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Rideable Classics
United Kingdom
Registrace 4. 07. 2021
A DIY motorcycle renovator, all done for my own enjoyment. I buy bikes that I had, or wanted, back in my youth - that are now often neglected, or maybe have sat idle for years in someone's garage. I've held a full UK bike licence for some 35 years, achieved Gold on the RoSPA advanced rider course (highest civilian accreditation), and have had more bikes that I can remember! Join me on some of my nostalgic journeys as I try to bring some of these old beauties back to life !
Kawasaki GPZ550D1 Repairing the fuel issue an getting a test ride in whilst the sun is out !!
This is Part 2, and the repair of the fuel tap so we can hopefully get out on the D1 and do more than 10 flipping miles without breaking down! Lets get it done and then give her a good road test... Can we trust the bike again?? Lets hope so!
zhlédnutí: 3 557
Video
Kawasaki GPz550D1 first ride out this year - what a disaster !
zhlédnutí 4,8KPřed měsícem
Nice day, which this year is a bit of a rarity, so I thought I'd get the D1 out and give her a spin round. I think she actually may be possessed and want to kill me though... Kawasaki GPz550D1 or Christine - you decide !!!
Some sun at last, so out with the KTM 640, Duke II and lets get filtering !!
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed měsícem
Not a big lover of riding in the rain much anymore, did all that when I was younger, now I like it dry, and not too cold ! So out with the bike at any opportunity, even if its a commute to the office. The Duke is amazing, but lets see how she is whilst slow speed filtering through rush hour traffic !
Kawasaki GPZ550D1 - lets try getting back on track with this restoration !
zhlédnutí 1,1KPřed 2 měsíci
Well, after a frantic few weeks away working on other projects, and having a full garage storing a kitchen and other stuff - its finally time to get the garage sorted, and get back on track with this damn restoration. The frame is ready, the swingarm is waiting to be prepped and once I have the room back - I can crack on!!
Show and Tell - eBay special !!
zhlédnutí 639Před 6 měsíci
Well, as we come out of winter and into Spring, my blood is up and I'm itching to get back out on the bikes, and spend more time in the garage too. Last year I didn't have the time to ride the bikes much at all, the Honda Transalp the most I think, and that was about it. So, what do I do?? I buy another bike !!! Say hello to my KTM 640 Duke 2 !
Honda Transalp. 1987, XL600v, PD06 - getting her ready for the 2024 season!
zhlédnutí 4,2KPřed 6 měsíci
My lovely Honda Transalp! New boots, chain & sprockets & a tasty new exhaust to freshen her up for the coming years riding.
Crazed Paint - lets put it right !
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed 9 měsíci
This is really an addendum to the previous video, showing you that I put the issue right, and got on applying the Kustom Canz candy green. She looks great and that's now all the bodywork done !
GPZ550D1 Paint job continues - with CRAZED paint !!!
zhlédnutí 185Před 9 měsíci
Well, it happened on the Honda Transalp mudguard, so why not on the D1 ! After laying down the heavy flake silver, ready for the candy green, I notice that the paint has crazed, so will need sorting before we go any further.
Kawasaki GPZ550D1, from Firecracker red, to Candy green!
zhlédnutí 2,4KPřed 10 měsíci
Taking the 1981 GPZ550D1 from firecracker red to candy green using graphics supplied by image works, Derby, and paint from Specialist Paints Kustom Canz range. The range of paint from these guys is amazing, the candy effect is an absolute joy to use. Follow along as I get the tank & tail piece prepped, primed & painted. With the side panels now done, that just leaves the bikini fairing and fron...
GPZ550D1 - from red to lime green !! Lets have a look at that paint !
zhlédnutí 849Před 11 měsíci
Well, this was my wife's choice, and she has a lot to put up with, with my bikes and all, I was happy to go along with the choice. I mean, she's right, I do already have a red D1 so why not go lime green - but with a modern twist. Check out the video and let me know what you think ! Be nice viewers !! lol ! Products used: Kustom Canz - White 1K primer, Base Silver metallic, Candy Green & 2k Cle...
Kawasaki GPZ550D1 - Clutch replacement
zhlédnutí 979Před 11 měsíci
Parts have arrived so lets get and sort that slipping clutch once and for all!
More updates than you can shake a stick at !
zhlédnutí 682Před 11 měsíci
(French) GPZ550D1 - rotten swing arm & new colour.... (UK) GPZ550D1 - sorting the dodgy clutch... RD350LC - nearly breaking down - got to get sorted !!
Kawasaki GPZ550D1 - restarting the project !
zhlédnutí 1,1KPřed 11 měsíci
I've been away, but now I'm back, so lets have a catchup as to where we are with the GPZ550D1, and have a recap of the plan. Warning: this video contains some waffle !
Kawasaki GPZ550D1 project bike. Starting the bodywork.
zhlédnutí 7KPřed rokem
After deciding that the bodywork is just too nasty to be polished up, I make a start on the fuel tank. What a find this bike was, this tank is in the original paint, has never been repaired, has no dents or dings - just unheard of for a 40 year old bike!
Kawasaki GPZ550D1 breakdown repair.
zhlédnutí 6KPřed rokem
Well, after the breakdown and the great comments about the fact it may well be the fuel tap that has failed, the repair kit has turned up and I'm going to fit it and see if it resolves the issue. We'll also be looking at some filtering on the Honda Transalp PD06, and a quick start of the Yamaha RD350LC. Enjoy !!
GPZ550D1 - Repairs following the breakdown...
zhlédnutí 6KPřed rokem
GPZ550D1 - Repairs following the breakdown...
Kawasaki GPZ550D1 - First proper day on this project. The strip down.
zhlédnutí 4,4KPřed rokem
Kawasaki GPZ550D1 - First proper day on this project. The strip down.
1981 Kawasaki GPZ550 D1 - a few more jobs to keep the old girl running well!
zhlédnutí 2KPřed rokem
1981 Kawasaki GPZ550 D1 - a few more jobs to keep the old girl running well!
Kawasaki GPZ550D1 (1981) - Lets sort the terrible brakes out !
zhlédnutí 1,4KPřed rokem
Kawasaki GPZ550D1 (1981) - Lets sort the terrible brakes out !
Kawasaki GPZ550D1 1981, unintentional first day of the new project...
zhlédnutí 2,1KPřed rokem
Kawasaki GPZ550D1 1981, unintentional first day of the new project...
Kawasaki GPz550 D1 - Shakedown Rideout !
zhlédnutí 3,3KPřed rokem
Kawasaki GPz550 D1 - Shakedown Rideout !
Its eBay time !! The Z is gone, and 600r parts are on the way oy out too !!
zhlédnutí 1,2KPřed rokem
Its eBay time !! The Z is gone, and 600r parts are on the way oy out too !!
Kawasaki GPz550D1 - Will it Start??? (Part 1)
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed rokem
Kawasaki GPz550D1 - Will it Start??? (Part 1)
Kawasaki GPZ550d1, nearly ready to hit the road !
zhlédnutí 3,1KPřed rokem
Kawasaki GPZ550d1, nearly ready to hit the road !
Road trip to France to collect 3 more bikes and a ton of spares !
zhlédnutí 2KPřed rokem
Road trip to France to collect 3 more bikes and a ton of spares !
Its ANNOUNCEMENT TIME !!!!! You need to watch this NOW !!!
zhlédnutí 1,5KPřed rokem
Its ANNOUNCEMENT TIME !!!!! You need to watch this NOW !!!
Lovely machine
Nice one
Wow, what a gorgeous bike.
Have you ever seen Johnny's vintage motorcycles? Classic kawasaki specialist in the state's, The guy is a z1 and z900 encyclopaedia, he recommended pingal pet cocks, as one of the only 2 updates, apparently kawasaki petcocks are shit.
I'll have a look at that, I would like to replace with a new one. I commuted on the bike yesterday, 23 miles each way - and she didn't miss a beat - so all good!
Year, solder and shrink tube would of been better, as an old tec, chock electrical block has no place in the Automotive industry, except for maybe a temp emergency repair.
Completely agree. I've since removed the block connectors and soldered and shrink tubed as you suggested. Much happier about that now.
Ahh you got to love a classic! 😂 its not if it breaks down, but when. Unfortunately time catches up with everything and everyone.
I think you have to bite the bullet and get back out on GPz. Just ride it every day if possible just for a few miles to flush those bugbears out👍👍
You are right ! I have just redone the electrics, removing the connectors and soldering them up like I should have done in the first place. The bike is lovely to ride, and yes - I definitely need to get out more on it! I'm sure the wife will understand ;-)
Like you say the only way to build trust is to ride it. The more you ride it the more reliable it will become. Just make sure you have your AA card 🤣
What a beautiful bike. ❤
Mid eighties Kawasakis….. the electrics…eurgh. I had a KL600R… no waterproofing on connectors and poor quality copper. It’s not your fault.Total nightmare.
Get rid of those connector blocks, they will cause you problems. Try using proper thru crimps and a good crimping tool.
Yes, you're completely right. I've since removed them and soldered the wires, covering them in heat shrink. 👍
we have all been there lol
Good video, have you checked that the vacuum in the fuel tap is working ?
Didn't kwakers that age have a seat rubbing through and shorting out on the battery issue. Or was that old CBs ha I really should watch the whole vid before commenting.
My z500 had spluttering problems and it was the diaphragm in fuel tap just a tiny hole in it
Thank god it wasn't Z1300 you had to push home
Great looking bike….i had the gpz900r for 23 years…loved it
Good thing you’re a powerful person…I couldn’t have pushed it back 👍
I might be wrong on this but the melted fuse connection may well be part of the charging circuit, Honda's of that era were notorious for melting the connection block on the rec/reg circuit, I would also find Honda would use a 30A aluminium blade fuse which would crack with age and the bike would run fine then cut all power over a bump but work fine again due to the cracked alloy strip making a connection again. Also on early Yamaha's and Suzuki faired Bandits water ingress into the wiring would corrode the positive terminals to the point were they would make the bike run like it was a carb issue, so a complete check over of the loom would be my suggestion. Also check the bike is still charging.
I find the electrics are the Achilles heel as over time they'll decay especially wiring looms around steering head with all the turning involved and the switch gear as well. Had the same problem with a Kwacka GT750 when the coils caused total cut out on outside lane M25. They were breaking down but when cool would make the bike start as nothing had happened.
😂😂 unfortunately, the more mature bike can be a right arse sometimes, but I think that's attraction. However, when riding, you forget the hours spent working on it. Oh, and the sacred and ancient mantra of "Effin n Jeffin" was funny. Bring it on !.
Amazed you didn't need to pull the carbs after having that bad fuel. Dealing with leaking carbs on mine.
I cringed all the way through this video 😂 As filtering is not allowed here in Germany, no one does it and subsequently we're not used to seeing it. Watching people filter makes me nervous 😂😂
That's awful that its not allowed, we've got to have some advantages... surely! It always makes me laugh when you see the odd person in a car getting annoyed when we filter, I've had some try to block me, move over into the middle of the lane. I even had one woman screaming at me and swerving around to try and stop me! Maybe when I'm sitting there in the pouring rain, I should be running up to the cars and trying to drag them out, shouting: 'If I'm getting wet, so should you!!' 🤣😂🤣😂
@@RideableClassics Yeah, its mad that we cant't do it (officially) Of course, there are times we do it anyway, like if you hit a traffic jam, but you have to watch out some idiot doesnt door you. They hate it with a vengance if someone is moving faster than them, and if they are doing it illegal,y blimey, you got a fight on your hands LOL
Sweeeeeeeet. If that bike was a dog, it would be Murph. I'm so glad you're enjoying it, and It's such a nice clean example. Sounds like it was built on a Monday. I love watching your "GO/NO GO" overtaking choices too. For all of its low down gruntiness, I always found mine to really enjoy running up towards the redline, it just kept making power = Making progress! See you soon Bruh.
Thank you ! The low down power is just the best, it pulls from nothing and just builds and builds, such a different bike to anything I've had before, I'm hooked damn it!! Can't wait to see you both soon - its not long now :-) :-)
I would disagree on this one and say it must be The Honda CX this title is fore 😊
Wich modell of old transalp are the best to buy in 2024 ? I want to add one in my collection.. Love ure channel !!!! Cheers !!!!
Thank you ! For me its got to the the early PD06 model like mine. Built in Japan and super reliable in pretty much every way !
Cool! I had a GPz750, '84 ish. It was quite a handful. Bought it for a song, sold it on to a friend, in need, for a song. Had lots of fun with it in between. Fun times. Cheers!
LA MEJOR MOTO DE TODAS LAS EPOCA, LA MOTO MAS DURA QUE PUEDE EXISTIR MAS SI LA CUIDABAN Y LE HACÍAN SUS MANTENIMIENTO A TERMINOS, ES UNA MOTO QUE JAMAS VA PASAR DE MODA, ES UNA CLÁSICA HOY EN DIA, EN FIN, BUEN VIDEO, MI NOMBRE ES XAVIER, SALUDOS DESDE ARGENTINA 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷
Hola Xavier y bienvenido al canal. Estoy de acuerdo en que esta bicicleta es la mejor, nunca te defraudará, ¡súper confiable! ¡Me alegra que hayas disfrutado el vídeo!
Hey Bro, nice to see you back at it again. By the way, nice skid lid. I've got one myself, they are a nice adventure helmet. Yes, the more you wear it, the more it moulds to your head shape. I'm looking forward to the next video. 🙂👍
so nice to see you back
Hi, Great useful video, thank you ! I have a 88 Transalp 600 (Italian import) same colours, which Ive just got back on the road after a 2 year break, all running great, how will I know if I need chain/sprockets, I thought it was when the sprockets are sharks fin shape or is it best to change periodically ? Many thansk and will now have a look at the rest of the Transalp videos.
Odd one but can you get restrictor kits for these? Just to make it A2 complient
You don't fancy selling the original silencer ?
I love the mid size Kawasakis and always have done. I particularly liked the GT550s (especially the blue one!) but I always thought that the engines in them (the valve train and cam chain) sounded like a bit like a bag of nails... Still, one of my favourite group of bikes, the GPZ/ GT 550's. Thank you for uploading sir! :)
I have the same one 89 same colors with black seat, very nice bike wouldn’t change it.
Hey. May I ask if you have addressed the overheating of the engine? For the last season it happens to me that when driving and warming up, just stop at an intersection and the fan starts. The temperature does not drop below half of the thermometer. Any possible advice? So I have the engine in the silver variant. Thanks.
Watch that front stand as you need to swap the supports as they are handed. Love the bike, I’d love to have one now, two mates had them new but I couldn’t afford one at the time
I like this motocycle
Looks a bit of a beast...😮 Practice your wheelie skills.
I have a z550b frame, will the gpz550h engine fit? The de series engine that came with the bike has yhe crank frame damaged
🏍👍
Oi Oi! Brother in law here. Mate! It's even nicer than I thought. Those Carbon Akra's are worth a mint, and the bike does look pretty clean. I didn't know it came with such h a great history, looks like a real bargain IMHO. I'd say it was idling a bit low though, but it started cleanly, which is the main thing. You have no idea how much of a hooligan its going to bring out, even though you own an LC, I think this is going to be a bit of an eye opener. Maybe go out with your IAM group first! If you want to go Full Mental Jacket, look into sourcing the rare 660 SuMo kickstart only engine, FCR41 carb and CDI. That's about as much power as the 660 can make without becoming a UXB. You could swap the Carbon Akra's for one!
Lol - yup, real hooligan ! I think it just needs a good run, the chap I got it from hadn't used it for months as he broke his femur in a motocross accident - so its just been sitting idle. I want to do an oil change before getting out on it proper, i have the 2 filters and oil - so just need a little time to do it. I think I'll get to know the bike a bit first before heading off down the modding route, or you can do it when you are back next! I'm sure you'll be borrowing it, so I'll leave it to you 😉👍
Had a case of an "itchy wallet" that needed a good scratch😁😁
Absolutely!! I definitely think it's going to bring the hooligan out in me 😉😆😆
Love it! Hope the Hot Tubs still going well. Regards TheSpaguy.
Hi, lol - yes, Kate is still using the tub very regularly, it's going great! Followed your advice and added the insulation and that helps. Glad you liked the video!
Wanting to purchase one of these in a few months! Wish youtube exposure would stop pushing the prices up! 😂
The real problem is finding nice examples of the pd06!
Great bike & great video! I have the same bike but in red / white (exactly the same as in Freddie Dobbs review). I noticed you have the slightly taller screen though, how do you find it at higher speeds? I find the standard screen quite noisy….
To be honest I find the higher screen better. I did try the standard one, and I think it did look better, but it provided little wind protection.
:Green with Envy: I'd soooooooo much prefer one of these beauties over a "new" TransAlp!
It really is a lovely bike !
Glad to see you back👍👍😀😀
Yup, the winter hibernation is coming to an end ! 😂😂
If you are ever selling please let me know, looking to buy in the uk. Thank you 👍
Looking great! My D1 was painted by a previous owner in a weird burgundy sort of colour. I’m hoping to get it back to the same colour as yours with the original stripes!