Q & A: 1983 Kawasaki GPZ1100 - We Answer The Most Asked Questions

[@BanjoLuke1]

"And when I say cleaned 'em, I mean scrubbed 'em on the concrete". This is someone who knows motorcycles. I listened very carefully, but I didn't hear any Bullshit. This is how to do these things. Wonderful!

[@motorcyclerewind]

Luke, the only parts I bought to get this engine started were spark plugs and a coil. Which freaks people out. Thanks for watching.

[@jim-bob-outdoors]

One of the best looking bikes from my teenage years.

[@motorcyclerewind]

It is such a good looking bike. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Please consider subscribing and sharing!

[@harrothepilot]

Amazing series, all the GPZ's of Kawasaki. My first 'Big Bike' was a 1984 GPZ900R A1. It had gutted original mufflers and a nice 'rasp' once you approached 6000RPM. I had always wanted an earlier air cooled 1100, but unfortunately that never happened. These days there is a ZRX1200S in the shed, as a sort of 'surrogate' GPZ1100. Your GPZ1100 has earnt its own piece of carpet atop concrete in a good garage, to stand on. Love your channel and approach to fixing old bikes, Cheers from Aus.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thank you for your kind words. Really appreciate it. This GPZ has earned its seat at the table in the garage. Thanks for watching.

[@kendemers8821]

Looks beautiful. I'm glad to see you have given this bike a second life.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I really love this motorcycle. And it is so outside what I normally work one and ride. I’m a points, carb, drum brake kind of guy. This damn thing has 6 brake bleeders in the front. 😂 Thanks for watching.

[@80s_kid.]

People in usa pronounce it GP Zee, people in Europe call the GP Zed, either way, you have shown some serious love for that bike, to me, that is totally Awesome. people that restore these things are my type of people..

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks for watching. I have grown to appreciate the GPzed. One of my favorite things about getting motorcycle I don't know anything about is I get a chance to learn something. There has definitely been a lot of learning going on.

[@joemann3536]

great to see her alive, Great work!! stay safe and in the wind.👍👍👍

[@motorcyclerewind]

It is such an awesome motorcycle. Thanks, will do!

[@mcbraveheart13]

I have got many old, bikes running after many years. I flipped them, so longevity-it didn't matter. I always have fun. Bravo!!

[@motorcyclerewind]

I too have had many(there are 16 in the garage now) over the years. I am always up front about what I paid, what I did and what they should expect to do. I just really enjoy bringing them back to life.

[@cfish64]

Brought a 2001 Ducati 900ss barn find back to Life..... ride it all the time.... the couple of times I had trouble with it (cause of myself) it stopped running in my garage .... which proves it has a soul.... Get A Ducati !!!!!!!!

[@motorcyclerewind]

Maybe one day I will scratch the Ducati itch. Thanks for watching.

[@Cityworker89]

Bad ass gpz Always wanted one ☝️

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks. It sure is!! The crazy thing is I had zero interest in them before I got this one. Now I love learning more about it. Thanks for watching.

[@damianmorris3190]

when you sort a few things that will be class in the rest of the world this is a great bike!

[@motorcyclerewind]

Agreed.I love this motorcycle. It is so different for the others I have. That is what I tell people who ask me why I have so many motorcycles. Because they are all different. Thanks for watching!

[@Silent-Lucidity]

It was so cool to see you at Brick House Builds! Another awesome dude and excellent mechanic!

[@motorcyclerewind]

He is such a great guy. Really appreciated everything he did to help us. Without him being there I may have packed it in. Thanks for watching.

[@paullavergne2477]

Nice. Job love. That. Bike. A piece. Of. History

[@motorcyclerewind]

Definitely a piece of motorcycle history.

[@rt2255]

The gpz series best looking early 80s bike ever, still looks good today.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I agree. Great looking bikes. Thanks for watching.

[@rt2255]

@@motorcyclerewind thanks for posting. Now i am wanting to hunt down good gpz 550 lol see what you started 😃🤪

[@paullavergne2477]

It. Beautiful. That’s. A good. Deal for free

[@motorcyclerewind]

Have to love FREE motorcycles.

[@gordonbass-t5x]

Eric’s a genius. Really love this channel

[@motorcyclerewind]

Yes I am😂 thanks for watching.

[@mikefong5685]

Great to see these old bikes come alive again! Looks like you sprayed the engine too ;)

[@motorcyclerewind]

Couldn’t stand it any more. Gave it a quick scuff and spray. Looks so much better. I figured it earned it. Thanks for watching.

[@Turleyswheels]

What a great film it got a hold of me so glad you came back with the answers to the problem easy stuff when at home but not on the road love love love this film and being in the uk a long trip is about 200 mile lol ❤

[@motorcyclerewind]

Neil, the most miles I ever did in a day before this trip was 250 miles and that was on a 1964 Honda 305 Dream. I did not know what I was in for with this trip. But would do it again tomorrow. Thanks for watching.

[@Turleyswheels]

@@motorcyclerewind maté fantastic you’re a let’s find out guy a bit like me I have a 81 Kawasaki 440 Ltd and I just love it I also have a pegaso 650 and I just love getting things working again be it a ride on mower or moped it’s just a joy to whatch you when they start up cuss I’m the same I love it 😻

[@scottb8175]

One thing that is a common issue on the Uni-Trak GPz1100 type engine (when ridden hard and often pushed to the limit) is the crankshaft thrust washer disintegrating and ruining the crank. I have 3 Uni-Trak GPz 18 mm wrist pin cranks that failed that way. I think the 17 mm cranks don't fail this way as much because of the lower RPM redline and less power / stress. The cheapo thrust washer on the 9500 RPM redline engines can shred and the hardened steel bits of broken thrust washer then pass through the no. 5 main roller bearing, spalling and completely ruining the no. 5 main crank journal. First sign of failure is starter and starter clutch noise and sticking, bottom end rattle, and of course excessive crank end play. Whenever I have a Uni-Trak crank re-built, I get them to replace the stock thrust washers with Torrington needle roller bearings. Myself and friends with GPz's have used Falicon, a reputable crank builder in Ohio - I can't remember their name off hand, a local to me racing dirt bike and snowmobile crank builder, and Paul Gast at Fast by Gast in New York (the legendary Kawasaki KZ and H2 two stroke drag bike builder).

[@motorcyclerewind]

Wow. Paul Gast a friend of mine @petesclassiccycle did an interview with him that is incredible. Thanks for watching.

[@n9amiwavelengthradio]

Had a 84 GPZ1000 model that I purchsed on ebay from a guy in Phx. It was rebuilt engine with some mods that made it pretty fast. It ran great however they did nothing with the suspension more so the front end. so at 125 she would shake some. I got rid of it for a later ZX11 and was pretty happy with that at the time. GPZ was a fun bike one of the first fuel injected bikes that worked well I would own one again but want more or less a stock one.

[@motorcyclerewind]

A little shake 125 is a sure way to put poop in your pants. 💩👖thanks for watching

[@roostgarage]

Just found your channel! Really enjoyed the GPZ being saved! I remember them new at my local dealer when I was high school.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks for stumbling on us. I’m no expert just a guy in his garage trying to bring old motorcycles back to life. Thanks for watching.

[@flutalors11]

About the total cost of putting it back together and making it work properly, I would say I never had a free towing to a mechanics shop or back to home. At the end of the month it went on my bike ledger... Meeting cool helpers was part of your re-build exploration, as if Zen and Vintage bike venture is mostly a particular art of socializing. The most daring part was your lack of knowledge about your resurrected ride. Kept out of your comfort zone by simple lack of torquing? Both on coils and exhaust : your polite concern of stopping to respectfully fetch it back was commendable ;o) I know some youngsters that would have forgo the courtesy.

[@nickminneti825]

I had a gpz1100 back in 1993 in NY state. There's a great stretch of us 17 north of Middletown that's straight as an arrow. That speedo was pretty inaccurate. I had it buried at 170 and got hit with a radar and the cop said I was only going 138. What a jip. Maybe I'm lying about going that fast just to get likes. That was a fun bike...way ahead of it's time.

[@motorcyclerewind]

138 mph is fast. Could not imagine 170. I am a slow poke 🤣😂🤣

[@1986XRV8]

Thanks for the update. That clarified a few questions I had.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@650Max]

Forgot to mention, it's air cooled so it's a GPz1100 with a lower case z, water cooled, beginning with the 900 were GPZ with an upper case Z. And it's pronounced Zed, Bruce Willis got it right.

[@motorcyclerewind]

That sounds awesome. Thanks for the z vs zed correction. Thanks for watching.

[@ACEMIDNIGHT102]

Such a good looking bike!

[@motorcyclerewind]

And loads of fun to ride.

[@kevinwilson8039]

Just found your channel, really digging it. You have the same taste in bikes as I do. Loving that GPz

[@motorcyclerewind]

Glad you found us. Great minds think alike or like the same stuff.😂 Glad you love the GPZ and thanks for watching.

[@650Max]

Make sure you check the oil at every fuel stop, the 998's and 1100's chewed it when new (a huge number had rebores under warranty) so 40 years isn't going to make it any better.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I did that in the trip. Every gas stop was an oil check. Thanks for watching.

[@robertcraft-pj2jp]

A real good crankcase flush, and full synthetic oil. Should be just fine.

[@motorcyclerewind]

You’re right a good flush always works. The synthetic oil may be not play well with the clutch plates. Thanks for watching.

[@adamwelsh2463]

Great project to watch the progress on. I well remember theses were common on the road. To me personally this is a really handsome motorbike, which I would own again if I found one again, as unlikely as it would be now. I initially thought your problems would be fuel related such as filter, but the loose coil shorting out makes sense. Not really the bikes fault .......just check for the loose nut behind the bars. ;-0

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks for watching. What's the old saying "fuel problems look like ignition problems and ignition problems look like fuel problems"

[@adamwelsh2463]

@@motorcyclerewind they were really advanced for their day . CDI and EFI, TPS, and we were all still running carbs on most others up till the 2000's.

[@gpz11001]

By the way loved this series, I ordered a shirt looking forward to receiving it.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks for watching! I'm waiting on my GPZ shirt to arrive. Our oldest daughter does all of our artwork. Thanks for ordering shirt.

[@kenbowlus2995]

@@motorcyclerewind Next batch of shirts in firecracker red, please? I'll order a medium when they come in. I had a red 1984 GPz550 I bought from the CA Superbike School that was just a smaller version (1/2 size? Lol) with the same bodywork and fairing shape and lines. That shirt graphic represents the 83-85 GPz1100, 83-85 GPz750, and 84-85 GPz550 all equally well since there's [thankfully] no displacement shown. Keep up the great series. I had a '67 MGB in the early '80's and my first bike was an early '70's Yamaha RD so I love the vibe of your channel and the whole minimally invasive, cost effective, sympathetic revivals (the word "restoration" is so overplayed these days) you do. Keep it up; bikes, cars, amphibious vehicles (who knew?), maybe even a free train or plane in the future. Be forewarned though... say, "NO!" when offered a free boat, or it will be the most expensive boat you ever own.

[@adamsteely3128]

How is the engine’s compression? Would love to see what they read.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Did a compression test can’t remember the numbers. Will do it again for you guys.

[@toddfreshour1263]

I had a similar issue with my 1984 Gpz750, It ended up being the in tank fuel filter, it was causing it to lean out.

[@motorcyclerewind]

That’s a great idea. I am going to see if I can find a replacement. Thanks for watching.

[@bobthebarsteward]

A quick look for these bikes here in the UK and the cheapest I could find was £8500, so you did well to get one for the $s you spent.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Wow!!!they are bringing good money in UK 🇬🇧. Thanks for watching.

[@bobthebarsteward]

@@motorcyclerewind It's not so good if you want to buy one though......

[@flutalors11]

Kudos and Lots of love to your Akwasaki ! The firt storage Aquarium + Kawa in the world ! (just call Guiness book of records! for us). Agreeing with @richardwoodhouse8397 : water "protected" from oxidation. But because somehow old/bad oil chemical elements did disperse and mixed just enough with water. Also the Oil produced a isolation film at the surface of the crankcase aquarium, stopping oxygen exchange with air. Humid air is the Kawa steel slow killer.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I love the aquarium comment. 🐟🐠🐡 Knew there was some science that would explain it. I was just saying that Kawasaki sprinkle some special sauce on it during manufacturing in case it was left outside for years without spark plugs. 😂

[@rt2255]

Would love to find a gpz 550, had 85 600 ninja rode with some guys with the 550s, they looked so damn cool and in the day damn quick.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I want a 550 also. Thanks got watching.

[@looneytunes47]

With DFI any fault that reports back to the ECU ECM Module will send the computer in shut down mode. i had a car with a bad fuel injector in a throttle body configuration and after the car was hot and you shut it off it would not start up for 30 minutes and showed no spark when cranking over so i kept chasing spark issues and all along it was the Bocsh Fuel Injector instead so it goes into shut down mode....to save other electronics or the engine itself

[@motorcyclerewind]

I know the earlier version of the DFI it would shut it down to prevent further damage. In ‘83 they added a limp mode to get you off the side of the road. Thanks for watching.

[@karlstamper9243]

A Honda CB900 inner cable fits this speedo outer sleeve .... if you can still get one?

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks. I will look for it

[@richardwoodhouse8397]

I think the engine wasn't rusty inside because oil & water don't mix and being full of water no oxygenated air so kinda imbamed the titanic is still there and oak wood lasts longer in water than on land.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I had a similar thought but could not articulate it as good as you did. Thanks for watching.

[@gpz11001]

I have an 84 that I’ve owned since new. I know you lost the oil filler cap early on but I am curious, what was your oil consumption if any? With it sitting for so long with water in it one would assume that you would have some blow by. Just wondering.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I probably used 2 quarts on the trip. Not sure if that is good or bad for almost 3,000 miles. Please let me know. BTW: Just saw your username definitely someone I need to know. lol

[@gpz11001]

Thanks for your reply, I would say that’s about right considering the condition it was it. Pretty amazing in fact, enjoy that old horse it’s done me well.

[@scottb8175]

Kawasaki had lots of issues with excessive oil consumption in the 81 and newer KZ-J / GPz 1000 and 1100. These bikes were widely known for that. One magazine test of the 81 KZ1100A1 called all the J's "oil gluttons". Poor ring seal seemed to plague the engines from day 1. I've heard all kinds of theories - from Kawasaki installing the iron cylinder sleeves / liners in the block after they were machined, to rings that were manufactured with the wrong surface / heat treatments, or not enough ring pressure, or out of round rings. One thing that supports the installed after machining and poor liner fit theory is how often I've seen the iron liners fit to the cylinder block so loose they can easily be pushed out by light hammer tapping on a really hot day. The problem nearly disappears after a re-bore and installing new, quality aftermarket pistons and rings.

[@stephencox4224]

@@scottb8175 Back when these were new I was Tech service advisor for NSW Australia and my boss at the time Neville Doyle better known from the exploits of Greg Hansford and Murray sayle Team kawasaki Australia who even raced in Europe, We actually fixed the oil useage problem. Neville Doyle said Company line no doubt that one litre of oil per 1000 Kilometers was acceptable, We did not think so and managed to cure oil useage by running a set of Suzuki GsX 1100 Rings the Kawasaki was 73mm Bore the Suzuki was 72.5mm Bore so a set of 0.50 mm OS Suzuki rings fitted perfectly and cured the Oil consumption issue We faxed Japan with our findings and basically embarrased the factory into fixing the problem with an improved Piston Ring Set.

[@marcox43]

I want to ask, how did you do the paperwork of this bike? since it was abandoned for so long, it must be a real pain to get road legal again... or at least that's in my country. Been restoring a Honda VT250F 1984 that I found rusting in a scrapyard and getting it road legal after 20 years of last check... that's gonna be interesting

[@motorcyclerewind]

Was pretty easy. Previous owner had title. So it was simple. Thanks for watching.

[@MrAlexrowlands]

Could it be that the aluminium casings were acting as sacrificial anodes and have corroded and prevented the steel bearings from corroding. Be interesting to see if the cases are pitted internally.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Next time I do an oil change I will remove both side covers and scope the inside. I’m interested. Thanks for watching.

[@kevinim300]

This is a very interesting concept. with so much water - begs to wonder. did you happen to save and analyze the water and the bit of oil?

[@woodpeckerdrums6254]

Silly question did you flush the exhaust system? And calibrate the carbs balance? ..speedo probably snap in the wheel hub because its plastic I think

[@motorcyclerewind]

The exhaust was off the bike when I got it. I made sure it did not have and animals in it.😂🐀🏍️ thanks for watching

[@ignaciofranzani4317]

Have you done a compression test?

[@motorcyclerewind]

We did a compression test when I was with BJ from @brickhousebuilds can’t remember the numbers. Will do it an put it in a post. Thanks for watching.

[@dco956]

5000 seems high for 70mph.....I would change counter sprocket

[@motorcyclerewind]

Aftermarket speedo could have been off as well. Thanks for watching.

[@86AW11]

Roller bearing crank. If was plain bearing the bottom end would have been toast.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I am not sure what bearings are in it. Thanks for watching.

[@86AW11]

@@motorcyclerewind It's roller bearing.

[@xtubalnet]

Several videos back I stated it was a ground.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Yes you did.

[@Steel_Valley_Vintage_Cycle]

How was oil consumption on the trip?

[@motorcyclerewind]

I used about 3 quarts and an oil change. Not sure if that’s good or not. Averages about a quart per 1,000 miles. Let me know. Thanks for watching.

[@peterhoulis1184]

Like i said its a kwaka and theyre mighty strong

[@motorcyclerewind]

String like bull!!! This one in particular is very strong.🏍️💪 thanks for watching.

[@combustion1476]

It shouldn't be destroyed even with all this water in it. There is a very good documentary about Japanese metallurgy and engine building, what you got as a result doesn't surprise me in the slightest. Glad somebody saved this bike, because it deserved it and would have been such a waste. No doubt only a Japanese engine can survive this. Can't see a BMW or an Aprillia engines being able to run after such an abuse. I am also pretty sure your compression numbers will be close to a new engine. But please, prove me wrong in a video.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I am astounded every time I think about the volume of water that came out of it. So happy I was. Willing to take a chance on this BEAST!!! Thanks for watching.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I will be doing a compression test video. Not to prove you wrong. Just because people have been asking.

[@mcbraveheart13]

How much $ are you into your " free" motorcycle? I'm guessing $2000! Therefore, you are into it about what it's worth. I know you have sponsors, got free & or discounted parts and or free labor. At breakdown, you rented a car, had to drive back and forth. So, in my book, you are in the hole. Suggestion: show us an honest labor & materials cost breakdown. If your time is not worth anything- then you might be o.k. you tell us!!

[@motorcyclerewind]

It is an interesting thought experiment. Hard money I am in it for around $600. I did get a few sponsors to help offset trip costs. Every little bit helps. No free or discounted parts. I have never assigned a cost for my time with regards to this hobby. Because if I wasn’t doing this I would be doing something else(watching tv, going to dinner, hanging out with my wife) that I would not assign a time cost to. Just my thoughts.

[@stephencox4224]

I think you will find with original DFI still fitted and working the value could be as high as $4,000 in the US and even more elsewhere in the world after all in the UK a good original not restored similar condition Kawasaki Z1 even the later ones will pull around Twelve to Fifteen Thousand Pounds and a ZX1100 A1 at least Ten Thousand Pounds