Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Hi there. I've just bought 2 GPZ 750's (1982 and 1983) both not working and in need of plenty of repair. I hope to rebuild at least one of them but have no idea what I'm about to do and have almost no mechanical ability!

I have a couple of questions..

1. How do I decide which one to rebuild? I know the 83 was a special model as a turbo but i think this one is the regular model (only going by photos and looking at body colours and design..) Also the engine (on the outside) on the 83 look a bit better condition. These 2 bikes have been together through a few sets of hands and the last couple of owners never got round to do the work. The 82 has shocks on the back and the 83 doesn't. I'm wondering wether someone has taken from the 83 to the 82 for a reason??

2. where do I start?? (I'm at the point of cleaning the shed, searching for a good manual and wondering what tools I will need)


Look forward to hearing some thoughts

Nick H.

Hi Nick welcome to KSRC, if you have little mechanical experience the I would suggest having a good think about the project as it could turn into a huge headache, worst problem I can see is being they are different models, I don't know about compatilibility of parts if you were thinking one would be a doner bike. The turbo would be a good one to do & being a later model with the upgraded suspension it would be my choice.
where are you located? One of our members might be able to lend a hand

Cheers Rob. I live in Cobar, a mining town in central NSW. There's plenty of time to think about things out here so I'l definitely put some thought into it! Plan to do it as a long term project, learn a few things as I go, don't mind if it takes me a year or more. Definitely will look for help as I go though.
Biking is pretty popular here and plenty of skilled mechanics but thought I'd like to speak to some GPZ/ Kawasaki experts or enthusiasts online and get a wide range of opinions also.
I figure I can use parts that are the same or compatable from one bike and then search and buy anything else that i might need.
I'm wondering whether the engine on the 83, although looks good, may be completely rooted and might be better working on the 82. Is there any way I can test them?
nick

nickoli321 wrote:I'm wondering whether the engine on the 83, although looks good, may be completely rooted and might be better working on the 82. Is there any way I can test them?nick

Yeah by stripping both down, but here is the tricky part you will probably have to get the parts off to someone that can check tolerances & that knows what to look for as far as wear & tare goes

Think I'll pull the 83 apart first and see how we go. Any general tips/tricks on stripping down an old bike like this?
nick

nickoli321 wrote:Think I'll pull the 83 apart first and see how we go. Any general tips/tricks on stripping down an old bike like this?
nick

If it's the first time youv'e ever pulled apart a motor.....take lots and lots of pics as you go
and keep all the bolts and shit in a really good container

I've got an 82 and the thing you need to remember is that it is a completely different model to the 83.
82


83


The 83 will probably be easier to source parts as they were essentially the same for a few years after 83, the 82 was only made for one year as a transition from the Z (KZ) series to the GPZ (ZX) series. The most notable difference (apart from the obvious fairing changes) was the move from the double shocks to the unitrack (single) shock in 83.

Probably gonna depend on which one you like the look of the most.

I've got a pdf version of the manual (which covers both bikes) if you want. Or you can just go here

Good luck whichever way you go.

ah i see..thanks dub. that's a completely different set up altogether isn't it. I didn't even realise there was a single shock system! That's good to know they are completely differeent... I ordered a Clymer manual (today) so combined with this download (some pics are a bit dark) I should have enough written info. I do like the older look of the 82 but the 83 was a special year for the GPZ also wasn't it? Hmm maybe i should have a go at both!
Yep definitely need some containers seiko...started taking off a couple of outside bits on the weekend and dropped the first nut i took off and couldn't find it for 5 mins..i was sure the dog had eaten it!
I'm sure i'll be posting again.
nick