1983 Kawasaki GPZ 1100 VS a Compression Tester

1983 Kawasaki GPZ 1100 VS a Compression Tester #Kawasaki #gpz1100 #vintagemotorcycles
Welcome back to our channel, everyone! In today's episode, we're putting our 1983 Kawasaki GPZ1100 to the ultimate health check - a Compression Test! 🏍️💨
You've followed the bike's journey from an abandoned, neglected beast left out to face the elements for years, with its spark plugs gone and engine seized. Remember how we freed that engine up, giving the Kawasaki a second shot at life? 💪🔧
Well, the bike has certainly proven its mettle. Not only did it start running, but it also carried us for an impressive 3,000 miles from the swamps of Slidell, LA to the scenic landscapes of Erie, CO. 🚀🗺️
Now it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty details. We're conducting a compression test to determine just how healthy our resuscitated engine is. Is this Kawasaki still a roaring beast or is it starting to show the strain from its previous years of neglect and its epic journey? Let's find out! 🧐
Watch as we walk you through every step of the compression test, explain what the results mean, and what they say about the future of our beloved GPZ1100. This is a crucial step for any bike restoration project and a great learning experience for motorcycle enthusiasts or anyone interested in mechanics!
So, get your tools ready, put on your learning helmet and join us in today's episode. Don't forget to hit that like button if you find the video helpful and subscribe if you haven't already to join us on our epic motorcycle restoration journey! 🙌🔔
Get your Motorcycle Rewind Gear Here
motorcyclerewind.creator-spri...
Sponsorships opportunities: If you would like to sponsor our channel on contact us at [e-mail] and put the word "Sponsorship" in the subject line.
All music by Bensound
For Aftermarket Parts
www.speedmotoco.com
For OEM parts for your Vintage Motorcycle
www.cmsnl.com
In southeast US and need service or parts visit
www.hurricanevintagecyclework...
Viking Bags Motorcycle Luggage
www.vikingbags.com
F40 Jump Pack
www.jfegwo.com/products/f40-4...
Use Coupon Code - REWIND and save 10%
#KawasakiGPZ1100 #MotorcycleRestoration #CompressionTest #DIYMechanics #MotorcycleJourney

[@Mariano.Bernacki]

It is seriously low, should be 100 at minimum, I am surprised it still runs with that little compression. On the other hand it is pretty even. Is it possible that some SERIOUS miles where put in while the speedometer was not working to explain wear?

[@Detailonthemove]

Throw that pittsburg comp tester in the trash and buy a decent one. They are known to read low. I had one that only read 80 on my snowmobile and I bought a mityvac one for 45 bucks that read 120 psi. Also cross checked it with a Mac tools compression tester and it was the same. Long story short HF tools are great until you need crucial numbers.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I have another one. An old one from a Sun kit. Just could not find the fitting.

[@tomkinney1438]

Very low compression. Minimum should be at least 120. 150 should be more like it

[@motorcyclerewind]

I was hoping for triple digits. Thanks for watching.

[@davemoore53]

How much difference does it make to the running?

[@andersaxelsson2196]

Love that you do old classics and you make them run again and looks good 👌🌹

[@motorcyclerewind]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.

[@fiero880]

First thought is yes it is low but something I noticed is how slow the engine is turning over. Could be a worn out starter or battery or both but that engine should be spinning over a lot faster with the plugs out and I think if you had a normal starter speed doing a compression check your compression numbers would be better.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I thought that when I first started. 🤔 May give it another go with a jump pack

[@ignaciofranzani4317]

You can do a differential compression test, to know where the compression is losing ( valves or rings) if the air is going out from the exhaust is a exhaust valve problem, if it takes out for the aire filter is a intake valve problem, anf if is going out for the oil cup, is a ring problem. Is a regular test on airplane engiens.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thats a great idea. I think I have a leak down tester. If not I get to buy a new tool

[@BD-dg8wm]

I was 16 when this bike was new, remember seeing them on the road, fond memories 🤘😎

[@motorcyclerewind]

Awesome. To be honest I did not even know they existed before getting this one. When I was a kid and the came out my mother made motorcycles off limits. So off my radar. When I got into motorcycles it was ones from 60s and 70s again off my radar. Once I got this one and learned about it the more I appreciated it. I am still jut interested in going fast. That’s why there are so many motorcycles something for everyone. Thanks for watching.

[@daveco1270]

My 1975 Honda CB750 sits around 160 per cylinder. I always figured it wouldn't run under 90, but I guess it does. My 64 Triumph 650 is about 150 per cylinder..

[@motorcyclerewind]

I believe this guy should be higher.

[@stevewilkin3977]

I would have expected something in the region of 140s warm her up and go again - but looks like a full top end job to me🤔

[@motorcyclerewind]

Knowing it’s history. Top end refresh is expected. I never expected it to run. Thanks for watching.

[@f.catfracassofracasso404]

That is most definitely low compression in the pistons it's well bellow a 100 PSI. Would not surprise if the valves needed to be reseated.....low compression will also cause hard starting when the engine is hot...

[@wullie3xv923]

.... Or, at the least, the valve clearances need checked / adjusted, that would be worth a punt. Doing that might get you a few psi back on its own. Lovin' this video series, by the way. I still can't believe how much water you drained out of the bottom end !

[@motorcyclerewind]

I am still amazed every time I walk into the garage and see the GPZ. It should not be here. It was someone’s garbage. Thanks for watching.

[@harrothepilot]

A bit low for sure. A squirt of oil in each cylinder and re check compression. Will give you an idea as to the health, or not, of the rings. As everyone else mentioned as well, a valve regrind cant hurt. Lets not forget the poor old girl is 40 years old and with unknown service history.

[@motorcyclerewind]

The old girl definitely needs some love. She deserves it! Thanks for watching

[@octaneracer5019]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of fuel injection and Carburators? What was the Last year of goz1100 fuel injection?

[@motorcyclerewind]

I think Kawasaki, like the other manufacturers were trying different technologies to see what would give them an edge. Once we sorted out the TPS on this one it had been all good. I believe 1984 was the last year for fuel injection.

[@oceanhome2023]

I would spray a little oil into each cylinder and see if the compression improves

[@motorcyclerewind]

That’s a great idea. Will give it a go and let you know if it changes. Thanks for watching.

[@ThatOldHonda]

Also I am gonna keep asking about the Triumph Spitfire lurking in your garage - looks sweet, I had one back when I was 19 or 20 so much fun

[@motorcyclerewind]

Go for it! 1971 triumph spitfire. I will do a garage walk around. And tell that story. Stay tuned.

[@johnblack3313]

Should be up at 1110/120 PSI! 60 is seriously low and should not really run .

[@motorcyclerewind]

This motorcycle continues to defy the odds. With compression too low to run. Can’t keep it down!

[@haydendemenezes2460]

I've seen some put a bit of oil and do a compression test. That way you know the rings and bore may have an issue. As your compression is low.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thought about doing that but did not think I would an extra 40-60 psi from it. Thanks for watching.

[@marcox4358]

care to explain that method please? my Honda VT250F is running at half compression... last time I checked

[@alexdieudonne1924]

How about a bike tour around the garage looks like some interesting ones ?

[@motorcyclerewind]

I was thinking about doing that. Especially since we have loads of new subscribers. Thanks for watching.

[@davemoore53]

1983 I think it was I sat on one at a bike show, I'm a fairly small guy and i remember being able to get fully behind the screen and I was like wow what an awesome machine! Now I've got a 1200 Bandit😂

[@motorcyclerewind]

Do you have a pic of that. The would be great to see. The Bandit is an awesome motorcycle. Thanks for watching

[@davemoore53]

@motorcyclerewind I too have grandsons, and I like your idea of telling the stories to them. I bought the bandit last year after it was dry stored 12 years, just 6700 miles from new, and I've done more miles on it in last few weeks than it'd done in previous 17 years. How do I send you a picture of it?

[@ignaciofranzani4317]

You should do the test with a hot engine

[@motorcyclerewind]

While I was editing the video I had the same thought. Ran into the garage. Warned the engine up and checked number 1 and got the same number.

[@kimkleiner8456]

@@motorcyclerewind but did you remove all the spark plugs? Just did a compression test on my girlfriend's small block gmc truck. We didnt follow firing order but simply went from front to back on both banks. The compression started at 120 for first two on driver's side. We were testing on a cold engine because it took us forever to pull all the spark plugs and it was dark by the time we had all the plugs out. Decided to postpone til next day. When we resumed testing in morning the compression rose about 10 psi with each succeeding cylinder. Was up to 175 psi on passenger side rear cylinder. Did the cylinders that had lowest numbers again and both went up ~25 psi.

[@MotoMango]

Time for a top end refresh 😅👊🍻

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thats on the schedule for the winter. Unless I can do it without removing the engine. Its a space thing.

[@MotoMango]

@@motorcyclerewind I hear ya. Space is always the limiting factor haha

[@ThatOldHonda]

Wouldnt be hard to put a set of rings in it - but then again, they are all even, it runs, yes they look low (are you sure your gauge is accurate??) but so what, it doesnt smoke, doesnt use oil, runs and starts (now) - ride it until you are bored and want something to do, then take it apart - thats what I do :)

[@motorcyclerewind]

That’s what I do. I refer to them as rolling rustorations. Thanks for watching.

[@firestorm755]

It may well get better with miles. Prob rings are still stuck a little. If it runs ok then check it again in month or so

[@motorcyclerewind]

I have a top end refresh planned later this year. I’m going to ride it till then. Thanks for watching.

[@gonegliding2966]

I'm still surprised it ran after sitting for so long full of water. Tough as old nails those kwakas. You can put a bit of oil down each bore and redo the test. If the comp. jumps up markedly, its a sign the rings are worn. Just my 2 cents and I'm not a mechanic either. 🙂 Just back from a 3500km ride of my own, so nice to see progress on the GPz.

[@motorcyclerewind]

WOW. Nice to see someone else putting in miles/kilometers on their GPZ. Thanks for watching.

[@garystratton454]

I have one exactly like it...

[@motorcyclerewind]

Awesome. The compression tester, the GPZ, or the compression readings. Thanks for watching.

[@DangerousSportsForSeniors]

Maybe a leak down test will give you a more definitive answer. Thanks for sharing

[@motorcyclerewind]

Great point. I think I have a leak down tester! Thanks for watching!

[@jameshisself9324]

Unfortunately expected given it's history. Still a bargain! Considering the water I would really want to inspect the gearbox as well. The bearings will likely fail prematurely and it will be imperceptible while riding or from external inspection. It will also be a slow failure, and the excess clearance in the bearings as they fail causes damaging wear to the gear shafts which becomes a much bigger and more expensive job. Top end rebuild is worth it. Replacing gear shafts might not be. Splitting the cases sounds scary but that era GPz was really straightforward, very similar all the way from the original Z1 900 up to this year. Better (and cheaper) to do it now than do it later. For the others surprised it will run so low- an otherwise good low comp motor will run and even idle provided the pressures are near equal as this one is. The problem will be continued damage to the cylinder walls, power output, oil consumption and eventually constantly fouled plugs. Which btw- hard to tell from video but the black plugs are likely more from oil burning than rich mixture.

[@simonmanners4108]

It’s funny because “expert” is a point of view depending on who you are talking too. As soon as someone says they are an expert in something I am very sceptical. What matters is experience, and experience comes from just giving it a go and learning from that process. To me you have great experience so please don’t become an expert and just keep doing what you do.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thank you for understanding my point of view. I enjoy doing this there has been loads of discovery education! You discover you don't want to do that again. lol Thanks for watching.

[@scottb8175]

Could also be the gauge isn't reading correct pressure. But it should be around 165 - 175 psi

[@davemoore53]

Yeah could be the guage, try another one maybe?

[@motorcyclerewind]

I agree. I have another couldn’t find the fitting for it so went with plan b.

[@remiisthebest]

My kz1100 1982 have 90psi with the trottle close and 155psi with the trottle open

[@motorcyclerewind]

That sounds right. Wish mine was there. 😂 thanks for watching.

[@matthewchappell2253]

What i find on internet for it should roughly be 124 - 191

[@motorcyclerewind]

So almost there.😂 thanks for watching.

[@Gpzlindy63]

I had an 81GPz 1100, that was ~120. Sorry I sold it.

[@motorcyclerewind]

You could find one. I have a bike I regret selling a 1978 Yamaha Xs650 that I paid $50 for delivered. Ended up trading it for my 1978 Ford F-150. I want that ONE back.

[@Gpzlindy63]

@@motorcyclerewind I keep looking, sad thing is I had mine for 15 years.

[@peteramberley9952]

Hone bore new rings and re grind the valves I reckon will double the psi and power.

[@motorcyclerewind]

That’s the plan. Top end refresh this winter. Unless I can do it without removing the engine. Thanks for watching.

[@motomallen]

Maybe regrind the valve seats, new piston rings, or a possible rebore and new pistons. It's really low compression whatever way you look at it. If you're not going to ride it the way it was intended to be ridden, then pass it on to somebody who will ride it the way it was built to be ridden.

[@motorcyclerewind]

It is going to get a top end refresh this winter unless I can do it without removing engine.

[@davemoore53]

How did you end up with so many bikes!

[@motorcyclerewind]

😂 My wife said I could have as many motorcycles as I want, as long as her fits in the garage. Challenge accepted. 😂I bought all of the cheap and I flip about 6-8 motorcycles a year to find the hobby. Thanks for watching.

[@kevinwilson8039]

I came for the GPz…..but I want to know about your Spitfire

[@motorcyclerewind]

😂 that’s why I have all that stuff in the garage. Something for everyone. 😂 The Triumph Spitfire is a 1971 model. It was my daughters fiancés grandfathers car. He bought it in 73 parked it in 1995. Decided to sell it December 2020. Margaret told me he was selling it and asked if I was interested. I said yea. He said I could have it. So I got it for Margaret and Bryce got it running and am storing it for them until she finished school. She got her PhD earlier this year now she’s at time for the car to move to their house. We had to put it on skates when my wife Keri got her new car. We fit 16 motorcycles and 3 cars in the garage. I am really good at Tetris.

[@kevinwilson8039]

@@motorcyclerewind that’s fantastic! Great story and fantastic little car (as a Brit it naturally caught my eye) I’m mainly a bike guy but I do like a nice classic car

[@nigelcox7477]

Yep compression is quoted as 8.9:1, so test should show around 134.

[@scottb8175]

The 83 GPz1100 was 9.5:1. The earlier GPz 1100 was 8.9:1.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Is there an equation you can do the figure this out!

[@nigelcox7477]

@@motorcyclerewind oh dear, here’s where I reveal my mickeymouse maths… I think 1 atmosphere (I.e. normal air pressure) is 15lbs per sq.inch, so 8.9 times that gives me 134psi (I’m ducking now waiting for the slap around the ears from an expert!).

[@kenbowlus2995]

@@nigelcox7477 Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level = 14.7 psi x 8.9 = 131 psi (rounded up). You can take your hands off of your ears now, no slapping allowed. 🙂

[@nigelcox7477]

@@kenbowlus2995 thank you! Got something (roughly) right for once - cheers!

[@richardbranton190]

Like I said before nothing a 2mm kit and a turbo won't fix👍

[@motorcyclerewind]

😂thanks may would solve my compression issues.

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

60 seems low, I'd expect at least 3 figures but at least its balanced

[@motorcyclerewind]

I was hoping for triple digits.

[@Silent-Lucidity]

It seems like this bike has a decompression valve, and 60 to 70 psi would be normal.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Not sure about decomp will look into it. Thanks for watching.

[@garystratton454]

That compression can't be right....has to have at least 90psi to even run...my guess is your gauge is faulty....or restricted air flow during test.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I had wide open throttle. Could be the gauge. Thanks for watching.

[@jockebengtsson54]

Could it be that the tester is bad? 60 psi would not be enough for the engine to work

[@motorcyclerewind]

The tester could be off I have another and will give it a go and see if there is a difference. Thanks for watching.

[@jockebengtsson54]

@@motorcyclerewind thank you for sharing your films!

[@flir67man84]

Seriously low? your valves stuck?

[@motorcyclerewind]

Don’t think so.

[@walmck]

My manual says 107-166 psi

[@motorcyclerewind]

So I’m close!!😂 if I add two together. Thanks for watching.

[@noahzark7975]

That’s a bummer. Maybe get a second opinion with a different compression tester.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I have tester could not find the fitting for it. So went with plan b!! I will dig around for it and see if it’s any different.

[@silverback8183]

It's low but....if it runs good,doesn't use oil and you are just going to ride around town then ride it as is. On the other hand, I for one would like to see it rebuilt but in the end it's your bike,do it how you like 👍

[@motorcyclerewind]

We will do a top end refresh later this year.

[@shaunquick9217]

Thats a poor reading topend rebuild required

[@motorcyclerewind]

Wonder if there is engorge room to rebuild top end with out removing the engine? If so I can do it sooner rather than later. Thanks for watching.

[@shaunquick9217]

No you don’t have to remove the engine on the gpz1100 to remove head and barrels but given the amount of water in the crankcase you might as well take it out and inspect the bottom end while the top end is off

[@timlangley8926]

too low

[@motorcyclerewind]

I know, I was hoping for 💯. Thanks for watching.

[@jvf964v6]

Test your guage it cannot be right. That engine should be between 120 to 150 psi. That's not near enough compression to run.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I have another gauge. By could not find the fitting. So went with second option. I will get another fitting and test it if different will post here. Thanks for watching.

[@DBAUG]

I wonder what you expect from this motorcycle... what is the purpose of squeezing an engine, that we know in what condition you got it...I mean, what can we learn from this? We were very impressed when it started. But the fact that you ride it and it causes you problems, it's quite obvious...

[@motorcyclerewind]

I have ridden it over 3,000 miles and it broke down twice both not related to the engine. One was TPS, the other was a coil that vibrated loose and shorted out. What could be taken from that is you can enjoy the motorcycle you have and do a rolling restoration. You don’t have to do a full tear down to enjoy your motorcycle. I buy too many project bikes where people try to do too much too soon and do nothing. Thanks for watching.