GPZ600R saved from the brink

[bbjohhny]

Thought I'd post a couple of piccies of my 'rolling restoration' project 1986 GPZ600R. Bought it off ebay as a spares bike for £175, but had a moment of madness and decided to put it back on the road. Probably spent another £150 on ebay on all the various parts that needed replacing (ie, all of them!) and had my first go with a spray can. Not overjoyed with the paint, and I'll definately be going over the mudguard and lower fairing again when the weather warms up a bit, but overall I'm chuffed with my first resto attempt. Not really done any bike mechanics before, so I think I've proved anyone can have a go if they've got a haynes manual, t'internet, and lots and lots of patience

How I got it (probably should have broken it!):

https://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae28/frainj/07082009099.jpg

https://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae28/frainj/07082009101.jpg#

https://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae28/frainj/06112009154.jpg

How it is now:

https://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae28/frainj/22092010372.jpg

https://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae28/frainj/22092010375.jpg

https://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae28/frainj/22092010373.jpg

Got a few more jobs to do, such as rebuilding the brake calipers and stubbying this

https://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae28/frainj/09122009182.jpg

And as I said, need to revisit the paint in certain places, but it's pretty much there. Will probably keep it a while now, as old GPZ600Rs are not worth very much, but am already thinking of what to do next - something bigger and scarier methinks!

[doggone]

One of these was my first 'big' bike about 1986
Would easily cruise over the ton and for the time handled well but shook it's head over bumpy bends - just hold steady and it keeps on the line.
I found the riding position uncomfortable on longer runs.
(prefer the red and black version! )