fzr400 exup

[Paul in NZ]

Wooo Hoooooo!

Passed the WOF and now registered.... Its both mobile and legal! Choice!!

Now for the tough bit! The last jobs!!

#1. Its still running rich - quite a cloud of black with a good fist full of throttle... Hmm! I've not kitted the carbs yet with the dyno jet kit as I'm not sure it's the right one (will research)....

#2. The front end feels a bit clumsy - I'll swap out the oil this arvo...

#3. New fairing blade - I'll measure it all up - there are many types for FZR400's

Cheers

ps - any hints on the running rich?? I'm all ears lads!

[mark247]

Wooo Hoooooo!

Passed the WOF and now registered.... Its both mobile and legal! Choice!!

Now for the tough bit! The last jobs!!

#1. Its still running rich - quite a cloud of black with a good fist full of throttle... Hmm! I've not kitted the carbs yet with the dyno jet kit as I'm not sure it's the right one (will research)....

#2. The front end feels a bit clumsy - I'll swap out the oil this arvo...

#3. New fairing blade - I'll measure it all up - there are many types for FZR400's

Cheers

ps - any hints on the running rich?? I'm all ears lads!

Has it got the correct air filter? It might have some budget foam in there which isnt letting enough air through... hence running rich. Just a thought...

[Paul in NZ]

Has it got the correct air filter? It might have some budget foam in there which isnt letting enough air through... hence running rich. Just a thought...

That was my first thought when I started but it has the correct factory filter - brand new.. Good thought though...

[Colapop]

Have you cleaned the carbs...? :dodge: hehehehe...

[Str8 Jacket]

Congrats Paul. You've done a great job and im glad that all your hard work has paid off! Was kinda contemplating looking at buying it back off you..... But then reality hit me! :yes:

[merv]

Congrats Paul. You've done a great job and im glad that all your hard work has paid off! Was kinda contemplating looking at buying it back off you..... But then reality hit me! :yes:

You did look good on that bike you know!!

[Colapop]

You'll look better on a SV...

[limbimtimwim]

#1. Its still running rich - quite a cloud of black with a good fist full of throttle... Hmm! I've not kitted the carbs yet with the dyno jet kit as I'm not sure it's the right one (will research)....Silly question: Are mixture screws set correctly? Like you didn't go one whole turn too far or something? Been there, done that..
#2. The front end feels a bit clumsy - I'll swap out the oil this arvo...It always did! ;)

[Paul in NZ]

Congrats Paul. You've done a great job and im glad that all your hard work has paid off! Was kinda contemplating looking at buying it back off you..... But then reality hit me! :yes:

The offers still there mate.. But honestly... I'm pretty sure that this is not really the bike for you - it's near on 20years old and her glory days are gone - theres a lot of use left in it but it needs a garage and regular fettling to keep it in top form.. Frankly - they always have!

Cheers

[Paul in NZ]

Silly question: Are mixture screws set correctly? Like you didn't go one whole turn too far or something? Been there, done that..It always did! ;)

Yup - going to have to look at that - it's odd though because when it's cold it's OK.. hmm - either way I need to put a few miles on it and bed in the rings before I'm sure there even is a problem - I was more wondering if there was some 'other' endemic problem with this model I don't know about (yet)...

[merv]

If its too rich it will seem OK when its cold.

Its not a case of the carbs not being insulated well enough from the heat of the engine or something like that is it?

[Deviant Esq]

Must confess I don't know a great deal about these things, but the choke isn't causing the problem is it? If the choke were stuck then the mixture would always be too rich... but it wouldn't be a problem when starting the bike or running while cold. Is it a manual choke or automatic one?

[Paul in NZ]

If its too rich it will seem OK when its cold.

Its not a case of the carbs not being insulated well enough from the heat of the engine or something like that is it?

Yes and no.... Its only rich - sometimes.... I don't have enough experience with it yet.. Quite odd!!!! It could be a few things but I'll solve it eventually.. The carbs are well insulated - new rubbers.. Hmm! Mind you - it would help if I had a manual for this model.. ;-)

[Paul in NZ]

Must confess I don't know a great deal about these things, but the choke isn't causing the problem is it? If the choke were stuck then the mixture would always be too rich... but it wouldn't be a problem when starting the bike or running while cold. Is it a manual choke or automatic one?


Checked the choke out when I had the carbs on the bench - someones dicked with it at some stage but looked like they were shutting down..

[Paul in NZ]

Finally got most of the jobs done by 4:30 so i thought I'd rack up some miles... Bike sarted - cut out and refused to fire... Flooded I guess? Anyway - jumper leads had it spinning a tad faster and off we went - over the Paekak hill, up the Hutt Valley and up to the top of the Rimutakas... The FZR ran better as and better as the km's clicked on... I was taking it really really easy as it's no great shakes in the suspension dept and the road was wet and cold... As for the headlights?? Gleep! It may have 2 but golly - they need some work!

So - 140km racked up! No oil or water leaks - running better all the time... A few times I rang the rpms up and it gets the bit between it's teeth allright.

I'll back the rear shock off a bit to see if that calms its wayward behaviour down when hitting bumps - changing the oil in the forks did nothing.. I have a feeling - you could spend a bloody fortune getting it really good...

I'm not worring about the non start today as I screwed it up when attempting to get it to idle cold.. (ie it fired up and then I killed the choke too soon)

[scracha]

Replace the 20 year old $hite 80's spec bulbs with new Osram or Philips ones...they're about twice as bright for the same wattage.

[FROSTY]

Paul Be carefull upgrading the headlights. They are plastic and melt if ya raise the wattage.Try using a VERY mild cut n polish on the lenses --itll clarify em and might ipprove the lights.
Re the rich running. Once you have a few more miles on the clock and have changed the oil to a semi synthetic have another look.
If she's still rich then dont touch the jets.try dropping the needles one notch.--youll be able to do that without removing the carbs.
Re the suspension. I'd be double checking you have the correct quantity of fork oil for THAT bike and possibly go up viscosity by 5 weight.
Give G percival a yeodle --He's got a fair bit of experience with that model

[Str8 Jacket]

Yes Paul, you be careful. OK? :p

[Colapop]

You should use Mr Muscle to clean them...

[Str8 Jacket]

You should use Mr Muscle to clean them...

I hear dousing them in petrol is waay more betterer...

[Paul in NZ]

You should use Mr Muscle to clean them...


Judging by the condition of several of the fasteners Mr Muscle has already had a good go at it mate.... :innocent:

[Paul in NZ]

I hear dousing them in petrol is waay more betterer...

I was seriously considering dousing the whole thing in petrol at one stage.... And setting fire to it...

[Str8 Jacket]

I was seriously considering dousing the whole thing in petrol at one stage.... And setting fire to it...

Funny.... I had the same thought, often! But it was rolling down a bank at the same time...

[Paul in NZ]

Paul Be carefull upgrading the headlights. They are plastic and melt if ya raise the wattage.Try using a VERY mild cut n polish on the lenses --itll clarify em and might ipprove the lights.

Um - Thanks for the plastic tip but you do remember what I do for a living or what my training is Tony?? There is no way I'll but bigger bulbs in there and never indicated I would - modern H4's might help or a relay (assuming it's not got them) but it's an issue for the next owner - I have NO intention of riding it at night! However - I suspect it's an earthing issue!!


Once you have a few more miles on the clock and have changed the oil to a semi synthetic have another look.

Its got the oil recommended by Yamaha shop foreman who has been VERY helpful - it's not oil fumes I see occasionally - trust me - there is a random 'something' going on with the fueling that needs sorting - I'm picking the brains of the Dyno wizz and looking and setting it up on a dyno with a gas analizer which should be a heap of fun!

I'm suspecting the needle jets are ovalised BUT my problem is finding good literature on that model Mikuni which is why I'll take it to the expert after I have a few more miles on it - I've organised an educated observer to follow me and report on exhaust emissions.


Re the suspension. I'd be double checking you have the correct quantity of fork oil for THAT bike and possibly go up viscosity by 5 weight.
Give G percival a yeodle --He's got a fair bit of experience with that model

Identifying 'this' bike is part of the problem - it actually seems to cross a few model boundaries. The fork has fresh oil in 20W which is more than the 10W in the manual I have but it's made bugger all difference. I've talked to the last rider today and gained some info on prior behavior leading me to think I'll let the next owner worry about it! I could spend a mint... But it's just not 'me'....

Thanks again...

[Paul in NZ]

Funny.... I had the same thought, often! But it was rolling down a bank at the same time...

Funny?? I don't remember you laughing at the time?? :innocent:

[Str8 Jacket]

Funny?? I don't remember you laughing at the time?? :innocent:

lol, so true, so very true!

[rwh]

I hear dousing them in petrol is waay more betterer...

Yup. Give up on these new-fangled electric lights, and go with petrol. Not sure how you focus them when the petrol's on the outside, though.

Richard

[Freakshow]

Thanks Paul for keeping us updated, it has been a great read. Do you think you will have it all sorted to join us for the first TCWNR as I would be keen to see it.

[Skunk]

Thanks Paul for keeping us updated, it has been a great read. Do you think you will have it all sorted to join us for the first TCWNR as I would be keen to see it.
So would I...

[scracha]

Paul Be carefull upgrading the headlights. They are plastic and melt if ya raise the wattage.Try using a VERY mild cut n polish on the lenses --itll clarify em and might ipprove the lights.
model

Oh FFS, that's why I said "they're about twice as bright for the same wattage." Brighter bulbs from the same given wattage mean less energy is wasted as heat so they're LESS likely to melt the plastic. Change the 20 year old bulbs first before wasting time fannying about with cut n' polish

[Paul in NZ]

Thanks Paul for keeping us updated, it has been a great read. Do you think you will have it all sorted to join us for the first TCWNR as I would be keen to see it.

Well - Its got a few little mech issues to sort out... and then its got a few more beauty spots to remove as well.. I spent last night sanding down spot putty from rear view mirrors FFS (jesus are new ones expensive or what), the screen needs sorting and there is another time consuming little jobbie...

Replicating the missing graphic on the fairing. Not sure if I'll get one made OR paint it on yet..... I'll certainly have to be a LOT more careful with the colour matching etc than I have been with the white for the mirrors (who painted em last Time? - next time just gently rub back the plastic to white and polish with finer sheets of wet n dry).

There will be an unveiling and it's on track for Helen to ride at the sprints where it will either blow up and this thread will go on forever or it will cover itself with glory... hmm... bets taken now...

[Paul in NZ]

Oh FFS, that's why I said "they're about twice as bright for the same wattage." Brighter bulbs from the same given wattage mean less energy is wasted as heat so they're LESS likely to melt the plastic. Change the 20 year old bulbs first before wasting time fannying about with cut n' polish

This is a good point.
Remember that when we discuss bulbs the wattage is an electrical measurement, not an optical output measurement.

The other point is that these bikes use many many connectors and thin wires - all of which degrade with time and worst of all - the lights are mounted on a subframe hanging out the front which is slightly corroded. Chances are it is a return path or provides earthing for the lamps - a bit of a clean up there will produce results as well.

My 1970 triumph has way better lighting using a modern H4 bulb and relays which by passes the 1950's technique of power switching it all through the handlebar switchs - the Moto guzzi is better as well because I've applied the same techniques to it.

Tony makes a good point re the plastic lens though - too much heat and glug glug. Putting in a bigger wattage bulb to a poor lamp is the last thing I'd do - improving the efficiency of whats there is always a better move...

besides - I'm thinking ice blue lamps and some neons with a hopping up and down suspension and a sub woofer, spinners and ooooohhh baby.....

[rwh]

besides - I'm thinking ice blue lamps and some neons with a hopping up and down suspension and a sub woofer, spinners and ooooohhh baby.....

Nice. Spinners inside or outside the discs and sprocket? Think you could get the suspension to jump it right off the ground? Handy for when cages cut across in front of you, and there's no room to go round.

Richard

[FROSTY]

Sorry guys wasn't makingmyself clear--FZR400 bulbs have a "funny" mounting so you cant just bung in new bulbs without surgery.
Last time I saw the beastie the lenses looked cloudy.
Another thought--Um the headlights were working--its not just the parkers??

[Paul in NZ]

Sorry guys wasn't makingmyself clear--FZR400 bulbs have a "funny" mounting so you cant just bung in new bulbs without surgery.
Last time I saw the beastie the lenses looked cloudy.
Another thought--Um the headlights were working--its not just the parkers??

Lens material is excellent - it was just dirt - bulbs look like P45's, the wierd harold ones the Guzzi uses - meh! I'll look later if I can be bothered... It's no biggie
.....

[Paul in NZ]

Well bugger the bloody lights! Stock they are some daft 35W things which explains why they are sooo pathetic! Hey - I'm not planning on riding it at night anyway!

Anyway - ran another tank of gas through it today - fark - it's running better every ride - jeepers - it likes the throttle! fark! FUN!!

OK - refer back to the first pictures - the sad old thing looks like a bloody cyclops with its missing graphics on the fairing so.... I got a bit tiddly (OK I was pissed and listening to bluegrass) and decided to sort it!

Look at the pic's - decide fer yer selves! Bikin' in the bloody raw!

[Paul in NZ]

Yeah, I know - you are just gagging to see how it ended up eh?

[rwh]

Like the hat - I see you're working on getting into character for when you add the neons etc :)

Richard

[Paul in NZ]

Like the hat - I see you're working on getting into character for when you add the neons etc :)

Richard


Getting into character? Far out - it takes a fortnight for my multiple personalities to decide what undies to wear... I don't need to get into a character (unless it's Vicki) Richard - they get into me...

edit

some character from scotland got into me last night (groan)... ;-)

[merv]

You are God man making the bike look that flash - it truly will be a "pure sports"

[limbimtimwim]

The hat is hip and 'wid it Paul.

[Paul in NZ]

The hat is hip and 'wid it Paul.

Even with Moto Guzzi written on it? - I better get a new hat I reckon...

[Paul in NZ]

it truly will be a "pure sports"

I think Yamaha sold these things on the strength of the stickers and the engine - the suspension and brakes are sporting - in a 1970's fashion...

[Paul in NZ]

Well I've not been well this week... Some virus or something, felt crap off and on.. bah! Sadly - not sick enough to take a day off or avoid working on the FZR.. I did however decide to do the simple time consuming jobs (cosmetics) instead of sorting the ones that need thinking.. (the rich running)

So - this is it... Mirrors (mismatched pair) are painted and sorted, fairing screen replaced, brackets painted, wiring repaired, dash painted, fasteners sorted... Feck - it's starting to look quite nice...

[Paul in NZ]

Hard to match the dash paint so I didn't try...

[Str8 Jacket]

That looks mint Paul!!

Not long until the sprints now!....

[merv]

You have done a fabulous job its looking great.

[davereid]

Great thread.. bling..

[Paul in NZ]

Drat - I must have been having a senior moment all weekend - I would have sworn I took pictures of some damage I found but can't find em! Rats!

Anyway - it must have had a reasonable knock up front some time. The tach insides tere cracked and the head lamp housing needed re glueing as it had cracked right around. Could have just been a clumsy mech but it looks like accident damage to me... No other signs apart from the ding in the inner fuel tank. Odd!

Folks - it looks great in the pictures but there are a lot of stone chips, scraps and thin bits all over the old war horse - having said that, there cannot be many 'original' looking FZR400's still getting rego and wof out there... Shes a wee gem really..

[Str8 Jacket]

having said that, there cannot be many 'original' looking FZR400's still getting rego and wof out there... Shes a wee gem really..

Thinking about keeping it there mate?! :innocent:

[Hitcher]

That looks better than the one Mr Yamaha built in the first place.

[Paul in NZ]

Thinking about keeping it there mate?! :innocent:

Um - no - it's a little 'cramped' for comfortable riding and the Triumph leaves it for dead in the smiles per gallon race...

It is definately a FUN bike though and a great sports machine for rowing it along...!

[Paul in NZ]

OK - I think I'm 'done' with it... Another soild bit of effort over the weekend has resulted in quite an improvement. I'm not 100% convinced that its still not running a tad rich but its just running soooo well....

This weekend it was off with the fairings, tank, airbox, carbs. Noticed a coolant leak so I replaced the O ring - seems OK but I'll check it again when it cools down. I went through the carbs and really - I just can't see a problem so I blew out all the jets again and dropped the needles a notch.

Dropping the needles one notch probably makes beggar all difference but I felt I needed to make the effort...

I standardised all the idle mixture settings to 2.5 turns out - I have no data on that but it was the average amount between the 4 carbs.

While the tank and carbs were off - I whacked in a fresh fuel filter ($26 - yikes) and some NEW sparkplugs (FARKIN Jesus wept - $62) 'cos lets face it, the old ones (Iridiums) had a pretty rough life...

After some muttering and assorted re assembly - It was then a case of hooking up the carbsticks to synch the carbs (see pictures). They were only out a little and I'm not super anal about it but it REALLY made a difference - it's a lot more responsive and crisp now...

In fact - I think I've got it going about as good as I'm capable of - I rode it over both hills late this arvo and I was really happy with it - I even thought about keeping it ;)

[merv]

In fact - I think I've got it going about as good as I'm capable of - I rode it over both hills late this arvo and I was really happy with it - I even thought about keeping it ;)

Marvellous my friend, you have rebuilt yourself a nice little bike so perhaps you should keep it because it takes a bit to get to know one so well eh!

[Deviant Esq]

Good effort Paul, well done. My vote on keep it or not keep it would be - don't keep it. Sell it on, give someone the opportunity to have a nicely fixed up bike that runs well. It'll be a good bike without being too expensive, and it looks good. You'll have some spare time to spend on your Trumpy, get a couple of jobs done on it... then maybe a bit later down the track you could pick yourself up another project bike - one you might want to keep afterwards ;) Keep us informed on what you choose to to, what the new owner thinks etc... heck, you could even print this thread off for them to read, tell them exactly what's been done! It's been a good read, cheers. :niceone:

[Paul in NZ]

It'll be a good bike without being too expensive, and it looks good.

Well really - it was nice to ride but in all honesty - it's got to go to make space for my other project thats closer to my heart. I'm not giving it away though, it's got to reach a fair price.

[manwithav8]

you directed me to this thread the other night which I could not find.. However, I have say here for the last hour and a half having a godd read..

Very well done on the build... I know where I will be going for advice when I finally get the old FZR promised to me that is in need of some serious work..

I don't think I would be able to sell something I have put some much of my own time and money into....

Well done though mate.....

This should be entered into some sort of magazine as it is a great article...

[Paul in NZ]

Bum bum buggery bum.....

AAARRRGGHHH!!!!!! (pant pant pant)... OK - I feel better now...

Yonks agon, when Helen first offered this 'wee gem' for sale she mentioned it 'might' have an electrical problem... hmm... Well I've been scratching my head over that 'cos its going like a blessed rocket - whats she on about....

Today - curiousity got the better of me and I got out all 3 of my multimeters and and big book of yamaha words... argh! I think the alternator is rooted - worse - i think my spare ones rooted as well... feck...

Lights on and it reads 13.6V at the batt at idle - 12.6 at 4,000rpm - that aint right... Measure the alternator as per the book - should be .44 ~ .66 Ohms between phases - 1.3 Ohms.... mutter grumble....

The bike will run OK in the sprints but it looks like I'm not quite done with it yet.... (sigh)

[xwhatsit]

Bugger!

http://www.okshon.com/v.cgi?YYurl=http://page8.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/h45243251

4000 Yen; $40 or so, plus okshon's fees.

Or do you need the bit that whirls around inside those coils?

[Paul in NZ]

Bugger!

http://www.okshon.com/v.cgi?YYurl=http://page8.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/h45243251

4000 Yen; $40 or so, plus okshon's fees.

Or do you need the bit that whirls around inside those coils?

Looks nothing like my one mate... I have 2 of everything and 3 multimeters - I'll spend a bit of time thinking about it and see what can be done to identify the fault more clearly and fix it. If it's the rotor I'm screwed if my spares no good but everything else should be repairable.... (ha ha)

Next step is to measure the AC voltage from the alternator between the various phases. I suspect the regulator is OK but the alternator is not pushing out enough Voltage. The spare might be OK and the resistance measurement is just a guide really.

Cheers

[Paul in NZ]

Right! Sorted! Even I'm impressed with myself for not panicing and ripping alternators off the bike etc.

There is no doubt that the old rect / reg is tired (the diodes lose efficiency over time) so a brand new one ($63 NZ) has been ordered from the USA and will be fitted when it gets here.

Meanwhile I tested the alternator - no shorts to earth in any phase and a healthy >70V AC between each phase at 6,000 rpm plus... Excellent.

Then its just a case of labouriously cleaning every connector earthing point and protecting with a dab of CRC, new fuse (old one was corroded) and running a couple of new earth straps from the motor to the chassis and... A much better 13.6V plus at 6,000rpm WITH the lights on across the battery... One volt don't sound much but its the difference between a battery going slowly flat and a healty one...

I'm frigging stoked.....

Paul N

[merv]

$63 for a reg/rec is a great price.

You really are doing well with that bike. You sure you want to part with it?

[Deviant Esq]

:corn:

That's right Paul, we're all still sitting back in awe of the job you've done on that ol' Yammie, excellent work! :apint:

[Paul in NZ]

$63 for a reg/rec is a great price.

You really are doing well with that bike. You sure you want to part with it?

Yeah - better than $120 for a used one from a wrecker eh? There is postage on that - maybe $10 but still - thats retail in the USA through Eds Honda, he just orders it from Yamaha like a local dealer would do...

And yes - it has to go, I'm too large/old for it and I'd like someone to enjoy it. Helen (I hope) will give you some honest feedback on how it goes now - I have no idea what it used to be like so I'll be keed to find out as well...

[skelstar]

Had a damn good look at the bike yesterday at the top of the sprints course (fuggin bored). Its looks friggin good Paul... looks like a very rewarding process. You should be very pleased with it mate.

[Paul in NZ]

Thanks for that... I'm more pleased Helen had a last 'good' ride on it and managed to foot it with the other 400's (you could have covered them all with a blanket really)

Best of all, from a bike prep point of view, what was a completely non functional bike a few months ago ran all day under full throttle pretty well as Mr Yamaha designed it to do and made it home exactly as it left.

That was my goal and now I will give it a wash, change the oil and filter and place it on trademe. Hell - if someone local buys it - I'll show them HOW to do that as well) I'm hoping someone gives it a good home because it still has a hell of a lot of fun left in it PLUS it comes with many many extras (race stand, spares, manual etc)

These are basically 'good' bikes, light to operate, fast enough to thrill (it takes a good SV650 to walk away from one) and you could even join the Classic Bike club with it. The later FZR's lost 'the look' IMHO.... There are not many of these older EXUP FZR's left that are registered and warrented and to be honest - if it does not sell it would be no hardship at all to keep it.

[limbimtimwim]

Didn't they do well!?
<img src="http://uktv.co.uk/images/standarditem/L1/585903_L1.jpg">

[Paul in NZ]

Mate - I thought ALL the 400's were spectacular.... I'm certain if Helen was wearing leathers, we removed the mirrors and over inflated the tyres (not to mention using 6th gear) we would have been in the 200 club ;-)

[merv]

Mate - I thought ALL the 400's were spectacular.... I'm certain if Helen was wearing leathers, we removed the mirrors and over inflated the tyres (not to mention using 6th gear) we would have been in the 200 club ;-)

Yep impressive alright for a bike closer to 20 years old than 10 even. You did well and this thread will remain as testament to the work you put into it.

[merv]

Now if you believe this thread http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_fzr400%2086.htm as an example, top speed is listed at 197.5 so the result you and Hels got is better than a new one and that is fantastic. Also was your bike still accelerating at the end of the timed zone? If so, definitely not bad at all.

[Str8 Jacket]

Also was your bike still accelerating at the end of the timed zone? If so, definitely not bad at all.

Yep, it sire was! That bike has alot in it for a little bike! :headbang:

[Str8 Jacket]

Mate - I thought ALL the 400's were spectacular.... I'm certain if Helen was wearing leathers, we removed the mirrors and over inflated the tyres (not to mention using 6th gear) we would have been in the 200 club ;-)

You could be right there... Me and Malcolm weigh exactlythe same.... he had 44 &40? psi and we had 32 30? He also tucked into his bike better than I did. My last run was the best cause him and Vicki were giving me advice on how to tuck in my elbows etc Along with remembering to use 6th gear! (When I owned the FZR it always died in 6th I had for some silly reason assumed it still owuld, duh!) Also you may be right about the codura, mine is also quite baggy...

[merv]

Hels does this mean there might be another record attempt in November?

[Str8 Jacket]

Hels does this mean there might be another record attempt in November?

Hopefully on an RG or KR but tahts another thread/ story all onits own...

[koba]

Ring ding ding ding aling ding Baarp
BAAAAARP
BAAAAAAAARP
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAARP
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARP
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARP
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARP
Ding ding ding


pop


Screach

Plop


Yeah That would be awesome!

[Str8 Jacket]

Ring ding ding ding aling ding Baarp
BAAAAARP
BAAAAAAAARP
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAARP
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARP
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARP
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARP
Ding ding ding


pop


Screach

Plop


Yeah That would be awesome!

Might even beat you this time!!! :shit:

[koba]

Might even beat you this time!!! :shit:

Not If your on a KR :Pokey:

[limbimtimwim]

Careful, I might try and show up on *MY* 4 cylinder 400.

[FROSTY]

I think ya did bloody well--AND by chance may have done EXACTLY what was needed to get the best run.
Those lil 400's come with a 6th gear cutout/rev limiter so unless someone has removed it -it would probably have slowed down if you'd used top gear.
Theres a diod thingee you can fit to the bike that overrides it
An interesting experiment may be to disconnect the speedo cable and see if it still cuts in -ie is it speed related or top gear /rev related --or both

[Str8 Jacket]

NOW it accelerates happily in 6th gear. It got to 199.5 in 6th gear. Anyway I think the speedo cable has been removed once or twice before.....

[Paul in NZ]

Time for us to part - like i said in the add - keeping will be no hardship but I'd consider a part trade for a 250... I'm quite sad about it really, we have grown quite attached to the wee fizzer...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=121436281&ed=true

[Deviant Esq]

Time for us to part - like i said in the add - keeping will be no hardship but I'd consider a part trade for a 250... I'm quite sad about it really, we have grown quite attached to the wee fizzer...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=121436281&ed=true
End of an era, really. Great effort on the work you've done on that bike Paul, someone will get themselves a well sorted machine. I've made the first bid to get the ball rolling. :)

[skelstar]

LOL is the new seat height for the 250cc drag bike aerodynamics Paul? ;)

[riffer]

LOL are you STILL trying to convince Vicky to get on a bike Paul?

[skelstar]

I think motorcyclists must be about as 'evangelical' as golfers sometimes.

[Paul in NZ]

LOL are you STILL trying to convince Vicky to get on a bike Paul?

No secret there mate... Point is, if someone wants to upgrade from a GN or something its potentially a good deal for them... ;-)

Besides - GN sprint bike?? That has to be a giggle...

[Paul in NZ]

Well there seems to be a great deal of interest shown in the FZR400... I wonder if it will sell this weekend? I hope so!

Anyway - I'm getting really keen on building a dedicated sprint bike from a GN250 or somesuch... (at one stage I was thinking of getting a dead FZR400 and building an electric speed record type bike but...)

Vicki is also keen on a GN for pottling about Kapiti on so heres a great opportunity for you folks with older GN's looking for an easy upgrade to an older sportsbike... ;-)

Looks like I could end up with a fleet of GN's.... gnah!

[Str8 Jacket]

Good luck with the sale mate! Its a really awesome little bike so I hope the buyer really appreciates it!

[Paul in NZ]

Good luck with the sale mate! Its a really awesome little bike so I hope the buyer really appreciates it!

I doubt it Helen - such is the way with older bikes until finally there are hardly any left and suddenly they are 'classics' to be admired etc... I rode it again in the weekend with Jim2's Kat400 and it's just such a nifty bike. I got horribly messed up, lost the front on wet leaves and it recovered and away we went... I felt quite heroic!

Between the two 400's... The Kat feels like a high performance street bike and the FZR feels like a racebike with lights...

[Paul in NZ]

Well lots of interest but no sale.... Oh well....

I'll relist it with a buy now of $3k - good deal for that (with the spares) I think..

[Str8 Jacket]

Well lots of interest but no sale.... Oh well....

I'll relist it with a buy now of $3k - good deal for that (with the spares) I think..

$3k is what I paid for it when it was a peice of pooh so I would say that that is a more than reasonable!!!!!!!

[James Deuce]

Well lots of interest but no sale.... Oh well....

I'll relist it with a buy now of $3k - good deal for that (with the spares) I think..
Nooo!

Don't fall into the trap of dropping your price on the relist. Sometimes things take a while and the right person hasn't seen it yet. Hang in there for a couple of months at least. The weather isn't exactly conducive to inspiring someone into buying a vintage sprotsbike at the moment (the weekend gone excepted).

[Paul in NZ]

Nooo!

Don't fall into the trap of dropping your price on the relist. Sometimes things take a while and the right person hasn't seen it yet. Hang in there for a couple of months at least. The weather isn't exactly conducive to inspiring someone into buying a vintage sprotsbike at the moment (the weekend gone excepted).

Potentially good advice..... I think 3K will stop an fzr400 these days though..

[MSTRS]

Potentially good advice..... I think 3K will stop an fzr400 these days though..

True....but the 400 market is depressed because of the GLS. Most buyers are either after 250s, or now on full and want a 'big' bike - 600+

[Paul in NZ]

True....but the 400 market is depressed because of the GLS. Most buyers are either after 250s, or now on full and want a 'big' bike - 600+

Which is a shame but I suppose I could convert it to a 600 for a laugh eh?

[rwh]

Which is a shame but I suppose I could convert it to a 600 for a laugh eh?

... or sleeve it down to 250 :)

Richard

[James Deuce]

Or just put 250 stickers on it.

[rwh]

Or just put 250 stickers on it.


You'd get a sore tongue if you had to lick them, like stamps ...

Richard

[Deviant Esq]

Started the ball rolling for you again Paul. Good luck with the sale! It will definitely sell with a low asking price like that... only a matter of time. :cool:

[Paul in NZ]

Started the ball rolling for you again Paul. Good luck with the sale! It will definitely sell with a low asking price like that... only a matter of time. :cool:


Cheers mate...

[erik]

Big news - I welded up the engine cover myself using the stuff on trademe Frosty and Pantah Pete recommended.

Hey Paul, what kind of a torch did you use to do that?

I've got a cracked clutch cover that I'd like to try and repair for the bandit, and also the starter cover on the other side of the engine has been welded but I think it leaks slightly from the weld, so it'd be good if I could seal it.

I'd like to get a torch suitable for that stuff as I'm thinking it's quite likely I'll have engine covers to repair in the future and it'd be good to be able to fix them myself.

[Paul in NZ]

just a cheapie butane one from Mitre 10... $50 or something.. have a practise first, the line between hot enough to take the weld and a molten puddle is not a wide one.... Ive used the rods a few times now and I'm getting a little better at it... the instructions are quite good!!

[imdying]

MAPP torch works well :yes:

[Paul in NZ]

Feck me... I'd have thought I priced it pretty well ($3100) considering all the condition and all extras. Heaps O watchers (over 40) but no one wants the FZR400... I guess I have a cool little thrash bike now.. Gleep....

I'll sell some of the spares seperately I suppose?? I dunno...

[James Deuce]

Sounds like a plan! How long is that rear shock and what type of mountings does it have? I may have a replacement that will be better than the current one.

[Paul in NZ]

eww its all drty in there... i'll measure it tomorra - thanks jim...

[Cuban]

Paul, Awesome post, thanks v much.
How much did the cylinder head cost to get dumped in the bath and all cleaned up.
Whereabouts was the cheapest for getting FZR parts in from?
Cheers v Much!