Getting started

About to start stripping down an 82 and 83 GPz with the expectation that the engines will possibly need to be stripped down and worked on also to get going. A friend told me to do a basic check that might indicate the engines could be ok. He said put them up on the centre stand, make sure there is oil in them (there isn't), take out the spark plugs, put it in top gear and see if the back wheel turns. If it does the pistons are not seized and engine may be ok.

Anyone got any thoughts on this?

Also, when i do this would it be enough to fill the engine oil or would a litre or so just for some lube be enough?

That's probably the easiest way to check if the motor is turning over.

If there's no oil in the motor (especially if it's been empty for years) I'd think any movement of the pistons may cause some damage to the bores - suggest putting a small amount of light oil down the spark plug holes and letting it sit few 30min - give the bike a bit of a rock while on the centre stand so it spreads around and off the top of the piston and can lube the rings. Put some motorbike oil in and fill maybe half way. Remember that until the motor is running that the oil in the sump won't be pumped thru tho.

If it turns over by hand (hope so) then the motor *may* be ok. Refit the plugs without the HT leads and see if it still turns over by hand - this will show if you have *some* compression. If you've got compression then you *may* have a working motor.

There are much more talented bike mechanics here than me - wait for a few more responses before trying anything

cheers wayne. You know more than me!