It followed me home, honest!
- RetroRiceRocketRider
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It followed me home, honest!
22 May 2008 20:57 - 22 May 2008 21:02
A friend asked me a few months back if I would finish up the resto on a project bike he'd had sitting in his garage for some time.
I said I would, but couldn't do so until I finished up the current projects I am working on. Like that will ever happen, my wife keeps adding HER projects to my "honey do" list.
Anyway, this past Saturday evening my friend called and said he was going to be getting a new bike (an SV650) on Thursday, and needed the space in his garage pronto!
He said he was going to load the project bike onto his trailer and either bring it to me if I was still interested, or take it who knows where - but it was going to be gone!
Like I'm going to say no? :whistle:
Anyway, he dropped it off yesterday with the pink and a bill of sale and said it's mine do do with as I please.
You're giving it to me? Free?
S+!t howdy! :woohoo:
It's an '84 ZX750 GPz, and has just over 26K on the clock.
He said I can either restore it and keep it, part it out if it looks to be to far gone, or restore it and flip it. If I decide the latter, all he asks in return is for 10% of what it fetches.
Sounds pretty danged fair to me.
Here's the funny part.
When I mentioned to my wife that our friend was going to be giving the bike to me, she asked if I planned on keeping it and I said probably.
She actually gave me the go-ahead without even batting an eye.
Man, am I ever a lucky SOB!
Here's the first pic.
I said I would, but couldn't do so until I finished up the current projects I am working on. Like that will ever happen, my wife keeps adding HER projects to my "honey do" list.

Anyway, this past Saturday evening my friend called and said he was going to be getting a new bike (an SV650) on Thursday, and needed the space in his garage pronto!
He said he was going to load the project bike onto his trailer and either bring it to me if I was still interested, or take it who knows where - but it was going to be gone!
Like I'm going to say no? :whistle:
Anyway, he dropped it off yesterday with the pink and a bill of sale and said it's mine do do with as I please.
You're giving it to me? Free?
S+!t howdy! :woohoo:
It's an '84 ZX750 GPz, and has just over 26K on the clock.
He said I can either restore it and keep it, part it out if it looks to be to far gone, or restore it and flip it. If I decide the latter, all he asks in return is for 10% of what it fetches.
Sounds pretty danged fair to me.

Here's the funny part.
When I mentioned to my wife that our friend was going to be giving the bike to me, she asked if I planned on keeping it and I said probably.
She actually gave me the go-ahead without even batting an eye.
Man, am I ever a lucky SOB!
Here's the first pic.
Covina, So Calif!
78 KZ650-B2 = SOLD
84 ZN700 LTD = SOLD
84 ZX750 GPz = SOLD
89 GSX1100F Katana = SLEEPING
20 VN1700 Vulcan Vaquero (the Blue Cowboy)
Looking for my next project KZ
78 KZ650-B2 = SOLD
84 ZN700 LTD = SOLD
84 ZX750 GPz = SOLD
89 GSX1100F Katana = SLEEPING

20 VN1700 Vulcan Vaquero (the Blue Cowboy)
Looking for my next project KZ
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Last edit: 22 May 2008 21:02 by RetroRiceRocketRider.
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- RetroRiceRocketRider
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Re: It followed me home, honest!
22 May 2008 21:00 - 22 May 2008 21:02
Here's the extras it came with:
A near perfect aftermarket color-matched lower fairing (I can't recall the maker, but I'm pretty sure it's not Targa), case guards, some wacky looking dual air horns, a Clymer manual AND a FSM.
The case guards I'm going to pull off and see if they'll fit my ZN700.
If not, they'll being going up for sale.
The carbs were thoroughly disassembled and cleaned, and all I need do is install the new-in-package rebuild kits and do a wet fuel level check before reinstalling them.
It still has the OEM 4-into-2 exhaust, although it does have a few small scratches.
The paint isn't faded anywhere, but there are some small scratches here and there and the clear coat is chipping of the rear tail section.
So I figure that when I get the time and money, I'll buy a set of decals from Mach9 or the like and see if I can wrangle Mark Wing into repainting it in the Firecracker Red paint scheme to keep it
looking original.
My friend will be bringing me the side covers and a few other parts (exhaust header clamps, etc.) that he still has in his garage when he gets a chance.
The only true damage I found was a couple of cut wires in the fairing/headlight area, but with both manuals it shouldn't be to hard to trace down where they go and splice them back in.
So, did I score big time or what?
A near perfect aftermarket color-matched lower fairing (I can't recall the maker, but I'm pretty sure it's not Targa), case guards, some wacky looking dual air horns, a Clymer manual AND a FSM.
The case guards I'm going to pull off and see if they'll fit my ZN700.
If not, they'll being going up for sale.
The carbs were thoroughly disassembled and cleaned, and all I need do is install the new-in-package rebuild kits and do a wet fuel level check before reinstalling them.
It still has the OEM 4-into-2 exhaust, although it does have a few small scratches.
The paint isn't faded anywhere, but there are some small scratches here and there and the clear coat is chipping of the rear tail section.
So I figure that when I get the time and money, I'll buy a set of decals from Mach9 or the like and see if I can wrangle Mark Wing into repainting it in the Firecracker Red paint scheme to keep it
looking original.
My friend will be bringing me the side covers and a few other parts (exhaust header clamps, etc.) that he still has in his garage when he gets a chance.
The only true damage I found was a couple of cut wires in the fairing/headlight area, but with both manuals it shouldn't be to hard to trace down where they go and splice them back in.
So, did I score big time or what?
Covina, So Calif!
78 KZ650-B2 = SOLD
84 ZN700 LTD = SOLD
84 ZX750 GPz = SOLD
89 GSX1100F Katana = SLEEPING
20 VN1700 Vulcan Vaquero (the Blue Cowboy)
Looking for my next project KZ
78 KZ650-B2 = SOLD
84 ZN700 LTD = SOLD
84 ZX750 GPz = SOLD
89 GSX1100F Katana = SLEEPING

20 VN1700 Vulcan Vaquero (the Blue Cowboy)
Looking for my next project KZ
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Last edit: 22 May 2008 21:02 by RetroRiceRocketRider.
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- The Gringo
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- ¡Usted no necesita otra motocicleta!
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Re: It followed me home, honest!
22 May 2008 21:08
You scored big time I'd say. Jeeze when is someone going to give me a bike? I always have to buy them and then drive to the ends of the earth to pick them up. Sounds like you've done a good job on the training of the warden as well.:laugh: I sure hope she doesn't read over your shoulder or I'm in trouble.:ohmy:
Andy
Akron, Ohio
80 Z-1 Classic-Sold
84 GPZ1100
79 KZ 1000 LTD
78 KZ 1000 A2
77 KZ 1000 LTD-Sold
76 KZ 900 The definition of a barn find
76 KZ 900-Sold gone to Denmark
KZ 750 times 3, KZ 650 times 8 Sold 1 down to 7
KZ 550 times 2 80 440LTD-Sold
81 CSR 305-Sold 81 Yamaha XS650 Special
Akron, Ohio
80 Z-1 Classic-Sold
84 GPZ1100
79 KZ 1000 LTD
78 KZ 1000 A2
77 KZ 1000 LTD-Sold
76 KZ 900 The definition of a barn find
76 KZ 900-Sold gone to Denmark
KZ 750 times 3, KZ 650 times 8 Sold 1 down to 7
KZ 550 times 2 80 440LTD-Sold
81 CSR 305-Sold 81 Yamaha XS650 Special
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- Mcdroid
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- Gone Kwackers
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Re: It followed me home, honest!
23 May 2008 01:59
Congratulations 4R! Ya done good. As you are aware though, those free bikes can be pretty expensive:laugh: :laugh:
Michael
Victoria, Texas
1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A
Victoria, Texas
1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A
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- N0NB
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Re: It followed me home, honest!
23 May 2008 04:33 - 23 May 2008 04:34
I can see it now, Rose's Retro Red Rocket!
Congrats, Chris. I think it's definitely a keeper. I'd sur do my best to clean it up and get it back on the road.
Keep us posted.
Congrats, Chris. I think it's definitely a keeper. I'd sur do my best to clean it up and get it back on the road.
Keep us posted.

Nate
Nates vintage bike axiom: Riding is the reward for time spent wrenching.
Murphys corollary: Wrenching is the result of time spent riding.
1979 KZ650 (Complete!)
1979 KZ650 SR (Sold!)
1979 KL250 (For sale)
1994 Bayou 400 (four wheel peel
)
Nates vintage bike axiom: Riding is the reward for time spent wrenching.
Murphys corollary: Wrenching is the result of time spent riding.
1979 KZ650 (Complete!)
1979 KZ650 SR (Sold!)
1979 KL250 (For sale)
1994 Bayou 400 (four wheel peel

Last edit: 23 May 2008 04:34 by N0NB.
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- Bluemeanie
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Re: It followed me home, honest!
23 May 2008 05:13 - 23 May 2008 05:15
Way to go Chris!! Looks pretty complete. I would try and make it a runner and keep it for sure. You scored dude. Let me know if ya need some help!

1980 KZ650F1, Bought new out the door for $2,162.98!
Last edit: 23 May 2008 05:15 by Bluemeanie.
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- H2RICK
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- Is this a fun bike, or what!!!
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Re: It followed me home, honest!
23 May 2008 07:26
Way to go, 4R. What a score !!! How can you beat FREE ???
Even if it turns out to be a parter-outer, you're STILL ahead of the curve. Lucky dog....

I hope you can make a runner out of it....
Even if it turns out to be a parter-outer, you're STILL ahead of the curve. Lucky dog....



I hope you can make a runner out of it....

KZ650C2 Stock/mint. Goes by "Ace".
H2A Built from a genuine basket case. Yes,it's a hot rod.
GT550A Stock/mint. Pleasant stroker.
2006 Bandit 1200S for easy LD rapid transit
Various H2 projects in the wings.
H2A Built from a genuine basket case. Yes,it's a hot rod.
GT550A Stock/mint. Pleasant stroker.
2006 Bandit 1200S for easy LD rapid transit
Various H2 projects in the wings.
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- Sandy
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- Fly High,Tony
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Re: It followed me home, honest!
23 May 2008 07:41
Wholly CRAP-CHRIS!:ohmy:
You can tell the Flower that I'm VERY proud of her,for letting you keep it.(in the bedroom)
What a score!:woohoo:
You can tell the Flower that I'm VERY proud of her,for letting you keep it.(in the bedroom)
What a score!:woohoo:
1977 KZ1000 A-1
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- JohNLA
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Re: It followed me home, honest!
23 May 2008 11:34
Yea, another GPZ in the crowd

s49.photobucket.com/albums/f255/JohNLA_photo/1983%20GPZ%20550/
83 GPZ 550 Stock with 3600 miles_83s.
83 GPZ 550 4-1,pods,Mikuni 36,000 + miles
83 GPZ 550 Stock with 3600 miles_83s.
83 GPZ 550 4-1,pods,Mikuni 36,000 + miles
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- Bad Kaw
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Re: It followed me home, honest!
23 May 2008 12:42
Cool on ya!
-KR
-KR
78 Kawasaki Z1R
81 Kawasaki KZ1000J (mods)
82 Kawasaki ELR Clone (1000 J)
82 Kawasaki KZ750R1/GPz750 ELR-ed
70 Kawasaki KV75
83 Honda CB1100F (few mods)
79 Suzuki GS1000 (rolling frame / project / junk)
84 Suzuki GS1150ES (modified project)
83 Yamaha XJ900R (project / junk)
81 Kawasaki KZ1000J (mods)
82 Kawasaki ELR Clone (1000 J)
82 Kawasaki KZ750R1/GPz750 ELR-ed
70 Kawasaki KV75
83 Honda CB1100F (few mods)
79 Suzuki GS1000 (rolling frame / project / junk)
84 Suzuki GS1150ES (modified project)
83 Yamaha XJ900R (project / junk)
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- OKC_Kent
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Re: It followed me home, honest!
23 May 2008 13:09
:woohoo:
OH, by the way, you suck!! :laugh:
OH, by the way, you suck!! :laugh:
Cashion, OK
78 KZ650 B2 85,000+ miles
78 KZ650 B2 85,000+ miles
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- violentvintagecycles
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Re: It followed me home, honest!
23 May 2008 13:17
I say you should pay if forward! My address is....
:laugh:

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