GPX 750R Been stood for about 5 years. What to check?

[DreadHead]

As the title suggests I have just laid my hands on a Kawasaki GPX 750R as a winter poject. Its a 1986 model

It has been dry stored in a garage for about 5 years, (possibly longer)

The previous owner got it at around 19000 miles and has owned it for about 12 years, it is now just on 23k, he last had it on the road about 5 years ago.

The engine has been regularly turned over, and apparently has had new filters, oil and plugs recently (Haven't yet checked to confirm this)

The tank was drained of fuel, with just enough being put in to run it every month or so.

It's got a new battery, starts from cold on the button but is a little lumpy at idle so I'm thinking the carbs need looking at, although this has been done too recently according to the seller. Once warmed up it's a lot better, but still slightly lumpy.

Electrics and lights all work ok too. I'll be checking the usual brakes, tyres chain etc.

Looks like it may need the fork seals doing and the back tyre is definitely past its best. Chain could do with a clean and lube too.

Bodywork is a bit tatty, so will need a paint job at some point, or I could streetfighter it?

Is there anythiing else I should check on this before putting it through an MOT?
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CBT √ Passed, Theory √ Passed, Mod 1 √ Passed, Mod 2 √ Passed
Riding - '87 Kawasaki GPX750R (Rolling Restoration) and '06 YBR125.
Want - Triumph Speed Four or Street Triple

[MarJay]

Personally I'd examine all rubber parts like brake hoses etc very carefully, and I'd probably ditch both tyres and buy new ones. It could probably do with a new battery if it hasn't already had one, and I'd probably replace the coolant and brake fluid too.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[kotachi]

If it was drained of fuel check the tank for rust
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CBT done - 24/03/2012, theory test done - 03/04/2012.. Mod 1 done -26/06/2012, Mod 2 done - 29/06/2012. Current steed: Cage.
Suntan Sid said: "Look at it this way, your employer wants to pay you the minimum amount, it thinks it can get away with, and extract from you the maximum amount of graft. Ergo it's your responsibility to ensure that karma is restored and you do as little work as you think you can get away with, for the maximum amount of money."

[nowhere.elysium]

Rubber*, fluids, battery.

*That's seals, tyres and hoses

As kotachi says, if the tank's been left fairly empty, then there's a chance that some rust may have formed. If it has, then it's worth taking a look at my GS resurrection thread, because it has a rather good writeup by Robby on how to acid strip a tank's innards.

Sorting the carbs is a pain in the arse, but a valuable learning experience. You've also got the advantage that it's been run periodically - I had to scrub 3 decades' worth of sediment out of mine.

You'll want to replace the tyres anyway - they'll have gone hard over time, and won't be much fun to ride one. Also, keep a close eye on the chain - personally, I'd replace it, but YMMV. Since it's not been ridden for a while, then the chain's not been under any stresses, but it also means that the O rings may have perished.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[Islander]

As above plus check the wheel bearings if it's not been moved regularly.

[bikenut]

:karma: hi dude,

basically you will have to check everything. sorry but thats what you will have to do. :D

[MarJay]

[Budgetboy]

Its all been said really..

Fluids will also include fork oil.. i suspect this will need doing as all of the rubbish will have sat at the bottom of the forks. Change seals while you are at it..

Coolant,fuel,brake fluid.. Bin tyres and get new as said.Chain might be ok as long as there are no stiff parts in it.If there is then bin it and replace.

If it were me i would go over everything and just check things.. Like while the rear wheel is out lube the linkages..
Front wheel out (with forks) ....lube headbearings.. you get the idea..

grab yourself a haynes manual as this will help you.. in the front of these there i a service checklist type thing IIRC.. use this as your guide.
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www.Mailorderrepairs.co.uk We service your Carburetor's, Calipers & Suspension for less Also Bike repairs undertaken.

[nowhere.elysium]

[Pete.]

Hydraulic lifters on the GPX so don't die of fright if it rattles like a bucket of chains when you first start it. Might be a good idea to disable the ignition and give it a good long crank over to bring the oil up first.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Triumph1300]

If my GPX was anything to go by, the clutch will probably be stuck, and take a lot of rocking and swearing to free off!
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BWJ
Back on a BMW R80RT
Punctuation - the difference between knowing your shit, and knowing you're shit

[DreadHead]

[Johnser]

all been said really, +1 on going through a full service with a decent manual, even if its not going to have deteriorated over 5 years, at 23K and other previous owners, stuff may well be broken, bodged, or just worn out anyway.

get rid of the oil that's in there asap, if its been in there for 5 years and has had someone starting it every few months, it'll be full of condensation and other dissolved nasties that will not be helping your engine.

replace with a cheap oil and dump after your first decent run.

[bikenut]

so basically it basically check everything, basically.......

start at the front and work your way to the back, steady as you go and service everthing in between.

some pics would be good, check exploded views on cmnsl......... etc........

[DreadHead]

Picking the bike up in an hour or two, will hopefully get some pics up tonight. Been looking for a service manual but only found one in german so far! Got a copy of the Haynes book of bedtimes stories though.

Carl Salter didn't have a manual for this but CMNSL looks promising,cheers everyone
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CBT √ Passed, Theory √ Passed, Mod 1 √ Passed, Mod 2 √ Passed
Riding - '87 Kawasaki GPX750R (Rolling Restoration) and '06 YBR125.
Want - Triumph Speed Four or Street Triple

[andys675]

check the exits and run llike crazy
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Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.

[DreadHead]

Right, picked the bike up tonight. Brakes are binding slightly and tyres are soft so it was fun moving it when not under its own power. Seems to shift gear ok (Only rode it up the drive in first)

Definitely needs chain and sprockets and tyres.

Bodywork is tatty, and I need a lower fairing for it.

Heres a pic
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CBT √ Passed, Theory √ Passed, Mod 1 √ Passed, Mod 2 √ Passed
Riding - '87 Kawasaki GPX750R (Rolling Restoration) and '06 YBR125.
Want - Triumph Speed Four or Street Triple

[Kickstart]

[Pete.]

[Kris]

Wasn't it a version of the GPX motor that was later used in the ZXR750 in '89? Looks very similar.

Timing belt then, isn't it?
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www.prisonplanet.com

[Kickstart]

Hi

The GPX engine was developed into the ZXR engine. Think the valve adjustment is different. Think it is a belt driven alternator.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Triumph1300]

GPX has cam chain, mechanical valve clearances, and belt drive alternator
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BWJ
Back on a BMW R80RT
Punctuation - the difference between knowing your shit, and knowing you're shit