Restored Bike and Riding Again
Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:30 amWhile I started riding in the '70's I had long periods when I didn't get on a bike. Early in 2007 I purchased a mistreated 1995 ZX6R that had been dropped although it had only 13,000 Kms on the clock. I realised the joy of riding again and decided to restore the old girl to her former glory as the first super bike produced.
It had been sprayed canary yellow and the fairings had been cut down, presumably to remove the broken bits and there were bolts missing everywhere. The headlight was held in with cable ties and it was missing a tail lights while the indicators had met with the road several times.
I stripped it back to the frame and motor, and removed the sump for an inspection. All good there and I concluded the 13,000 k's on the clock to be genuine. I have cleaned, and painted every part I could get my hands on and replaced anything that didn't work or was missing with a genuine part. I was fortunate to find a full set of fairings that only meant I had to spray the tank to cover the yellow with Kawasaki green again. The only mods I have fitted are a Slipscreen 'double bubble' windscreen and a set of R&G Racing crash knobs with a replacement radiator water bottle.
The result is a tidy bike that is a shear pleasure to ride with plenty of power and enough comfort for a long ride or two. While I am only a recreational rider I do not miss a weekend riding with the occasional fight with the traffic to ride to work. I am only sorry I didn't do this sooner.
It had been sprayed canary yellow and the fairings had been cut down, presumably to remove the broken bits and there were bolts missing everywhere. The headlight was held in with cable ties and it was missing a tail lights while the indicators had met with the road several times.
I stripped it back to the frame and motor, and removed the sump for an inspection. All good there and I concluded the 13,000 k's on the clock to be genuine. I have cleaned, and painted every part I could get my hands on and replaced anything that didn't work or was missing with a genuine part. I was fortunate to find a full set of fairings that only meant I had to spray the tank to cover the yellow with Kawasaki green again. The only mods I have fitted are a Slipscreen 'double bubble' windscreen and a set of R&G Racing crash knobs with a replacement radiator water bottle.
The result is a tidy bike that is a shear pleasure to ride with plenty of power and enough comfort for a long ride or two. While I am only a recreational rider I do not miss a weekend riding with the occasional fight with the traffic to ride to work. I am only sorry I didn't do this sooner.
- New original fairings
- Every bracket has been cleaned and resprayed
- New double bubble windscreen cuts down on wind buffering
