off an S3 for $65 shipped. You might even post a "wanted" add on KTW if you end up damaging this one and find someone who has a spare they will sell.

Wayne

[Tim Kreitz]

Thanks for all the additional input, guys. I didn't have time to work on the bike last night, but I did go out and hit it with a bit more penetrating oil. I'll put some heat on it this weekend and see if it comes loose.

Also, I've noticed that the top of the brass plunger piece has a slot that a small screwdriver tip would fit into, which may allow for using a bit of torsion to bust it loose, if need be.

Don't worry, I'll get it loose, and I've resolved not to screw up the carb in the process. :trust:

"The power within. The power within. The power within." :zen:

[Wayne Meuir]

Same attitude I had--right before I screwed up the body of my H2 carb.:doh:

Wayne

[Tim Kreitz]

Same attitude I had--right before I screwed up the body of my H2 carb.:doh:

Hey! You're supposed to be encouraging me!:lol2:

[MPS]

hey wayne! finally heard back from jemco on the chambers for the s3. he wants $600, but that doesn't include header pipes or mount brackets. i'm now thinking those outta england would be the better deal. do you know if theirs include header pipes and brackets? i do know they are nickel plated. seems to be the better deal. your thoughts?
by the way...are you the chef that i read about a few years ago that collects old kawasaki triples? i'd love to see your toys!

[Wayne Meuir]

Nope, not a chef, make a mean Bologna sandwich though!

I have never heard of Jemco making the exhaust without head pipes and flanges. All I have ever seen had those parts included. $600 is high for just the bellies in mild steel.
a year ago he quoted me $160 per pipe for the whole shebang with flanges included and that was for a Suzuki GT750 which are much larger pipes. He is either so busy he can name his price, or he is about to be out of business, one or the other.

The Higgspeeds from the UK are stainless steel, not nickel plated. Go to www.higgspeed.com and they have a full write up including prices with shipping to the US. Price is 550 British Pounds + 75 Pounds for shipping to the US, or about $900 +/-

Also, he makes them with squared off head pipes, but if you specify, he will make them with the more stock looking rounded head pipes. If you look at the pics on his website, you will see what I am talking about. Just depends on which you like best.

Wayne

[NPHLYT]

I went over to JEMCO to find out if he could make something for by CB750 and he quoted me about $600 for everything. He said it would take a few weeks. The plating is a satin nickle, not shiny like I would have imagined.

[Wayne Meuir]

I would not have thought nickel plating would hold up on an exhaust pipe, but I have an FMF Gnarly pipe on my KDX 200 that is nickel and it still looks nice after being on there a long time.

The $160 price quote I got from Jemco was for mild steel with raw metal, no plating at all, but it did include everyting needed to mount them up.

By the way, when you hang expansion chambers onto a two stroke street bike, DO NOT mount them up tight in the rear or they WILL crack, I don't care what they are made of.
They need to be mounted with a rubber bushing and allowed to move around a bit--TRUST ME ON THIS or you will be repairing a cracked pipe.

Wayne



Wayne

[rogerlee]

I did have another thought about that choke thingy. If you got 2 of the carbs to choke then the bike would start just fine. You probably won't have the choke on for just a few seconds anyway depending on the outside temp?

[Tim Kreitz]

I did have another thought about that choke thingy. If you got 2 of the carbs to choke then the bike would start just fine. You probably won't have the choke on for just a few seconds anyway depending on the outside temp?

I had the same thought. If I can't get it to come loose and I break it or some such, we can drill it out and hopefully rely on the other two.

I may be calling you tomorrow in the early afternoon, by the way.

[CBR]

I noticed this ad on Craigslist for a Kawasaki 400 triple. Tim, maybe you could do two restorations at once?

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1163064943.html

[Rman of 237]

I noticed this ad on Craigslist for a Kawasaki 400 triple. Tim, maybe you could do two restorations at once?

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1163064943.htmlHeck Tim, for $300 bucks you should go pick that thing up for spares!!:trust:

Good find CBR!!

[Tim Kreitz]

I just sent him an email.

Thank you, CBR. :thumb:

[Tim Kreitz]

Someone got dibs on it before I did. Oh well. Thanks anyway for the link. :thumb:

[SRADkneedragger]

heheheheh I MIGHT still know where there is another one of those,,,,
SRAD

[Tim Kreitz]

heheheheh I MIGHT still know where there is another one of those,,,,
SRAD

Does it have a decent instrument cluster? :trust:

[SRADkneedragger]

Guess we need to go to New Mexico!
SRAD

[Tim Kreitz]

Guess we need to go to New Mexico!
SRAD

Is that salvage place still there? Even Busa Dave told me they have a bunch of triple stuff. If so, I'm going this coming weekend. :-P

[Tim Kreitz]

Seat Pan Sadness

I got back onto the Mach I project tonight, deciding to go ahead and tackle the seat. The pan will obviously need to be prepped and painted before I can take it to my seat cover guy, and this is something I can go ahead and make a head start on while I'm still trying to get a bunch of stuff moved from and rearranged inside my garage.

I could tell there was some rust on the pan before I even took the seat off the bike, but was hopeful as I set it upside down on my primary work bench:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/displacedseatbefore2.jpg

After an initial inspection, I took the seat to the driveway to remove what was left of the seat cover, the accent pieces, and carefully extract the ruined foam as a reference piece for the upholsterer:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/displacedseatbefore.jpg

When I was done, this is what the seat pan looked like:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/seatpanbeforeblasting.jpg

The hole in the top of the seat cover had apparently let a lot of moisture into the foam over an extended period of time, and rust fell off the pan like big, ugly cornflakes as I took the seat apart. The niches and trim screws were so bad that many of them simply broke off:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/rustcloseuponseatpan.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/rustonseatpan2.jpg

Despite the extent of the rust, the piece is still strong and otherwise viable. Rodger and I are going to blast it down to bare metal tomorrow, then -- assuming it survives in good nick -- I'll prime and paint it as is. I think the upholstery shop can still cover it with no problems, though they may have to secure it using some slightly different techniques than the factory employed. The important thing is to stop the corrosion and clean the piece up. It's not something that's normally visible on the bike, anyway.

Once it's blasted, primed, and painted, I'll post more pics before handing it off to the upholsterer.

It looks like I'll obviously be doing some of this stuff out of the traditional order while I'm making room to strip the rest of the bike down, but I figure what the heck, it's all gonna have to get done at some point, anyhow. I may even do the tins next.

:thumb:

[FJRMike]

You and Wayne could have some conversations. Here's his in case you missed it earlier in the thread:

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p84/waynemeuir/Bike%20Pics/75H112-30-07017.jpg


I bought a new '76 H1 500 just like this right out of college.

That thing would ZING up to 6500 rpms in a flash - all the while killing all mosquitos withing a two block range due to the smoke!!

Flexible frame, smoked, drank gas like a pig and no brakes - worst bike I have ever owned...

But, I would like to ride another one just so I can be reminded just how far motorcycles have progressed since then.

[Tim Kreitz]

Flexible frame, smoked, drank gas like a pig and no brakes -- worst bike I have ever owned...

I've heard that the Mach IV (750) only got about 12 miles per gallon, even less if modded for additional performance, like this one:

http://www.youtube.com/v/kzaBsGvXcsw&hl=en&fs=1

But gosh, just listen to that sound! :clap:

[leekellerking]

I've heard that the Mach IV (750) only got about 12 miles per gallon, even less if modded for additional performance, like this one:


But gosh, just listen to that sound! :clap:

I don't remember what kind of gas mileage my Mach III got. Gas was 26 cents a gallon and we didn't care. Plus, I can't even remember for sure what color it was, it has been so long! :doh:

I do remember the sound. At idle it was like a shaking a can full of rocks. But get on the pipe, and yea baby! :rider:

Just don't try stopping too fast, or turning to sharp. :eek2:

Lee

[Tim Kreitz]

Just don't try stopping too fast, or turning to sharp. :eek2:

That's part of the reason why I'm kinda glad I have a Mach I and not a Mach III or Mach IV. 30 horsepower is more than enough for those drum brakes and spaghetti frame to handle.

It's gonna be my drive-in, bike night, Starbucks ride. Slow and easy, lookin' cool, a few miles at a time.

You know, a poser bike. :mrgreen:

[MPS]

i had a 1970 mach III and it ran like a scalded dog. had the heads milled, chambers, etc. the scariest thing ever happen to me on a bike was get into a speed wobble at about 110 mph on it. seemed like the handlebars were slapping the tank. the steering dampener was basically useless. i was about 120 lbs and 14 years old and thought i was invincible until that day. i'll never forget pulling over on loop 820 in ft worth to collect my thoughts and calm my nerve.

[leekellerking]

I don' think my Mach III would even GO 110 mph. :doh:

Scariest thing I ever did on mine was scrape the centerstand on a bumpy, sweeping right-hand curve in Sour Lake. It seemed like it jumped five feet sideways and scared the you-know-what out of me. :eek2:

I wish I had one now, but my Nighthawk is a much better bike.


i had a 1970 mach III and it ran like a scalded dog. had the heads milled, chambers, etc. the scariest thing ever happen to me on a bike was get into a speed wobble at about 110 mph on it. seemed like the handlebars were slapping the tank. the steering dampener was basically useless. i was about 120 lbs and 14 years old and thought i was invincible until that day. i'll never forget pulling over on loop 820 in ft worth to collect my thoughts and calm my nerve.

[Tim Kreitz]

i'll never forget pulling over on loop 820 in ft worth to collect my thoughts and calm my nerve.

Unfortunately, I've had to do that exact same thing *more* than once.

[Tim Kreitz]

Seat Pan Sadness Part II: Redemption

What started out looking like this:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/seatpanbeforeblasting.jpg

Now looks like this:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/seatpanfinished.jpg

Seat pan finished and ready for recovering! :clap: :clap: :clap:

It's a bit pitted, but is still strong and viable. It definitely has personality now, at any rate.

Thanks to Rodger for letting me come over and use his sandblaster. :bow:

[rogerlee]

Its been a while [years] but I think when the meager EX500 came out , it posted better quarter mile times than the almighty triple 500? And your welcome ,Tim. Bring sand next time :)

[Tim Kreitz]

Its been a while [years] but I think when the meager EX500 came out , it posted better quarter mile times than the almighty triple 500?

It went faster than the 350 Corvette. I do remember that. :trust:


And your welcome ,Tim. Bring sand next time :)

Will do. I'll bring one of those 80-pound, 7-dollar bags. Even after I'm done with all my stuff, it should last you 10 more years at least. :mrgreen: The frame will be next. :thumb:

[FJRMike]

I've heard that the Mach IV (750) only got about 12 miles per gallon, even less if modded for additional performance, like this one:

But gosh, just listen to that sound! :clap:

My H1 500 got in the low 20's - if you babied it.

But then, what fun is babying a big three cylinder two stroke??

I don't think I ever got it past 90 mph because it just didn't feel stable enough.

I sold that bike to get one of the first '77 GS-750 Suzuki's that was delivered to Des Moines, Ia. What a bike that was.....

[Tim Kreitz]

I don't think I ever got it past 90 mph because it just didn't feel stable enough.

There is strong evidence of a previous tankslapper on my Mach I. I hear the best way to keep the bike under control at speed is to stiffen up the forks and rear suspension to as hard as you can stand it.

[Simmons1]

I've heard that the Mach IV (750) only got about 12 miles per gallon, even less if modded....


Mine gets in the low to mid 20's when ridden easy and 10 to 12 when riding it in fun mode:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/zxrider/DSCN5031.jpg

[Tim Kreitz]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/zxrider/DSCN5031.jpg

:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:

[Tim Kreitz]

I hereby endorse Evapo-Rust®.

I know several of us TWTers have restoration/rebuild projects going on right now, so I wanted to include a little info on Evapo-Rust®, the non-toxic rust removal fluid.

I took a couple of rusty bolts (non-threaded seat bolts) off of the Mach I:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/seatboltsb4evapo.jpg

I put them into a mason jar, and then poured just enough Evapo-Rust® in the jar to cover the parts:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/seatboltssoakinginevapo.jpg

Three hours later, they looked like this:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/seatboltsafterevapo.jpg

Pretty cool, huh? :thumb:

After I took them out of the fluid, I washed them thoroughly with water and then sprayed them with a little Water Displacement 40.

A nifty product, indeed, and one that actually does what it says it'll do.

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[MPS]

Tim- where do you get this stuff...auto supply...home depot? i just about have my s2 down to the frame and it seems every nut and bolt has some rust. i'm now deciding if i should sandblast or just sand the frame. i bought some of that john deere muffler paint recommended earlier in this thread. still need to post some pics. mark

[djw]

O'reilly's and Autozone usually stock it. Call ahead.

[Tim Kreitz]

O'reilly's and Autozone usually stock it. Call ahead.

Yep, I got mine at the O'Reilly just down the street from my office. They had exactly one jug on the shelves and none in backstock, so yes, do call ahead.

[Tim Kreitz]

still need to post some pics. mark

Looking forward to seeing them. :thumb:

[Wayne Meuir]

There are several things that can be done to make the H1 handle fine, expecially the later models because their frame was braced better and was not as flexible. Basically what they need is shocks about 1.5 inches longer than stock, and 18" front wheel/tire, and set of Bridgestone BT45's, and run the front forks up through the triples trees about 1/2 to 1" to lower the front. Then add EX500 front brake caliper and the bikes WILL handle AND stop. No, it ain't ever gonna be a CBR, but it will be a hoot to ride and it won't get lost in the parking lot like a plastic bike.
The 750 Kawasaki Mach 3 Triple still holds the 1/4 mile record for a normally aspirated bikes as we speak at 7.77 and something like 180 MPH. That was done at the National Drags in St Louis about 2 or 3 years ago. As far as I know, that record has never been broken.

Wayne

[Brotha J]

I hereby endorse Evapo-Rust®.

I know several of us TWTers have restoration/rebuild projects going on right now, so I wanted to include a little info on Evapo-Rust®, the non-toxic rust removal fluid.

I took a couple of rusty bolts (non-threaded seat bolts) off of the Mach I:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/seatboltsb4evapo.jpg

I put them into a mason jar, and then poured just enough Evapo-Rust® in the jar to cover the parts:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/seatboltssoakinginevapo.jpg

Three hours later, they looked like this:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/seatboltsafterevapo.jpg

Pretty cool, huh? :thumb:

After I took them out of the fluid, I washed them thoroughly with water and then sprayed them with a little Water Displacement 40.

A nifty product, indeed, and one that actually does what it says it'll do.

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Heck yeah!
I'm going to start t a renovation project (popup camper) as sson as the dry weather hits. This sounds like a product that I could really use.

[primate]

The 750 Kawasaki Mach 3 Triple still holds the 1/4 mile record for a normally aspirated bikes as we speak at 7.77 and something like 180 MPH. That was done at the National Drags in St Louis about 2 or 3 years ago. As far as I know, that record has never been broken.

Wayne

HOLY SMOKER! :eek:

[bigjnsa]

HOLY SMOKER! :eek:

From Wikipedia:

"A 750 H-2 still holds the record for the fastest nitrous injected 750 cc motorcycle, with a standing quarter-mile of 7.776 seconds at 170 mph by Brian Pretzel of Redline Motorsports and the fastest normally aspirated 750cc motorcycle with a standing quarter-mile of 8.24 at 153 mph held by Joe Bird of Fremont Nebraska."

[bigjnsa]

I took this pic at this years Vintage festival in Luckenbach. Beautiful machine!

http://mann.uthscsa.edu/images/harvest_vintage_rally/P1000239.JPG

[Wayne Meuir]

I stand corrected. It is still darn fast at 8.24. A local guy that lives in Lancaster has one that runs 8.50's pretty consistantly.

Wayne

[bigjnsa]

Oh absolutely, 8.24 is amazingly fast for a 20+ year old machine.

[Wayne Meuir]

What is really amazing about this is that the modern engines have not broken this record. Just think what might have been if the development of these engines had continued for the last 37 years at the same pace it has on 4-stroke design.

[focus frenzy]

What is really amazing about this is that the modern engines have not broken this record. Just think what might have been if the development of these engines had continued for the last 37 years at the same pace it has on 4-stroke design.
considering it was done only a few years ago I would think give em time someone will go after it.

then again, most of the top fuel bikes out there are running engines that were designed in the 70's (suzuki and kawasaki GS's and KZ's)

PS: evapo-rust rocks, I brought a 80 GS1100E back to life that had sat for ten years and the insides of the tank was as bad as I had ever seen in my 42 years. filled it to the top with evapo-rust and let it set for a couple days and it ate up all the rust and was clean enough to eat out of.

[brown]

I'm envious. I owned 2 H1's in my younger years. What fun bikes. Don't forget to rebuild the swingarm.:clap:

[Tim Kreitz]

Heck yeah!
I'm going to start t a renovation project (popup camper) as sson as the dry weather hits. This sounds like a product that I could really use.

I'm gonna use it to de-rust the Mach I's tank, too. I'll post pics when it's complete.

[Tim Kreitz]

I took this pic at this years Vintage festival in Luckenbach. Beautiful machine![/IMG]

You're not kidding. Showbike! :clap:

[Wayne Meuir]

Another triple statistic: A guy in Canada, I think, posted a time slip about a month ago from his Kawasaki S3 400 triple that showed high 11's in a quarter mile.

Wayne

[Tim Kreitz]

Another triple statistic: A guy in Canada, I think, posted a time slip about a month ago from his Kawasaki S3 400 triple that showed high 11's in a quarter mile.

Wayne

Check out these English dudes and their various dragbike triples:

http://www.youtube.com/v/sOPIPiU0dIg&hl=en&fs=1

If only tripods and steadycam rigs were allowed in the UK, this video would've been perfect. :mrgreen:

[Rman of 237]

Check out these English dudes and their various dragbike triples:

http://www.youtube.com/v/sOPIPiU0dIg&hl=en&fs=1

If only tripods and steadycam rigs were allowed in the UK, this video would've been perfect. :mrgreen:Uh... yeah!!!:clap::clap:

[Plane Dr]

I hate threads like this. At one point I had 3 750's, 2 500's, and 3 ish 750 parts bikes. I unloaded bits and pieces over the years and I finally ditched 4 crates of parts.

Like stocks if I could have kept them this long. :eek2:

1 500 was beautiful stock original.

I had 1 750 that was restored more or less. I had actually painted it Kawi green. Never did take a picture. When sold it paid a couple months rent in college....:doh:

I miss smokers.

[SRADkneedragger]

Moderators:
Please delete this thread IMMEDIATLY as I am suffering sellers remorse at this time.:giveup:
Just kidding! This bike sat stashed away in the Batcave for many years waiting for the right owner to find it. I'm really happy to see something happening to it. Keep posting up guys this has been a really great thread so far and hurry up Tim I want a ride! Now about the other vitage stuff,,,,
:trust:
SRAD

[Tim Kreitz]

Moderators:
Please delete this thread IMMEDIATLY as I am suffering sellers remorse at this time.:giveup:

Just kidding! This bike sat stashed away in the Batcave for many years waiting for the right owner to find it. I'm really happy to see something happening to it.

Keep posting up guys this has been a really great thread so far and hurry up Tim I want a ride! Now about the other vitage stuff,,,, :trust:

SRAD

I worked on it for a while last night, but probably won't get back into it again until next week. I've got a few more pics to show though, and I'll try to remember to post them after rehearsal tonight.

Thanks again for selling me this gem, Carl. By the end of summer she's gonna be awesome. :thumb:

[MPS]

Tim- a few pictures of my s2 project. these were taken a few weeks ago. it's now down to the frame. spent this morning sanding it down ...close to painting the frame. That evapo-rust stuff is great!

[CBR]

Someone got dibs on it before I did. Oh well. Thanks anyway for the link. :thumb:

Tim, I noticed that this bike is back on Austin's Craigslist. Maybe the guys other deal fell through? Anyway, here is the link...

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1204211986.html

[Tim Kreitz]

That evapo-rust stuff is great!

Isn't it, though? :clap:

Oh, and thanks for the pics!


Tim, I noticed that this bike is back on Austin's Craigslist. Maybe the guys other deal fell through? Anyway, here is the link...

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1204211986.html

Thank you. I'm about to email him again right now.

[SL350]

I may try the evapo-rust product but I cleaned my last tank with vinegar and spilled some into a box of nuts and bolts. The garage smelled like vinegar for a week and when I finally found where I had spilled it, it had cleaned the nuts and bolts just like in your picture!

[Tim Kreitz]

I may try the evapo-rust product but I cleaned the tank with vinegar and spilled some into a box of nuts and bolts. The garage smelled like vinegar for a week and when I finally found where I had spilled it, it had cleaned the nuts and bolts just like in your picture!

Yep. I've been told that diluted muriatic acid does a good job, too. But the great thing about this Evapo-Rust stuff is that it is non-toxic and has no odor. Plus, it's reusable.

[DaveC]

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1238449010.html
1975 triple 2-stroke 400 kawasaki, needs total restoration , motor turns over with good compession,wiring in good shape,has key .Gauges in nice shape, carbs stuck, right side intake missing ,saw some on ebay already, this would be a great parts bike for any one with some of these, or get it going, .no title, $300.00 cash..Firm....Call 830 822 6328.

http://images.craigslist.org/3md3o13leZZZZZZZZZ96o271270c7119b1070.jpg
bet $100 takes it!:trust:

[Tim Kreitz]

I keep emailing the dude and he never answers me back. I think I'll pass, anyway. Thanks.

[LongR1]

any updates on work Tim?? if u need any painting help, let me know. done several bikes paint jobs, mostly race bike stuff.

latest dragbike i painted

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j273/LongR1/PICT0137.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j273/LongR1/TG3Abilene09.jpg

i did turbo busa paint back years ago. if i can be any help, let me know.

[Tim Kreitz]

Busa Dave recommended you for painting my tins, Brandon. I've seen your work and I think I'm gonna have you paint the tank and tailpiece when I get to that point.

Oddly, the color you used on that dragbike is almost exactly what I'm looking for. :clap:

The tank needs some minor bodywork from where it was apparently forced to endure a minor tankslapper. The tank and the tailpiece are both quite small and will be solid orange with no graphics. Could you PM a ballpark estimate to me when you get a chance? Thanks. Here's a photo for reference. Don't worry about the sidecovers, I'm ordering black ones:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/TimKreitz/1973s1restoration/s1dayofteardown01.jpg

[Wes]

:popcorn:

Man I love restorations... Keep it coming.

[LongR1]

thats cool. yea that color on drag bike is silver base(if u look at lower part of the tail, u see silver..thats original base color) then orange candy ontop. i would rather find single stage color, that way its same all way thru. candy stuff, u can never match color again. but there are close enuff stuff in single colors instead of candys.

[Tim Kreitz]

thats cool. yea that color on drag bike is silver base(if u look at lower part of the tail, u see silver..thats original base color) then orange candy ontop. i would rather find single stage color, that way its same all way thru. candy stuff, u can never match color again. but there are close enuff stuff in single colors instead of candys.

Yeah, I noticed the candy, and that's not what I'm after. I'm wanting a 1970s-style single orange, basically like this:

http://www.bobrodcars.com/images/Dune_Buggy_and_Thing/6_lrg.jpg

I have black Kawasaki logos for the tank, which I suppose I could give you if you paint the pieces, so they could be cleared-over.

[LongR1]

ok, thats easy.. specially if u know car that has color u want... say the vw bug.. paint code and bam. no problems. candy stuff is 3 stage, not easy and not replicable... but as long as u want single color, its not big deal at all.

are kawasaki emblems or sticker type adhesive?? ive cleared over both types. so it shouldnt be problem. why dont u do sidepieces in same color?? or is black what u want?? as small as pieces are, it wont take much time or material to do them.

i just spend 17 hours working fiberglass on Roger Bellamy( who owns orange busa powered dragbike shown) on his supercomp bike. it was one he crashed at penwell over month ago. it was pretty broken up, but got tail complete, ready to paint. rest of it almost ready. those pieces are alot of work. the fiberglass is crap, and it has seams, pinholes, is not straight and level, and u can see it in paint if u dont fix it.

if u get tank ready(whatever ur doing to inside) let me know. i can fix little dents in it if need be.

[Tim Kreitz]

ok, thats easy.. specially if u know car that has color u want...

PPG 60436. It's a bit yellower than the VW below. :thumb:

[LongR1]

thats cool. shouldnt be problem.

[Texfire]

http://www.bobrodcars.com/images/Dune_Buggy_and_Thing/6_lrg.jpg

Kubelwagen? Or is it a civilian equivalent? Cool car.

[leekellerking]

Kubelwagen? Or is it a civilian equivalent? Cool car.

Isn't that a Volkswagen Thing?

(Civilian knockoff of Kubelwagen -- not nearly as cool)


Lee

[Texfire]

Yeah, that's the name, I was drawing a blank and Google wasn't helping me. Wonder what mileage it gets? :trust:

[leekellerking]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_181

The Thing (Volkswagen 181):

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Vw_181_v_sst.jpg/800px-

Das Kubelwagen (short for Kübelsitzwagen, meaning "bucket-seat car"):

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/VW_Kuebelwagen_1.jpg



Both are two-wheel drive, BTW. I always thought the Kubelwagen was FWD.

[Neo]

Volkswagen 181 = what a civilian rides or drive in.

Kübelsitzwagen = what Indiana Jones would ride or drive in.

[Tim Kreitz]

Volkswagen 181 = what a civilian rides or drive in.

Kübelsitzwagen = what Indiana Jones would ride or drive in.

Forget about the Thing. I would like to have one of these:

http://www.youtube.com/v/hA2mrugzhwg&hl=en&fs=1

[wanabeguru]

Tim: you have too, too much time on your hands!:clap:

[Tim Kreitz]

Tim: you have too, too much time on your hands!:clap:

All my childhood memories have made their way to YouTube. :-P

[Neo]

no Tim, your banana Buggy would look more like this!
In fact add pedals and this could be Roger's next toy!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xRFNBWST25E/R24OZ-WTlJI/AAAAAAAAASQ/lWaXR8Txz1w/s400/Bannana-Bike.JPG

[Texfire]

All my childhood memories have made their way to YouTube. :-P

Yeah, no kidding. Of course I haven't thought of that show in years, and a friend was talking about it just last month. The internet is weird that way.

Oh, and cool buggies. :rider:

[Tim Kreitz]

Yeah, no kidding. Of course I haven't thought of that show in years, and a friend was talking about it just last month.

There used to be two little girls on that show with acoustic guitars who would sing 'Tra-La-La-Boom-Di-Ay'.

[Tim Kreitz]

Found it! The Dilly sisters! Ha!

http://www.youtube.com/v/rSCbjpIpjd4&hl=en&fs=1&

[Skip Honeycutt]

I bought a new '76 H1 500 just like this right out of college.

That thing would ZING up to 6500 rpms in a flash - all the while killing all mosquitos withing a two block range due to the smoke!!

Flexible frame, smoked, drank gas like a pig and no brakes - worst bike I have ever owned...

But, I would like to ride another one just so I can be reminded just how far motorcycles have progressed since then.

I still have my 74 H1 that's pretty much original although it does have K & N's. It has had chambers but I put the stockers back on just to have a center stand. I'm the original owner and yes, it takes only a 40 mile backroad trip to be reminded just how far motorcycles have progressed. :clap: Considering the paint, chrome, seat, etc. are all original, it's in very good to excellent unrestored condition. I'll see if I can dig up a recent photo when I get time.

[leekellerking]

Forget about the Thing. I would like to have one of these:

http://www.youtube.com/v/hA2mrugzhwg&hl=en&fs=1

With or without a tail???

[Rman of 237]

When I was a kid I remember seeing those Banana Split type 6wheeled vehicles on display at the boat shows in Houston. No idea what they were called or who made them.:shrug: They looked like fun though.:trust:

[Thunderchild]

I lost track of this thread since it got moved. How's the project going? I'm anxious to see more!

(Not a hi-jack, I'll start my own thread when I get my project completed.)

Here's a quick shot of my 84' RZ that I getting back on the road. Installed a Zeeltronic CDI/PV controller over the weekend. Just have paint and detail stuff left.

Not a full resto like Tim's project, more of a streetfighter, get it back on the road project.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r100/willum556/RZ350/white_primer_3.jpg

[Thunderchild]

Doh, I just read the first post again. Not a full restoration.

Still, let us know how it's going.

[Tim Kreitz]

Doh, I just read the first post again. Not a full restoration.

Still, let us know how it's going.

Righty-o. It's a partial restoration, mainly because it was in such good shape to begin with.

I need to get some recent pics posted. The wheels and chrome parts have been polished and I have been searching for a few things I need. But that said, I haven't made a whole lot of progress over the past few months because I've been worried about my day job, which I just received word today will be eliminated as of August 31st.

Doh! :doh:

At any rate, with all the recent concern over my precarious employment situation, I put the S1 on the back burner and started sacking away as much cash as possible. My plan worked out, if such can be said. Conceivably, I can now be unemployed for months at this point without feeling much of a pinch. Let's all hope it doesn't come to that, of course. :mrgreen:

Sooooooooo, I won't be doing anything major with regard to this resto project until things normalize again. But don't worry -- I'm not getting rid of it or parting it out or anything like that. It will get finished before long. I pop up like toast. I'm just gonna continue to leave it sitting in the corner for a little while longer.

Thanks for the continued interest. I'll get the before-and-after pics of the wheels posted very soon.

[Texfire]

Sorry to hear about the impending unemployment Tim. Fingers crossed for you finding the right job quickly.

[DaveC]

Forget about the Thing. I would like to have one of these:

http://www.youtube.com/v/hA2mrugzhwg&hl=en&fs=1

A mascot costume or the guy in the mascot costume? :rofl:


















:duck:
:lol2:
:rofl:

The fact they took those things into moving water wearing that suit that is nothing but a giant sponge and cloth anchor is just about insane!

[Tim Kreitz]

A mascot costume or the guy in the mascot costume? :rofl:

The fact they took those things into moving water wearing that suit that is nothing but a giant sponge and cloth anchor is just about insane!

Hey, don't ruin the childhood magic of Banana Splits by employing logic! :lol2: :mrgreen:

[cobrajet25]

Hi there,

Been following this thread for a while now. My name is Aaron, and I live in Washington State. I have a 1975 Kawasaki S1-C that I restored in about 1995-1996, while I was in college. Thought you might like to see some pics.

[MPS]

sweet bike! did you do the paint? stock rebuild on the engine?

i'm just now getting back into the garage with my s2 project. still ponderin' the paint scheme.........

[Tim Kreitz]

Great restoration. :clap: :clap: :clap:

Thanks for the pics. I may be PMing you quite a bit in the coming months with questions o'plenty.

[Tim Kreitz]

Oh, and most importantly, welcome to TWT. :thumb:

[wanabeguru]

Tim:
Lee:
I think you both have too much time on your hands, surfing you-tube and such!:giveup::rofl::clap:

[Tim Kreitz]

I made a little pre-disassembly video to document the bike. I'm getting back to work on this thing probably next week, so I thought I'd update the thread while I was at it:

http://www.youtube.com/v/ECRU-3cCzGc&hl=en_US&fs=1&

[JacknTexas]

Nice video Tim. I like the idea of making it a "rider" bike. That would seem to give you the most freedom of how you want to set it up and where the money goes in the bike.

Looking fwd to updates.

[Tim Kreitz]

Nice video Tim. I like the idea of making it a "rider" bike. That would seem to give you the most freedom of how you want to set it up and where the money goes in the bike.

I agree, thanks. Motorcycles were made to be ridden. :thumb:

[leekellerking]

Nice video. I agree with Jack -- it is a good thing you are rebuilding it as a rider.

Kaw triples were the bomb back in the 70s!

[Tim Kreitz]

Nice video. I agree with Jack -- it is a good thing you are rebuilding it as a rider.

Kaw triples were the bomb back in the 70s!

A Kawasaki triple is the first motorcycle I ever went over 100 on. I was about eight ears old and the pillion. That's the sort of thing that'll get an adult put in prison for life these days. :mrgreen:

[sz rider]

Nice Tim, I just picked up a 67 Honda CL90 scrambler that's been sitting but it's complete, Decent chrome, straight tank with good original silver paint, seats not bad, good compression,clutch feel's strong,throttle is crusty, Lot's of good thing's with only a few bad, Part's are pretty resonable on ebay, If I can just get her running, That would make me very happy, I like your video and I can see we both have a way's to go. Marc.

[Tim Kreitz]

I like your video and I can see we both have a way's to go.

Indeed we do. Yours sounds like a fun project, too. Be sure to keep us posted. :thumb:

[gsxrmike]

I need to make sure I am at Star Bucks when you ride it up there...
I have a Question?
Are you a bountied Kawasaki man or is it just coincidence that you have all Kawasaki's ?
Mike

[Tim Kreitz]

I need to make sure I am at Star Bucks when you ride it up there...
I have a Question?
Are you a bountied Kawasaki man or is it just coincidence that you have all Kawasaki's ?
Mike

A little bit of both. I've had a few Suzukis and a Honda in the past, as I'm sure you remember, but I seem to gravitate toward Kawasakis for some unknown reason.