Z800 Cafe Chopper Fighter thing...

[Royalratch]

Hey all. Small update.

The project forges ahead, a bit yo yo on progress but deffo on the finishing straight.

Frame has been sent to powdercoaters and also for seat to be made. I've basically asked for a seat like this:




Also, all other parts for powder-coating, anodising and fork sliders for DLC or Nitriding have been stripped and sent off. Frame and swingarm also.




The engine is on track for a full rebuild / 810 pistons / GPZ cams at Debbens after a delay waiting for new clutch rubbers from the Aussies. But on its way now. I basically gave them a GPZ motor and another Z750 one to find 4 sets of rods, valves etc that all match up in weight and bearing life as a better starting point. It will also get new drive chains, bearings, shells etc etc - a proper nut and bolt build finished with stainless exhaust studs, ARP rods and stainless fasteners where possible - should look great when done.


Whilst I'm waiting, back to the computer for a small but very important detail - side panel badges! I was planning on going with a custom 'Z800' badge but I'm sure it will be very pricey and may turn out crap.





The side badges below are still available from a replica maker and are genuine designations.


Nice 750 Twin Cam emblem...




GPZ750 is obviously cool - and kind of correct as it's a GPZ motor




Or I thought this traditional Kawasaki racing flag looked pretty cool too...






There's loads more here:

http://www.reproductiondecals.com/default_frameset.html?kaw_content.html~main

http://www.badgereplicas.com.au/badges_kawasaki.htm#other


Stay tuned.

[Crofty]

too many choices, they all look good

[Royalratch]

There's also super simple.

[Flying Tiger]

Super simple, matches tank badge. Clean iconic original Z font

[Royalratch]

Painfully slow progress - but always inching forward.

Major engine news, Debbens have cleaned the cases, assembled crank. main bearings ready for pain and final assembly. Its going together with stainless fasteners and APE rods so super excited about this part.

Started life as a crusty GPZ750 motor.




Always amazing when they can do this!








Got hold of some new clutch rubbers, water jet cut from better material. The rubbers in the old basket were gone as would most on any used item. Only other option is complete new basket at £200ish v £15 for these.




Tank and panels are with Flying Tiger and Simon suggested a great colour to match my though of a gunmetal very / brown. Its a colour thats already out there on some BMW and Peugeot cars but I think will look awesome when done - simple and strong.

Frame and swingarm have been painted, various parts anodised and seat is being made at the mo.

Next set of pics should be major.

[Crofty]

Looking good ratch

[Ginger Bear]

Can't wait for the next update.

[750steve]

£15 for the clutch rubbers??? Where where where??? I need a few sets! 2 to start off anyway

[Royalratch]

They just went black today!

The main body is satin but the points, stator and clutch covers will be gloss black. Bored for the 810 pistons and ready to go together.






I can't believe its the same motor!

[KeithZ1R]

Yep looks the same to me just cleaner .......I'll get me coat

[750steve]

It is surprising what can be turned round;




Light bead blast then masked off





Quite a bit better than they were!

[kiwi kdx]

mate in loving your build!!!
but then i would say that... you better have a look at my build, its like the long lost brother to yours!

the engine looks great!

[big green bus]

on your drawings your pegs look very high will you do a mock up before final welding etc. I put a tail unit on one of my projects got it weld etc but when I tried to sit on it I could not get my gut in the gap ( forgot I was not 19 anymore)

[Pigford]

....when I tried to sit on it I could not get my gut in the gap ( forgot I was not 19 anymore)

19 stone - more like 25

[Royalratch]

on your drawings your pegs look very high will you do a mock up before final welding etc. I put a tail unit on one of my projects got it weld etc but when I tried to sit on it I could not get my gut in the gap ( forgot I was not 19 anymore)

Yeh the actual pegs aren't where the drawing say. They are higher than the original as I wanted a slightly racier position. I've done a few test sits but without the seat - which should put me up higher.

If its awful, I'll get some custom rearset brackets to drop the pegs exactly where I want them - there is not a lot of places to mount the rearset tabs around that area.