Starting the Project - GPZ900

Well I've finally started stripping the 900 down. All the plastics are off and need a really good clean before anything else. There's only a few cracks to be welded up before sanding back to prepare to filler and commence painting. Actually I was expecting a lot worse. It looks like a lot of the inner fairings need to be purchased as they are missing - the dash panels in particular.

The frame has a little surface rust but looks pretty good overall. Needs a good clean tho. The engine really needs to be taken out and repainted / powder coated. Exhaust headers look a mess - will clean them up before deciding which way to go there. Will give it a full major service while the bodywork is off.

A couple of electric problems are causing a headache but confident it can be overcome.

Chain and sprockets - not sure yet. Might just replace them as a precaution.

Brakes - rotors are still within spec for thickness, pads look fine. Clutch and brake master cylinders will be rebuilt as a precaution.

Forks - looks like the seals need to be replaced and will do this at the same time as reconditioning the anti-dive units.

The tank is a mess - not sure what it's been through but will sand it down and take a look at what I have to work with. Will rebuild the fuel tap as well.

Cooling system needs new hoses. Will flush and clean the water works.

Tyres need to be replaced. Plenty of tread (Bridgestone BT45's) but the profile of the tyre shows lots of wear. Given it's lack of use over the last 5 years I suspect the tyres may well have hardened as well.

All up - there is some work to be done but nothing out of the ordinary for a 1985 model bike. Looking forward to getting it done!

The next question - what colour to paint it? My first thought is to copy the 500 - black with red/white details. I'm not particularly worried about making it look like a genuine '85 900 or a "Top Gun" bike - just a nice bike. My second thought - opposite of the 500 - white with red/ black details. Any thoughts or suggestions?

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Looks like you will have all your spare time put to good use now.......... good luck with it all Wayne.....

HI

Good luck mate
Starting on mine soon so please keeps us updated?
Also if you find any good part suppliers let us know/

Cheers Mick

Looks like a good project . Good Luck with it .
There was an article in Classic Mechanics mag a few months back on rebuilding the anti dive system . PM Slow and Wobbly , I think he gets that mag .

The next question - what colour to paint it? My first thought is to copy the 500 - black with red/white details. I'm not particularly worried about making it look like a genuine '85 900 or a "Top Gun" bike - just a nice bike. My second thought - opposite of the 500 - white with red/ black details. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Hi Wayne, I'm going after the A16 but colour won't be the original paint code. Red will be hot red and gray will be a darker pearl gray. Both are metallic paint. Hopefully it will look like this but might change depending the outcome.

Attachments

A16 paint scheme

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