A bit of advice on old jap bikes please

[Paul in NZ]

A bit of help here folks…..

I’m sure you all realize that I have a liking for ‘thunder bikes’. Ie crankly old shit heaps that make all the right noises and break your heart and wallet…

Now I’m hoping the Triumph is pretty well ‘sorted’ (sigh) and I know whats needed to be done to the Moto Guzzi this winter and after that??

Well – the Triumph and the Moto Guzzi have become – ‘classics’ and are unfortunately increasing in value when in a relatively std form. I’m not worried about the Triumph much but you don’t see many as it left the factory roundfin LeMans’s much anymore so I don’t really want to customize a very nice old bike.

And that’s it – I’d like a little bike to chop up, café racerise, flat tracker on generally just piss about with for a lark. That means an older Japanese bike I’m thinking. But not too old because they are getting expensive as well so… Not knowing much about Jap bikes I turn to KB…

I THINK I want either a 250 (so Vicki can ride it eventually) or a light (ish) weight twin with a normal frame (alloy frames limit gas tank choice). I reckon 4's are out because everything cost more and exhausts / carbs are a pain in the arse but I'm open minded about it.

It has to be CHEAP and hopefully a rego on hold….. It needs to have the potential to be reliable and hopefully simple. I reckon all the stuff like handling and brakes can be improved upon by swapping stuww from other bikes and cosmetics? Ha!

It needs to be an utterly mad project – like a Goldwing Café racer or maybe a fully dressed GN250? A flat track GN…. Hhhmmmmmmm…… Mad Max a TDM850? I want to lean at least 1 new skill

Did I mention CHEAP???

How about the old 400 / 450 / 440 jap twins? Are they reliable??

Anyway – any suggestions please…

[ManDownUnder]

Look for and RD 250 or 350.

Simple enough bikes,,, go like stink and I'd expect them to be cheap now...

edit - took a quick looksee... not too easy to find though - not in the usual places anyway (tardeme and ebay)

[Ixion]

Um. Why a twin? What about the "classic" route, making a TT cafe racer from one of the Jap sporting singles. SRX250 (lovely bike)/400/600. Suzuki NZ250, Honda GB250/400/500. Kawasaki did a very good one too, but I can't remember the model number.

Still available cheaply, parts are not too bad, they can be made to look really pretty, in a retro "Isle of Man" way, while still being quite unusual and distinctive, you don't need fairings for it to work unless you want, and with the right pipes they make LOVELY noises. And the smaller ones are light and very confidence giving for inexperienced riders (Vicky, not you).

And they can be decently fast , too, and usually have jolly good handling if they're fettled right.

EDIT: unless you want a two smoker of course, as MDU suggests. You DID say you wanted to learn new skills. And that way you could learn new words too. But by and large I think people are either two smokers or not.

[Paul in NZ]

Look for and RD 250 or 350.

Simple enough bikes,,, go like stink and I'd expect them to be cheap now...

I expect you would be wrong - RD's are very desireable because they go like stink and handle well - they are all classic race bikes OR super restored and highly sought after.

I'm looking for slightly less sought after yet still worthy bikes.

ie - maybe a good bike that was UGLY or handled poorly etc that i can shag about with and make even uglier OR handle worse....

[Paul in NZ]

Um. Why a twin? What about the "classic" route, making a TT cafe racer from one of the Jap sporting singles. SRX250 (lovely bike)/400/600. Suzuki NZ250, Honda GB250/400/500. Kawasaki did a very good one too, but I can't remember the model number.

Still available cheaply, parts are not too bad, they can be made to look really pretty, in a retro "Isle of Man" way, while still being quite unusual and distinctive, you don't need fairings for it to work unless you want, and with the right pipes they make LOVELY noises. And the smaller ones are light and very confidence giving for inexperienced riders (Vicky, not you).

And they can be decently fast , too, and usually have jolly good handling if they're fettled right.

Mainly because the nicer singles are already expensive and 'classic'. A GB sells for more than they cost new! SRX's have a cult following and SR500 Yams? Sheesh! The rest are usually trail bikes and they go for a fortune compared to what they actually are... beat up piles of crap.

I would consider a TS250 / 400 though but again - people are already restoring these things and a sound one costs a bomb.

Cheers

[Jazzed]

hmmmm tough call - lots of choices.....

my number 1 pick would be an old CB450 twin.

lots of links on http://groups.msn.com/HondaCB450DOHC/links.msnw

they can be made to look like cool cafe racers and the engine looks purrty

http://w1.bikepics.com/pics/2005/11/23/bikepics-472165-full.jpg

J.

[Paul in NZ]

hmmmm tough call - lots of choices.....

my number 1 pick would be an old CB450 twin.

lots of links on http://groups.msn.com/HondaCB450DOHC/links.msnw

they can be made to look like cool cafe racers and the engine looks purrty

http://w1.bikepics.com/pics/2005/11/23/bikepics-472165-full.jpg

J.

again - the CB350 / 450's are getting rare because they made pretty handy classic racers.... I'm thinking early to mid 80's bikes must be at a low point value wise. Sadly I had my eyes shut then....

[Crasherfromwayback]

Um. Why a twin? What about the "classic" route, making a TT cafe racer from one of the Jap sporting singles. SRX250 (lovely bike)/400/600. Suzuki NZ250, Honda GB250/400/500. Kawasaki did a very good one too, but I can't remember the model number.



Perhaps you're referring to the Kawasaki BR250....grouse lil bikes, I've had two of them. I reckon later model GS500 Suzukis and Kawasaki GPZ500's are a goer too.....bloody good small twins....and bullet proof.
The Suzuki NZ 250 was a hand grenade....stay away from them....not that there are many left....they're mostly all dead now....

[Blackbird]

What about a Suzuki X7 Paul? A mate of mine has several laying in a shed with boxes full of spares. Doubt if he'll ever do anything with them. One of them is the X7 my son learned to ride on and I used to steal it when he was at varsity. Nothing like a ring-a-ding for behaving badly on.

Geoff

[Paul in NZ]

What about a Suzuki X7 Paul? A mate of mine has several laying in a shed with boxes full of spares. Doubt if he'll ever do anything with them. One of them is the X7 my son learned to ride on and I used to steal it when he was at varsity. Nothing like a ring-a-ding for behaving badly on.

Geoff

An X7? Yes sir - I had a mate that needed a GT185 fixing up (which I did) - what a little marvel...... I suppose an X7 is a better version of that PLUS Vicki could ride it. I'd be very interested in that kind of thing Geoff.

[Paul in NZ]

Perhaps you're referring to the Kawasaki BR250....grouse lil bikes, I've had two of them. I reckon later model GS500 Suzukis and Kawasaki GPZ500's are a goer too.....bloody good small twins....and bullet proof.....

Yup - GS400 / 500's would be great but they can be quite expensive. I want a cheapie to play with. BR250 you say.... hmmmm

[Blackbird]

An X7? Yes sir - I had a mate that needed a GT185 fixing up (which I did) - what a little marvel...... I suppose an X7 is a better version of that PLUS Vicki could ride it. I'd be very interested in that kind of thing Geoff.

I will contact my mate before building up hope too far. However, here's a photo of our old X7 - looks gorgeous and they are so much fun to ride.

[terbang]

I've got a 1982 GSX400. Its a simple little twin cylinder thing that just keeps on going. Mine was actually imported from Europe hence the SZ designation though they sold scores of them here and being a reliable little thing they are still around. Its my work bike, its kinda pretty in its own way though it could do with a bit more wick (It really couldn't pull a sailor off yer sister).. Picked it up for a grand off tardme and I can't kill it. Look at my profile picky and its there, in silver, lurking behind my daughters trailey.

[Motu]

I'm sorta thinking along the same lines - I want a streettracker that I can fit a stand up working passenger chair on.I needs to be a min 650 twin.....looks like it's back to the old XS650 again.Although I've been offered a GS650 inline 4,doesn't fill the streettracker roll,but would pull a light chair.

The FT500 is an orphan no one wants,get one before they wake up to a near streettracker XR/GB 500 going for peanuts.Those K400/440 pussbuckets are around for plucking,I wonder how they would go with a severe diet? Same with those over engineered Yamaha 400cc V twins,halve the weight and they might even move out of their own way.CB250/400 Dream/Hawk is another bike only fit for a bonfire that actually go better than you think (well the 400 anyway) Rogson pointed me in the direction of the GR650,one of Merv's recent threads had one his brother rides.....I reckon they look very interesting - and I know you'll like this,cause rogson used it to hook me....they have a variable mass flywheel,choice eh?

[MSTRS]

For her...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-75781621.htm
For classic caferacer
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-75594203.htm

[Paul in NZ]

I reckon they look very interesting - and I know you'll like this,cause rogson used it to hook me....they have a variable mass flywheel,choice eh?

Pardon me? How the heck does that work?

What about one of the Kwaka KZ750's? heavy looking mothers...

[Hitcher]

Anyway – any suggestions please…

I know where there's an ST1300 that could be "street racered"...

[Paul in NZ]

I know where there's an ST1300 that could be "street racered"...

Gleep! Too heavy - too much power - too complicated - too tempting.....

A cafe racer ST1300? bwahahahahahahah.... Oh lordy.... Maybe an adventure bike version.. hmmmmmm

[Motu]

There was a K750 (was there a Z or not?) on TardeMe a few days ago,but he wanted way too much for it.Peter Groves had one for his shop sidehack at Mt Eden MC,a real workhorse...and Shane Scanlon had one with another motor in the side car! Mega heavy,but hey...plenty to play with I reckon.It's on my list.

Variable mass flywheel? How the hell would I know how it worked? But I want to find out!

I've just wet my pants over this one.

[skelstar]

Thats farking cool (Motus object of desire).
Really like the street-tracker look...anyone tell me what the concept is behind it? Is it just the pure simplicity/barebones of it?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yup - GS400 / 500's would be great but they can be quite expensive. I want a cheapie to play with. BR250 you say.... hmmmm

Yeah the BR250 had the liquid cooled KLR250 motor and was a lil gem.
Do nearly 100mph (honest!).....bullet proof...great handling frame, good front brake....nice styling too I thought....

[Crasherfromwayback]

There was a K750 (was there a Z or not?) on TardeMe a few days ago,but he wanted way too much for it.Peter Groves had one for his shop sidehack at Mt Eden MC,a real workhorse...and Shane Scanlon had one with another motor in the side car! Mega heavy,but hey...plenty to play with I reckon.It's on my list.

Variable mass flywheel? How the hell would I know how it worked? But I want to find out!

I've just wet my pants over this one.

Z750B Motu....John Boyle of Boyle kawasaki has in depth knowledge of them....he too has a chair (used to recover other bikes!) on his!

(04) 3846-824

[stanko]

ie - maybe a good bike that was UGLY or handled poorly etc that i can shag about with and make even uglier OR handle worse....

Then how could you go past a CX500 ? Oh You couldnt make it much uglier so it dosent quite meet your criteria

[Paul in NZ]

Then how could you go past a CX500 ? Oh You couldnt make it much uglier so it dosent quite meet your criteria

oh i duno - i'm pretty talented ya know...

[Bonez]

Mainly because the nicer singles are already expensive and 'classic'. A GB sells for more than they cost new! GB400s generally sell for around $1400-$2500. A mate picked up an dereged complete one for $400 and another rego on hold for $600 which he spent another $400 getting roadworthy. GB500s go for around $3000ish privately, seems they've held there value. There is currently a package of two GB500s up for grabs on Trademe at the mo.

Not much "performance" difference between the two, from all the info I've glend the 400 is smoother and 1500km jaunts are no problem on them- http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=30428

[Paul in NZ]

GB400s generally sell for around $1400-$2500. A mate picked up an dereged complete one for $400 and another rego on hold for $600 which he spent another $400 getting roadworthy. GB500s go for around $3000ish privately, seems they've held there value. There is currently a package of two GB500s up for grabs on Trademe at the mo.

Not much "performance" difference between the two, from all the info I've glend the 400 is smother and 1500km jaunts are no problem on them- http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=30428

Yeah - I dunno much about them other than I fancied one when they were new and I'd probably be tempted to restore the bloody thing. Thats my kinda price though Bonez...

[scumdog]

A bit of help here folks…..

Anyway – any suggestions please…

Help and suggestions?
Sure, you're drunk.
Get help

[Bonez]

Help and suggestions?
Sure, you're drunk.
Get helpHow's the XN85 coming along?

[Ixion]

Help and suggestions?
Sure, you're drunk.
Get help

Oi. What about the issue of knobblies on a Sportster. You still haven';t answered that, you should be out testing that theory not distracting Mr Paul .

[Posh Tourer :P]

I`d like to see a boxer engined cafe racer..... You could pick up a ratty 80s R80 for not much.... Yes it is heavy, but to cafe racer it would cut a lot of weight and the low COG makes it easier to handle..... Lots of character and would sound awesome..... Easy to work on motor and it would be fairly unique.... The motors arent powerful but 70hp from a standard R100 (with the 40mm pipes) or I think 60-odd from the R80 (100 barrels go straight on) is enough with cut weight. Even a R45 (nobody ever wanted one and it looked ugly (think of mine but without the fairing)... They are dirt cheap (under a grand last I looked for a good runner), the motor isnt anything great but the 650 barrels go on, they are smaller and lighter than the rest of the boxers, the gearboxes are understressed, and there is lots of weight that could be chopped.

[paturoa]

GS 1000 S

classic jappa!

see my signiture, I know where you can find one cheap (cough cough) that wont break you heart, but needs TLC

[TLDV8]

Never seen it done..... but odd as it might sound,a CX500/650 could make for a great cafe racer?....Remove anything that is not essential,blacked out,bigger fairing,clip on's,seat unit like the GB400/500's and a fruity 2 into 2 with megaphones or 2 into 1 (They rev to 10000rpm)....They are still available for a reasonable sum and are still a good reliable bike so cross country would be no problem. :first:

[Paul in NZ]

I`d like to see a boxer engined cafe racer..... .

All true - but I would be shunned by civilised Moto Guzzi society...

Seriously I HAVE been eyeballing the 65's / 80's coming up on tard me.... You could not buy an old guzzi for some of the prices and they come with panniers... sort of sport touring cafe racer??

[Paul in NZ]

GS 1000 S

classic jappa!

see my signiture, I know where you can find one cheap (cough cough) that wont break you heart, but needs TLC

yes.... well - heavy and expensive to buy and run... Nope - this is a sows ear into a silk purse exercise...

[Paul in NZ]

Never seen it done..... but odd as it might sound,a CX500/650 could make for a great cafe racer?....Remove anything that is not essential,blacked out,bigger fairing,clip on's,seat unit like the GB400/500's and a fruity 2 into 2 with megaphones or 2 into 1 (They rev to 10000rpm)....They are still available for a reasonable sum and are still a good reliable bike so cross country would be no problem. :first:

I reckon a CX500 - Moto Guzzi Lemans Mk1 look a like ought to upset enough people to be worth it....

[TLDV8]

Well worth it.......With 23 years of Ducati ownership,i never could be bothered with those poncey owners clubs...:laugh:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-75826048.htm

http://www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/cx500/history/

[Motu]

Really like the street-tracker look...anyone tell me what the concept is behind it? Is it just the pure simplicity/barebones of it?

Yeah,CX500,make a look alike and sound alike Guzzi.Get someone else to ride it to the Guzzi rally,then stand around feeding the flames of abuse.

Streettrackers are a custom road legal lookalike of a flattracker - (US dirt track racer on 1/2 mile and mile ovals),flattrackers are supposed to be based on a standard road motorcycle,so it's pretty easy to make a streettracker out of a street bike.

[Hitcher]

I reckon a CX500 - Moto Guzzi Lemans Mk1 look a like ought to upset enough people to be worth it....

You are truly an evil man.

[scumdog]

I reckon a CX500 - Moto Guzzi Lemans Mk1 look a like ought to upset enough people to be worth it....

Often referred to by evil people as a "Honda-Guzzi":shutup:

[Paul in NZ]

Often referred to by evil people as a "Honda-Guzzi":shutup:

I prefer 'Nota Guzzi'

[Bonez]

I reckon a CX500 - Moto Guzzi Lemans Mk1 look a like ought to upset enough people to be worth it....10 characters

[98tls]

Damn....that looks pretty good....

[Macktheknife]

My picks would be the
gsx400, great little mess about bike, nearly indestructable.
The FT500 single, highly underated bike IMO, easy to modify too.
The CX500 could be done.
The RD250/350 can still be found in the hands of the unappreciative, I met a guy a few months ago who had one given to him and hated it, he said he might sell it for 'a few hundy on trademe', I don't know where to find him or I would have got it already.
And of course if you could find an old GT250/400 you would be laughing.

[JMemonic]

In the 250 cc range a GSX 250 ie http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/photos/a-75439819/p-28296649.htm

or if you can find one and old GSX 250E around 1980-83 the early ones ran the old Suzuki standard roller bearings on the crank and were nearly bullet proof

[geoffm]

There is a X7 on TM
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-75260961.htm
which looks damn good
I used to have one of those - good bikes in their day. I couldn't afford an LC, so the X7 was the next best thing at the time. They were supposed to do 100mph in stock trim, but I could never get it to go that fast. When they cam eout they were called a "killer bike" due to the ton up hype. Really, they are not peaky and are pretty easy to ride.
Koni shocks and braided lines made a big difference. They race them in the UK , where the crank is weak if really tuned up.
Geoff

[Posh Tourer :P]

All true - but I would be shunned by civilised Moto Guzzi society...

Seriously I HAVE been eyeballing the 65's / 80's coming up on tard me.... You could not buy an old guzzi for some of the prices and they come with panniers... sort of sport touring cafe racer??

Ie something that is still a BM but with a lot of weight chopped and much upgraded suspension on it...... :rockon: And a bikini fairing and dropped (slightly) bars.... :Punk: It would be fun though playing with the suspension to get it right - with the shaft drive too... if you get the 65s they are twin shock, so perhaps less choice around but cheaper.... The 650 engine is narrower and wont fit parts from the rest of the BMW range, so parts supply is harder. The R45/65 arent nearly so interchangeable.... The gearbox is identical, but frame, tank etc were quite different. The R80s are more likely to be ex police so may well be shagged out.... But you could get a monoshock one which handles much better...

They are very easy to work on and reliable, so you could just buy one and bend the cylinders up?? Or just become part of uncivilised guzzi society.... (if you arent already).

Seriously though, if you end up doing one like that I would be very interested to see how it goes.....

[Ixion]

Just stick Guzzi badges on the beemer. If anyone questions the non sticking up cylinders, point out to them that its a common effect of old age , and tell them you cant afford Viagra for it.

[MacD]

The SRX's are an option, but they're already most of the way there, just add a seal cowl as in the picture. If you want something with a possible traditional Brit look, how about the Z400/440 - upright parallel twin engine with lots of room for work on the appearance? An old one of mine is still in use as a commuter and occasional adventure bike!

[Paul in NZ]

I'm definately on the scout guys and it comes down to CHEAP so if you find anything CHEAP let me know...

[TLDV8]

The CX 500 in the link on the previous page went for $565...

$1100 and climbing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Conti-Muffler-Set-NOS-750-Bevel-Drive-Ducati_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35619QQihZ014QQi temZ330042313658QQrdZ1

[HenryDorsetCase]

there was a completely bitchin' BMW in a Cycle World last year. full custom racebike style with the emphasis on weight reduction and cafe racer cred.

Also there was a cool one on "The L Word" last week. (crap show except for the boobs n bush and chicks gettin' it ON!)

the photo attached isnt the one I was looking for but its very cool.

the one I had in mind had a red frame, jacked up motor, nice suspension and not much else. really cool, and quick too apparently.

[James Deuce]

Yeah,CX500,make a look alike and sound alike Guzzi.Get someone else to ride it to the Guzzi rally,then stand around feeding the flames of abuse.



I'm up for abuse.

[Bonez]

Yeah,CX500,make a look alike and sound alike Guzzi.Hmmm, apperently mine with it's manky two into one sounds like a Ducati so making a CX sound like a Guzzi would be quite trivial indeed.

Personally I think it sounds like a CX500 though.

[98tls]

at least the CX wouldnt have that horrid dry clutch Ducati clatter....that used to piss me off no end....

[T.W.R]

at least the CX wouldnt have that horrid dry clutch Ducati clatter....that used to piss me off no end....

:Oi: it used to be fun hauling up to an intersections with contis booming away getting the attention then sitting there with the clutch screeching away then modifying everyones ear-drums as you peeled off into the distance :Punk: Big block Bevels & conti pipes rock :love:

Strippng down a CX though would be a fun undertaking :yes: could make a mean looking Monza or Lario replica out of a CX.

There was a 86 CX400 custom for sale in the local BSE couple of weeks ago for $400 AIWI that would have been a good base to work from.

As for tricking out a boxer BM, got an article on a R100S that had been stripped down & turbo'd :shit: something like 120hp+ and enough tit to keep the likes of 888 dukes etc honest. the motor is an ideal turbo candidate as it's so lowly stressed

[98tls]

:Oi: it used to be fun hauling up to an intersections with contis booming away getting the attention then sitting there with the clutch screeching away then modifying everyones ear-drums as you peeled off into the distance :Punk: Big block Bevels & conti pipes rock :love:

Strippng down a CX though would be a fun undertaking :yes: could make a mean looking Monza or Lario replica out of a CX.

There was a 86 CX400 custom for sale in the local BSE couple of weeks ago for $400 AIWI that would have been a good base to work from.

As for tricking out a boxer BM, got an article on a R100S that had been stripped down & turbo'd :shit: something like 120hp+ and enough tit to keep the likes of 888 dukes etc honest. the motor is an ideal turbo candidate as it's so lowly stressed HA HA....i hear ya mate.....contis rock indeed..no disrespect intended...as an avid bevel drive fan can agree there is no better noise...just had problems way back with a ducati clutch being excessiavly noisy.

[T.W.R]

HA HA....i hear ya mate.....contis rock indeed..no disrespect intended...as an avid bevel drive fan can agree there is no better noise...just had problems way back with a ducati clutch being excessiavly noisy.


:bleh: got a bite :whistle: had more issues with the heavy action of the clutch :crazy: and then there was the Laverda clutch :lol: like a workout at the gym

but mmm Contis :love:

there's a pic of the R100S turbo, just dug it up

[FROSTY]

hey Paul--have a look at the xj650 on tard me--theres a couple there that you could have dirt cheap

[98tls]

yea i bit....basterd.......recently put a TLR 6 spring clutch into my S....jesus its hard on the fingers after a while..had thought i had the worm drive adjusted right but at the end of Arthurs pass i decided id fucked up....

[riffer]

Are you sure I has to be a japper?

If its a project you really want, you may want to start with a 1972 Sportster in pieces already (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-75608867.htm):


Could be a good start point for an XR750 clone?

But if it were me, I'd be starting with this XS650 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-76261906.htm).

[greenman]

What about the CBX400F, 4 cylinder 16 valve, 400cc, I had one back in the 80's to ride to uni on, rev-o-matic motor and really good handling, weird inboard disks, prolink suspension on rear and mechanical antidive on front.
There is also the GSX400F, or the impulse 400s, now they were fast, really a GSXR400 without the fairing, had about the same performance as a TZR250 of the time.

[Paul in NZ]

Thanks for the ideas folks - keep em coming..

Iron HD Sportsters?? Sigh..... Pretty bikes (pretty bloody awful) that require a lot of specialist knowledge and just don't quite do it for me. I stand to be corrected but those bikes are a lot of work and possibly one of the least reliable HD's made.

400/4's? Yup... BUT - I want to avoid 4 carbs and 4 exhausts purely from an expense point of view. We don't need power we need simple and cheap. Carb kits for jap bikes cost a motza so it's singles and twins at this point.

CHEAP - It has to be cheap so this is an exercise in opportunity...

Cheers

[98tls]

looking through trade me theres a damn nice 87 GB500 on there for $3000..buy know....you could get him down a bit on that maybe.....

[Motu]

Perfect,in 10 years this will be worth twice what you pay for it.If it doesn't work out you could burn it at the next rally.They actually go quite well,at least the 400 could get out of it's own way....and best of all it has the much sort after Comstar wheels.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-accessories/Other/auction-76795784.htm

[Paul in NZ]

Well I would prefer wire wheels but it is exactly what I want (sick pervert that I am)..... Mind you, polish up the comstars eh - bitta rattle can chrome...

[FROSTY]

I have this funny feelling paul me ol mate--and the feeling is you should give waylander a yeodle--i shall say no more mate
OHH this isnt PM is it--my bad

[Paul in NZ]

I have this funny feelling paul me ol mate--and the feeling is you should give waylander a yeodle--i shall say no more mate
OHH this isnt PM is it--my bad

Erm - OK - that sounds scary...

[sels1]

Paul, would you be interested in that old Yamaha Twin that my friend was riding when we saw you the other day?

[Paul in NZ]

Paul, would you be interested in that old Yamaha Twin that my friend was riding when we saw you the other day?

It's probably a bit too nice (ie expensive) for what I have in mind.. I need a couple of bikes eventually. Plus I'd need to look at the frame carefully to check its gunna do the business... They have an odd gas tank arrangement

(mwahahahah)

[lb99]

Ive got a c1981 Z440 that runs and needs a good home at around $350 PM me

[Paul in NZ]

Ive got a c1981 Z440 that runs and needs a good home at around $350 PM me

pm sent..... and thanks for the opportunity...

[James Deuce]

Bugger Paul. Just saw that in the For Sale. It had me twitching too.

YOu can clean up Kawasaki Chrome with a steelo. I'll give you a hand :)

[lb99]

sorry, it is dereg, but everything works, so with some rear brake shoes and a quick wipe around the fork seals then I'm sure it would pass VIN here in Blenheim no probs, here is a pic of the good side from before I tidied it up

[riffer]

Oooh. Looks like my old one, except not purple.

I remember my KZ fondly.

[FROSTY]

sick puppys you lot---paul send that fucking PM :innocent:

[Motu]

Is the K440 happening Paul? Because I have just spied a K400 hidden behind a derelict Fairlady in a carport.Bought new and ridden for a few years and then just left....corrosion as you'd expect,but with not much use I'd expect some parts to be in good nick.I couldn't even get to it to check km there was so much shit in the way.But I got the best score,see my thread tonight.

[Paul in NZ]

Is the K440 happening Paul? Because I have just spied a K400 hidden behind a derelict Fairlady in a carport.Bought new and ridden for a few years and then just left....corrosion as you'd expect,but with not much use I'd expect some parts to be in good nick.I couldn't even get to it to check km there was so much shit in the way.But I got the best score,see my thread tonight.

The other 440 went to someone that wanted it more than me.. ie offered more $$ ;-) I had first dibs but I don't need one bad enough to get hissy about things and a better local offer made sense - go for it.

If there is a rooted KZ400 up your way that is mech OK and has ownership history or a rego on hold I'm keen. Current mental plan is a 3/4 sized TR6C for Vicki... That should get the lads at the classic club fizzing... :shutup:

aarrgghh You bastard - you have bought a XS650 haven't you.... Flat tracker??

[Motu]

The rego is definatly not on hold,this thing hasn't been moved for years....he drove the Fairlady in and it hasn't moved since,you can't even get to the K400....like,you don't want an old Z car do you? But he bought it new,so one owner.I've told the father that someone could be interested,and the son may be down on saturday to see me.

I'll keep mum about streettrackers for the moment,but will down load my camera tonight and show what else you can find under houses.

[Motu]

I only have your email at work Paul,so I'll post a couple of images on this thread - here she is.99% there,definatly a total strip and rebuild,but you were going to do that anyway.Apparently the motor is ok,he fitted a new piston at some stage.

[Paul in NZ]

Mate - shes a bloody minta..... I'm into that!!

[HenryDorsetCase]

is that the one passed in on tardme for under a grand? has the makings of an awesome little cafe racer....

[Paul in NZ]

is that the one passed in on tardme for under a grand? has the makings of an awesome little cafe racer....

Dunno?

As usual with these 'projects' - it takes $10,000 to make a $5,000 bike so.... (sigh)

Paul N