92 GPZ 500. Anyone know anything about them?

[That_Hornet]

Been offered a 1992 gpz 500, dont know how much yet but will be sub £500, going to use it for a winter hack. Not got all the details but its in need of a new exhaust soon and forks and wheels need re-spraying.
Will be doing all the work myself but needs some TLC.

Ive heard that exhausts are a common problem for gpz's and been told their around £200 for a new stainless one. Just wondering if theres anything else to expect from an old boy like this?
Im in need of some restriction washers for it aswell, not going through FI again (thieving scum) but was wondering if washers off EGay were the best bet, or could i get a throttle stop?

And one other thing, could someone explain how a throttle stop works. Ta

[stinkwheel]

A pre '94 bike (A,B and C models) has a potential time-bomb lurking in the engine. The alternator magnets are attached using inferior quality glue and could potentially fall off at any point. Takes out the alternator rotor and usually one of the pulse coils when it does.

They don't all do that though, I ran one for three years and had no problems. You could probably get a second hand engine for the amount it would cost to fix if that happens though.

Yes the exhausts rot under the conical bit of trim where they join the end can. People usually replace them with a Motad Nexxus.

It has 16" wheels, which limits your tyre choice but BT45s fit which are pretty much the best one for them anyway. I've had both a 16 and 17" wheeled one and the 16" wheels handle better in my oppinion.

Check for free play in the uni-trak bushes (bike on stand and lift the back wheel) any more than a tiny amount of play is an MOT fail. £45 for new bushes last time I looked.

Check the rear drum brake isn't ovaled. Newer models have a disc brake but it is shite, the drum is better providing it is in good working order. You can pick up a wheel for £30ish from ebay if it isn't.

The engines all make a clattering noise at tickover from a chain in the transmission, louder if the carbs are out of balance. Ignore this.

Infrequent oil changes can lead to them wearing the cams so any clattering from the top end should be viewed with suspicion. Change the oil every 3k miles, oil and filter every 6k.

They are good bikes and punch above their weight in the 500 twin class. Treat the engine as disposable on a pre '94 bike.

For a wee bit more (say the £800 mark), you may well get a more reliable, later model with a nexxus exhaust already fitted. They come up in bike trader regularly.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[That_Hornet]

been talking to my dad, whos bike it is and we've come to an agreement. Signed over to me and i can do what i want with it ( FREE BIKE )

Then when/if i sell it £500 into his pocket with any remanding into mine. so it not so bad done 21k. Will MOT it for me but i have to tax it.

Got some sizes for washers so will be making 2 of them.

[Geeperz]

Great info Stinkwheel.
What about the problem of the 16 inch front wheel sliding out? When does this happen - does fitting a 17 inch front wheel eliminate this?

[DaveH]

Had a '93 one and never had a problem with the 16" wheel sliding out and that was with some spirited riding
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https://www.timhastingsracing.co.uk/

ZX7R & ER6F

[Geeperz]

Thanks for that.
16inch wheel problem seems to be mentioned in alot of reviews. I'm a bit reluctant to ride too spiritedly if it really is a problem.

[DaveH]

[stinkwheel]