Frame & Swingarm Repair on my ZX7R - Ep3 | ZX7R Restoration | Tom's Workshop

Welcome back! I sent subframe off for fresh powdercoat, then got started on cleaning up the frame, replacing bearings and repairing the swingarm.
Thanks for watching!

[@alpinegarage8548]

I have a 2000 ZX7R that was stolen and recovered before sold to me. I have had it covered for 2 years waiting to rebuild it. And now this series …. Nice!

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha if it’s even made you lift the cover out of curiosity then I’m happy 😂 good luck!

[@Trickshot72]

I'm really enjoying this series, thanks so much for taking the time to make and upload it. As in depth and competent as RRC, but without the same barrage of advertisements. Brilliant.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Thanks! This is high praise! Though I'm definitely not in the competency league as RRC, my willingness to try, learn and share that journey helps keep it authentic 👍

[@Tyzfim]

Nice way of starting my weekend!! And good tip with the ruler, never seen that, thanks tom

[@davidalecu4003]

That frame looks great

[@tomevans4078]

Nailed the brushed look on the frame. Bike is gonna look damn fine when you’re finished.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Yeah I'm really happy with it, plus it's low maintenance compared to fully polished. A couple of brushes through the year with GT85 should keep it fresh 👌

[@markhowlett8070]

Outstanding job sir.

[@adammclean7131]

Great little series this 🖒

[@01635chris]

Both inspiring and easy watching. 🙌 like your work

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers! Appreciate the comment 👍🏻

[@vespaveloce1924]

Lovely job!

[@alanrobins]

Excellent as per normal very proud keep it up

[@davidbates5310]

Great vids Tom, really enjoy your content

[@mdhfreakk6868]

Loving this

[@KensWorldRestorations]

Trying to come back with a snappy thought to the shaft greasing but realized they all sounded pretty creepy. Keeping it legit, awesome work. I'm just a few steps behind you with the Genesis resto. I'm on my last week at work and I needed some inspiration to get me through. Thanks again for the "motovational" videos!!!

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha 😂 Thanks Ken, I need to catch up on your last vid, glad it’s moving along 👌🏼

[@superrams34]

Enjoying this series immensely. My old man had one of these brand new back in ‘97, but was unfortunately stolen 6 months later (then replaced). I remember the day he got it and we sat in the garage staring at it for half an hour. Still a cracking looking bike to this day. Good luck with the build.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

I love hearing these stories (shame about the theft 😞) hope it brings back good memories 👍🏻

[@cp4512]

This will be a very sweet ZX7 👍

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

I sure hope so, it was sweet enough at the start, so can only get better!

[@philipheron3429]

Made my Saturday waking up to this , brilliant content 👏👏👏

[@AlexRR1]

That’s quality content, keep it up man!!

[@garyb931]

Been waiting for this episode for over a week now. Contentment achieved.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha, I’m afraid they won’t always be this frequent once I’ve caught up to where I am in the project 😂

[@christian_garcia72]

Amazing works full detailing

[@essexhognose1808]

Proper job, nice one

[@575ban]

I have to agree, I'm not a big fan on mirror polished frames either but that did look pretty special. But can you imagine keeping on top of it?? To the powder coaters for me 😂 Good work Tom. I'm enjoying your progress.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers Nick, yeah that’s exactly how it felt, at least I can give it a few brushes with ACF50 or GT85 every now and then to keep it fresh. I did toy with powder coating the whole frame in the dark gray and going for the later colour scheme, but I felt the Kawasaki elders would frown on me for not being authentic to the model year. And am I’m glad I went with this!

[@575ban]

@@tomsworkshopprojects lol. Yeah, those purists would be dissapointed (me) lol. I've a P6 but was looking for either a green P3 or a red P2 (don't ask) but the bike I have seemed the best option at the time. I just love the ZX7R, I bought a brand new 1998 P3 and it was such a awesome machine, even a 1998 R1 struggled to compete once the 7R started rolling. The only bike the beat it in real terms was the 1998 ZX9R, and those that know, know the 1998 ZX9R was an absolute weapon in a straight line. I'd guess you've completed the ZX7R build now, and what ever you've done, I'm sure the joy of riding the bike will make it all worth while. They are an iconic machine.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

That’s true, well Im often surprised at the relative affordability of these bikes, considering the love there is for them. Haha far from complete, despite starting in January, I’m still currently working on forks, mainly as I’m trying to source parts!

[@Trickshot72]

@@575ban I've ridden a 98 R1 against a 7R. Under acceleration, the R1 would gap it in every scenario. What allowed the 7R to stay close was front end confidence. The 98 R1 doesn't steer.

[@WhiteOutHunting]

nice work

[@LeeTillbury]

Great video again Tom. Me personally, I'm glad you're getting rid of the polished finish on the frame. Never liked that

[@kenwolfe5697]

Looking great. I also lean toward a brushed look but that polished frame with the neon colors would have been a great combo too. Great progress!

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Thanks Ken, fingers crossed it stays like this 🤞

[@kenwolfe5697]

@@tomsworkshopprojects Even if it doesn’t, as is common with these projects, we’re cheering you on!

[@stephenwould1389]

Throughly enjoy watching people like yourself doing these Restorations. Amazing work. Looking forward to seeing the end product. Keep up the good work Tom.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers, really appreciate that!

[@marksarvari1450]

I’m enjoying your strip down / clean and rebuilding of the ZX7R I really like the editing

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers!

[@CRISLAIDPIBOT]

fantástico. muy buen trabajo!!! quiero ver el pronto el próximo video N4

[@charlesemerson6763]

Nicely done. Looks like it's all going to plan.

[@user-pn8yh8yg2z]

What a dream! Lovely work. Learning lots. Thanks! You must be very excited over this project. And you should be. It's a trophy of a bike.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Thanks! Very excited, enjoying this one a lot 👍🏻

[@antonios2846]

Great job!

[@pauljackson1126]

I think the roller bearing is on the drive side of the swinging arm because of the torque loading on it.studing bar and sockets can work for removing needle roller bearings.also I prefer a piece of silver steel to knock our headrace bearings but don't take that as a criticism, your doing a great job.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Yeah I think you're right. I do need to upgrade my 'whacking' toolkit. I have a few things but nothing long enough for the headstock. Maybe be something for my Christmas list!

[@otmuppet]

Love the attention to detail. Keep that dog employed!

[@howardrathbone2120]

Great series, I’ve just rebuilt a 1988 Honda CBR250R. It’s great to get it all back together and running again!

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Nice! I can’t wait to get back on the road, although I’m having fun so far with the restoration, just hope I don’t miss next summer.

[@richardraby6266]

I think that the two bearings are on the DRIVE side, and that could be the clue?

[@HalfdeadRider]

Great job so far, I'll bring my Y2k ZX9r to you next 😁👍

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

😂 If it comes back with no engine, it may have fallen into the 7R lol

[@HalfdeadRider]

@@tomsworkshopprojects 😂😂👍

[@radiocrash]

I’ve got one of these in an absolute state which I’m hoping to revive. Nice job so far mate 👍

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers, hope this gives you the bug to get cracking 😆

[@baz8996]

Great work. Ive just managed to get a 97 one with low miles, and am looking to go through the same process. Keep em coming! If you could drop a separate video about the plating process, that would be appreciated! Thanks

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Nice, good luck with it! I will have a bit more detail in the next video, but I feel like I’m still working it out, so may wait until live fully got my head around it before making a bit more of a guide video. I think RRC is working on one though (which I’ll definitely be watching)

[@1jbunceiii]

Not a fan of polished frames but your attention is awesome. I'm hooked on the series!

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers! Yeah I prefer the brushed finish over fully shiny

[@ragnarironspear1791]

Copper grease is a Bikers best friend

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video fantastic job 🇬🇧 👍

[@ryanbox30]

Thank you for sharing this amazing restoration of a true classic with us. Please keep these videos the way they are. They are amazing. P.s. the bigger bearing is on the chain side right? I think it's because these can better handle the forces the chain creates on that side of the swingarm

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers! Appreciate that. Yeah I think you’re right about the bearing 👍🏻

[@Ken_Myette]

You deserve more subs

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha thanks, I’m still amazed even 20 people are following along, but it’s very rewarding seeing it resonates with as many as it does 🙏🏼

[@marc-dinomeermann7557]

The bearings are different, because one is fixed and the other one has to have the ability to expand and shrink through deviation of temperatures.

[@jeangaelcognat4988]

C'est du beau travail !!! Merci pour le partage et le montage

[@mikeylite13]

Lookin good bro

[@ferdiyurdakul]

I was worried that you'd go down the polished way. Personal taste, i guess. But, I'd have thought a lick of matt clear over brushed bits, or even all over would be the way? Anyway, keep it coming. Now i know what I need to do with my SRAD

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

I did think about it, chatted to a friend who’s done similar and he swung me on giving it a wipe with GT85/ACF50 after the brushing, then doing similar periodically through the year. Cheers, love an SRAD, it was the other option when I went for this a few years back.

[@philipheron3429]

Thats a bit picky

[@chriskearns2129]

Are the double needle roller bearings on the drive chain side of the pivot. I suspect to help with the flex/stress.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Yeah I imagine the drive chain acting down one side mean's it's not a symmetrical load. Plus I guess all the accelerating force of the bike goes through that set of bearings!

[@SeanagnewA7X]

Just came across your videos mate. Am hooked. Very well done.Cant wait to see the end product. A know its going to be good. Out of interest would love to know what compressor you are using and how you are doing the replating of the fasteners.A spend far to much on new titanium fasteners. Costs me a fortune 😂

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Ah cheers mate! My compressor is a 50L SGS one, the V-Twin one, seems good so far! I’ve got a home zinc plating kit for the fasteners. I’ve got a bit more detail on that in the next video when I do the suspension linkage 👍🏻

[@dunksuk]

Nice F-91W

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

The ultimate timepiece 👌

[@markieboy101]

Could you lacquer the frame to protect the finish? Great video in both content and production btw👍

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Thanks! I'm going to see how I get on, for the time being, I've given it a wipe down with ACF50 which I'm happy to do periodically, but since then, someones recommended a matte lacquer which wouldn't give the shiny finish I was hoping to avoid. So if I find myself fighting oxidisation down the road, I may mask up and put a matte clear coat over the brushed sections.

[@markieboy101]

@@tomsworkshopprojects you inspired me to have a crack at my spare Fireblade frame. It’s coming up well but I think I’ll lacquer it to give it some protection.

[@davidhall9597]

Really enjoying this build. Out of interest you say you dont like the polished frame so you didn't go back to original because you cant? Is there not a process to go back to original finish? Dealers always tell me polished frames hurt the value of these bikes. Thanks

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Yeah I thought about it a lot. To be honest , my budget wouldn’t stretch to getting the frame painted/powder coated, plus I’m pretty sure I’ve no intention on ever selling this so I wasn’t too worried about any value impact. I actually considered making it a black frame colour scheme from the later years. But yeah, not enough 💷

[@grankvarsvik4153]

The best looking mainstream-ish 750 from the 1990`s in my opinion. Want one. But I have a max-3-bikes-wife. Quota is already full :(

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha I’m the same, 3 is the limit. So I think after a few summers, I’ll have to sell the FZR to make room for something else.

[@grankvarsvik4153]

I try to argue these are investments that really do not cost anything over time, taking into consideration the labour that goes in is free and prices on such bikes are likely to rise. Ten years from now the cheap pile of junk you carefully nursed back to life for very little money can be sold for a considerable sum. So I may have to upgrade my wife`s bike limit as my FZR stays. I`l let you know if I find out how...

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Definitely, haha, please do share if you crack the system.

[@roguenut9]

Bravo! Really impressed by how things are going. I hope you're having as much fun wrenching, shooting and editing as we are watching. How long until you restore a PW50 for some proud dad action?

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha, I may have to battle the wife with that one. I took them to a Yam dealer once and they came home saying they were going to get dirt bikes and quad bikes, she wasn’t too impressed 😂

[@FourEM909]

Cracking series this - I'm about to start the swingarm bearing replacement process . In your opinion is there not enough material on the swingarm faces to pull the blind pullers rather than a slide hammer ??

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers! I did have a try, but my puller is quite large and clumsy so I don’t think there was enough for a good footing. Especially when I start turning it it tends to twist. Though it may be better with a 3 legged one.

[@richb5248]

Nice series. My guess re bearings is there is more of a torsional load on the chan and sprocket side.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Yeah I think it’s got to be that 👍🏻

[@bootross255]

Yup I'd say that's it

[@brokenbiker09]

Maybe the bearings are different because the torque of the chain putting power to the wheel?

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Yeah that makes sense

[@iainmcconnell6727]

Awesome work, can I ask what size compressor you have? Looking to get one for my small garage and get the sander/polisher. Thanks

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers, it’s a 50L one from SGS, it’s the V-Twin (cool) one so has a decent cf/m while still small enough to fit under the bench nicely.

[@TheBteam77]

Just found your channel great job on the strip down and refurb do far 👌 are parts still readily available through Kawasaki ?

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Some are, but lots definitely aren’t 😂 I mainly use Fowlers or CMSNL for the OEM parts.

[@TheWhisky81]

Hi Tom, thanks for posting this as I plan to do my swing arm bearings soon and this video has given me a good idea what I'm up again, I noticed your chain slide/guide clicked in at the top but didn't see you click it in at the bottom? Reason I ask is mine doesn't click in on the bottom it just seems to flop about, is yours the same mate👍

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha that’s a great eye, it’s the same with mine, it didn’t flop about as such, but just didn’t have a locator so sat against the swingarm. I didn’t really notice until a bit later, so if it becomes an issue I may glue it on.

[@TheWhisky81]

@tomsworkshopprojects am sure my swing arm has a hole for a locator on the bottom unless it's a drain hole or something, anyway thanks for getting back to me and good luck with the bike, am looking forward to the next video👍

[@patrickhostler5939]

Looks superb. Can I ask what that polisher is your using? Is it run off a compressor?

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Yeah it’s a reasonably priced, well-reviewed mini air sander off Amazon, just under £40. Seems ok so far but this is the first job I’ve used it for.

[@patrickhostler5939]

@@tomsworkshopprojects thanks for getting back to me. I really am enjoying this series, and really like the methodical way you work, and attention to detail!!!

[@user-md9xf5sp7f]

Hi Where did you source the needle bearings from for the shock linkage? I can’t find them anywhere?

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

I got them all from WeMoto in Shoreham. Though looks like they’re not in stock now, or at least the large size isn’t. You may be able to use the code on the old one (if you have it) and try a general bearings supplier?

[@user-md9xf5sp7f]

@@tomsworkshopprojects thanks for the reply. Ended up getting some from Kawasaki and others from two bearing suppliers. Sizes are ‘not standard stock items’. Also on the hunt for the plastic cover that covers the top yoke bearings. Not available from Kawasaki? Cracking videos by the way.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

@@user-md9xf5sp7f cheers! Yeah I struggled to find a new top seal for the steering stem, I think I got one from Fowlers, but it may have been new old stock on eBay thinking back.

[@575ban]

If you haven't got a 14yr olds sense of humour, you're to old for this planet 😂

[@matthewharmer1656]

Claw hammers are for carpenters..

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

I’ve been rumbled

[@jeremyu8011]

*promo sm*

[@memememe2674]

Surprising how ugly those fsctory welds are. No coin stacks there for sure

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha, yeah they're nowhere near the level that's on my NC35.

[@The9meister]

Tone down music

[@craigwilson5573]

do yourself a favour and buy some long punches 🤣

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

I know right, in fact I’m going to put some in my basket ready for payday 🤞