Resurrecting a 1986 GPZ1000RX - Part 9

Bike, meet road. Road, meet bike.
Instagram: / fingerprintsworkshop
Patreon: / ronaldfinger
Merch: ronald-finger.creator-spring....
CMS: www.cmsnl.com
Music: www.epidemicsound.com

[@RonaldFinger]

If you don't want to wait 2 months for an update on the build, I share progress pics in between episodes on Instagram @fingerprintsworkshop :)

[@LooseFrait]

Thank you, Was wanting to get some more content! Thank you again!

[@danielventura8073]

I loved the entire Fiero series. What happened to that car?

[@LooseFrait]

@@danielventura8073 I think he still owns it, he said in his final episode of that car that he will probably keep it for the rest of his life if im not wrong, he just will not record it. He said he feels as if the "Project Car" Wasnt a "Project car" anymore and it deserves to be driven.

[@geigertron3000]

you rawk good sir!

[@aaronprice1497]

Where are you at the end of the video?

[@quixototalis]

The bike restoration is fantastic, but all this futzing about with spacetime and causality for the sake of a gasket is starting to make reality fray at the edges at bit. A very angry bowl of salad just came into being hovering a few inches above my desk, ranted at me about my poor life decisions, then disappeared with a small popping sound. I guess what I'm trying to say is keep up the good work!

[@majcrash]

Sounds like my wife. Except she won't disappear.

[@deephorizon1365]

🥗 gragnor bah-weep nirni gu-go gongonk

[@willm5032]

Don't Panic

[@MacDaddy5]

it really is just turtles all the way down, after all.

[@jaredemery6338]

Sounds like a nearby infinite improbability drive on the fritz.

[@TheCapitalVice]

Past Ronald - "I dunno if I will paint it, I like the way it looks." Present Ronald - "Why am I sanding this?" Future Ronald - "How the hell did I paint this 3 times over?"

[@mementomori4972]

Not this time buddy...

[@samcoon6699]

I'll tell you man, the 80s were some magical years. Motorcycles were a very big part of my life during that decade and riding them was a source of rejuvenation for me. It was a spritual experience for me like surfing or mountain climbing was/is for others. I'm glad you picked this bike to recuperate and get back on the road. The motorcycles from that decade had all the personality and character and it was easy to identify who was riding what. To me they all look the same now. I can't tell a yamaha from a suzuki. Back then it was easy. They were unique. Your videos have brought back a lot of great memories. Thank you.

[@jnavonoD]

Plus, you could tell which bike was which by the sound it made. I had a 1981 Suzuki GSX750, then a 1894 Yamaha FJ1100. Recently got a 1989 FJ1200. Ride on brother...

[@XxxXxx-br7eq]

It's straight criminal that he's not getting way more views by now and it said to think that it's just because he releases the video so far apart from each other if he were to have the patience to fill almost all of the series and then release the episodes in a regular manner whether it was once a week or every two weeks it would have kept people engaged.

[@danielkeel9265]

Very distinct sound, those watercooled Kawasaki 4's. Same as the aircooled ones from the rear, but those water jackets really cut out a lo tta noise.

[@Texburrito03]

How is this not the most popular show on KZbin? Great technician, great engineer, great storyteller. The wait is unbearable, then totally worth it on drop day.

[@byelochka]

Very cool Ron. I really enjoy watching your resto vids. Watching you bring my buddy Bruce's Fiero back to life was awesome. Seeing this old bike come back to life has been no less fun to watch.

[@amnottabs]

I love how this "this will be a quick fix I just want the bike to run" project evolved into Ronald exploring his inner demons, time traveling to help himself and somehow blame his present self in the process and a monologue breaking the fourth wall straight out of a 90s terror movie

[@kg_canuck]

Don't comment on YT too often but felt compelled to let you know how inspiring your videos are. I've had a 1984 KZ550 sitting around for almost 2 years. It had so many issues it seemed completely hopeless, the biggest being a complete lack of any electrical power. Watching your vids has given me the push I needed. The past few weekends have been spent stripping the bike, cleaning it up, replacing connections, etc, and yesterday I got electrical power for the first time in 2 years. Definitely didn't shed a tear. Still has a long way to go, but what once seemed hopeless now feels achievable. And I do mean this, you and your work are one of the main driving forces behind me getting this done. Thank you and never stop being awesome.

[@bikeshack8225]

I love how even after getting it fixed you don't just ride off into the sunset like a badass, you actually keep it real and admit to being a little nervous and having issues registering the bike. It adds so much to the channel that it feels real.

[@tophatvideosinc.5858]

its not a ronald finger video if it doesnt have a Looper reference, a catastrophic lapse in judgement, and a plot twist.

[@N0Fumar]

It is an *insane* feeling having a long term project finally wrap up and being able to ride it. I just finished a 4 year long restoration of an 83 Nighthawk and it took 17 episodes. Love watching your content as it motivates me to work on my own. Hope you get to enjoy the bike even more soon!

[@HalfdeadRider]

It's not done yet, watch to the end 👍

[@marsbars5907]

I feel that so hard reading this XD. I have an '82 CM250C (Its basically the base model for the Rebel before it came out), and I have it all packed up in pieces rn because I'm busy with my car and school ;-;. It's been like a year since I touched it, but I need to send off the crankshaft to be rebuilt with new rods and pistons, that's like 500$ I can't spend rn T-T

[@justice5793]

Instant click! Such a great series. So happy to see it ride! Congrats man

[@moneyishermotive6296]

This bike and series randomly got recommended to me by the youtube algorithm, and now I'm a huge fan of your channel, thanks GPZ1000RX

[@jeffshootsstuff]

dude. that feeling of seeing the missing O ring after you just finished getting the exhaust back on must have been a kick in the teeth. I've been there

[@NomadicPhoton]

Ah, the struggles of an old bike. I’m in the process of restoring a 1985 Suzuki GS550Ef, a bike with mikuni BSW carbs, parts are hard to find. Theres no better sound than hearing a “basket case” fire up again for the first time in over a decade.

[@markhutchinson3367]

Been following all your vids since the first Fiero episode years ago. As a shade tree mechanic myself and the love of reviving old neglected bikes and cars, I love the vids and your humor. Great work. I noticed the oil you put in the bike is normal SAE car oil. I would suggest using motorcycle specific oil as the wet clutch and transmission works much better with the additives in the bike oil, otherwise you may get clutch chatter and slippage.

[@yeahitskimmel]

A good number of major brand oils actually happen to meet the JSM or whatever standard if you read the fine print. I still use bike oil myself tho

[@RonaldFinger]

The factory service manual calls for SAE so that's what I used! Haven't had any issues so far, but I'll switch over if I do end up noticing any issues :)

[@Hawk7886]

It's fine using car motor oil as long as it meets all the standards the motorcycle manufacturer calls for. Personally, my bike loved Shell Rotella T6, which is made for turbodiesel trucks.

[@Tommytoff]

@@RonaldFinger Good job getting it running, I've restored a few basket cases too and I share your elation. Pls keep in mind at your next oil change ( sooner than later) to put in some motorcycle oil, mineral is fine and especially for an older engine. The manual might state SAE is ok. However, motorcycle oil has been designed to handle the pounding it cops by being run through the gears etc. Car oil does not cope with that pounding. I too have used car oil yrs back and it tends to turn sludgy black as it is nearing the recommended oil change. Aged m'cycle oil will not look as gunky as car oil at each change. You did mention that you haven't ridden in 3 yrs or so and feel a bit apprehensive about the power this 1000RX makes, they were a quick bike back in their day and still hold their own. A cheap insurance for you would be to spend a couple of hours one on one with a riding instructor to refresh your knowledge and inspire confidence. That way you can talk about where you feel your ability could be refreshed. Good Luck and I'm looking forward to seeing if you actually do look at tidying the cosmetics a bit

[@elcouz]

@@RonaldFinger SAE oil at that time didn't have a tons of friction modifiers like todays car oil.

[@gamedoutgamer]

Great finish at the end! Congrats Ronald. Really like your attention to detail.

[@SolamenteVees]

The conclusion of this project has me feeling melancholy... like reaching the end of a long journey. Thank you for bringing us along for the ride.

[@Janszler]

you might want to re-watch the last 15 seconds ;)

[@HalfdeadRider]

@@Janszler In some ways the best part of the video 😎

[@colmhaughey7001]

I bought a brand new GPZ1000RX in 1985 it took me to the Isle of Man TT Races & some great road trips from the UK to the 24 hour bol d'or in France that was a long time ago I admired your patient’s during such a challenging restoration not an easy task your a talented engineer thanks for the fabulous memories…!!!

[@Sir_Leelord]

the production quality and humor is just movie quality

[@darkmagician1184]

In Texas, if the car hasn't been registered/titled by someone in a while (I think it is 2 years, can't remember), if you show that you've carried insurance on it for 6 months, you can get it titled and registered to you without issue; even easier if you have some sort of bill of sale.

[@Pancreaticdefect]

C'mon bro...Every man is a hoseologist.

[@JasonSimonSmith]

No you're good Ron. Ride that bike ! You've done the right thing by addressing mechanicals.. FIRST ! Thank you for sharing the journey with us. Cheers from Wisconsin

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

Congrats on getting her done! After not riding for 3yrs, it must have been a great feeling to get out on it! I stopped riding when my kid was 2, after too many close calls from other drivers, and decided to wait til she was grown and gone. Just started riding again this spring, and really missed that feeling and wind. Nothing else like it.

[@danielwoodard680]

You are an excellent writer. I always learn things from you. I enjoy the journey even more. thanks for this channel.

[@hugoalju]

It brought some tears to my eyes because I've been in a similar situation. I bought a YBR 250 as my personal project, and now after 2 years it is finally taking shape, engine rebuild, tank repair and customization, headlight fairing repair and there is still so much more to do, but when I saw the tank and fairing looking like new, I took it for a 2-hour ride. In fact, I did it earlier today 😁 thanks for being an inspiration

[@steveslater2260]

Thank you, I really enjoyed watching you restore a bike I always wanted. Now off to stare at the 1986 slabside languishing in my office...

[@bobloblah3472]

I had a 1987 Ninja 1000r....Best bike I ever owned! Fastest too! I loved that bike! I look online every so often to find another one...probably couldn't ride it as long as i did since the old bod can't take that hunched over ride anymore, but sure as hell would be a blast to ride one more time!

[@gf301]

Awesome to see it back on the road, sounds great,bet it felt amazing. Probably quite emotional too maybe, huge amount of work to get this far. Glad that float needle got stuck in the workshop and not the road, unlike the one on my Honda years ago. High side city, remarkably painful. Where was I? Oh yeah, great video and a great series,stay safe..

[@dub944]

Love your writing and sense of humour man, totally down my alley. Another great video! Cheers from Vancouver Island Canada 🇨🇦

[@Blayzn18]

It's finally over... I didn't realize you only intended to make a will it run video but you've added your wit and charm to this project to make it special. Pending legality that bike will make an excellent learning platform for developing your riding skills. I love motorcycles so this was really special to me and like many others I want to see a full Finger restoration but I understand about having the enjoyment in a reasonable time frame. Also love the cliffhanger ending!

[@WoodlandsArchive]

Hi, sorry Im so late with my comment. When I was a young man back in the 80´s theese things where beasts! I onle could afford a Honda 400, and looked upon theese bikes with envy. Seing you restore one gives my great joy. Thank you!

[@sgsax]

Congrats on getting it running and ridable again. I think we all knew it wouldn't end there. Looking forward to the next 9 episodes of the full body rebuild. 😁 Thanks for sharing!

[@iancharlesworth3654]

Well done you, YOUNG MAN. 10 OUT OF 10. Loved every episode you've done to get to this stage. Go enjoy yourbike.👍👍👍

[@ryana3679]

I feel like I’m watching an 80s or early 90s show about a bike restore. Love it.

[@alisupra8172]

Finally the old legend on the road.I have been following this build from the start..👍🏼

[@avaaran2699]

Yes! I have been waiting for the triumphant culmination of your work on this beaut for months- your filmmaking and attention to detail when telling the narrative of bringing this wonderful machine back from the brink really captures the spirit of motorcycle restoration. I had flashbacks to my early days of tinkering. edit: love the cliffhanger ending hahaha

[@MattMathisSoftwareGuy]

Can't wait to see what existence future alternate Ronnie has put you in with the next steps. Super cool to see it running smooth and looking functional! Love this content and always a joy to see something new from the Fingerprints Workshop!

[@ianhoyle8459]

1000RX was criticised when it arrived for being heavy but it was still a very fast, stable and good looking machine like it’s smaller brother GPZ600R. I think you have done a fantastic job on all your projects. I last rode an RX in 1992 and loved it 👍

[@Vexman2200]

This bike deserves a cosmetic restoration but great that its up and running

[@kabnoot]

Im stoked at how great this sounds. Im glad you got it together finally lol Ive been waiting!

[@cuddlebloops5217]

love all the time travel and other continuity bits. Congrats on all your work and getting it done!!!

[@colerippeon3903]

The oil line fix you did is perfectly fine. We repair gm oil cooler lines at my work with that method. Its cheap for a manufacturer and more consistent quality to have a machine stamp that crimp instead of using a hose clamp. Just make sure the lines have a little "slack" for heat expansion and vibration. Good fix man!

[@tepidtuna7450]

I did a similar job on the 600 version. Huge amount of work and cost getting it rideable again. I can certainly attest to your efforts and the great outcome. Congratulations.

[@PaulBarwick]

It is always a pleasure when your videos show up, Ron. Congratulations on the completion of yet another project. I look forward to what the future brings.

[@zedddddful]

Awesome I would love to see it when you've got the fairings and have it sprayed honestly you've done a brilliant job saving it congrats dude 👏

[@SRshinoda]

What a journey! I've been together as I was with the Fiero. Congrats , my friend. You take things back to life. That's awesome.

[@denlimwolf460]

If this build can show me anything is that laziness makes your work harder. Had you cleaned and thoroughly tore the bike apart when you first got it, you would have easily found all the issues that needed to be addressed. In the last episode, seeing you pull a retaining ring from the engine or the metal chunk in the oil pan, just makes me think you got lucky. And you shouldn't rely on luck when trying to restore a bike. Cheers bro, I love the series and I can't wait to start digging into my own projects.

[@Gspook19]

yesss! love this bike, and love that it looks like a full restoration is incomming :D love the channel man, i am a gearhead and fell for the fiero series, you are a big inspiration :D

[@nickq204]

It’s back from the dead! I’m happy to see you bring this old Ninja back from the brink. There’s a little sadness that there won’t be more episodes on it, but maybe you can start releasing videos on that twin turbo thingamajig you keep referring to. I loved the Fiero series, but I think I enjoyed this even more since it was a similar process to my old F4i project bike that I spent 21 months on. Your presentation is humorous, informative, descriptive and incredibly entertaining. Keep wrenching, fella!

[@timharris5185]

I had one of these 1000rx bikes in the 90’s.It was as fast as a fire blade of the time.Loved that bike

[@jimaylward2396]

What a wonderful bike to rescue they were a beast in the day here in Ireland 😎💚☘☘☘

[@plamshaw]

Hey hoseologyst here, I'm here to confirm that the issue at 8:20 is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about

[@colintrueman8360]

Hey man, I just wanted to say, congratulations! I myself have gone through much a similar process with my 1980 Kawasaki Z1R, which took me two and a half years to get running after it sat for 29 in my uncles garage. Recently just started to ride it again and found some more issues (damn carbs) but I’m having a blast. Much the same way the bike is a long way from cosmetically perfect, but it’s like 95% there mechanically. Anyways congrats again and can’t wait for more updates. PS: totally cool that you made it into a super awesome video series, I just didn’t have the patients for it, so more kudos to you!

[@Phil-dg1yg]

still, one of the best souvenir i have... 1986, my oncle's 1000rx black and new..a monster of highway ! I was behind him on his bike , and we spent 3 days to go on the Castelet circuit and back..still the best bike in my mind:) i am 52

[@badllama8090]

Well done, you've taken a rare knickered old bike and put it back to working, good enough chap, good enough! 👍🤙🤘🖖✌👌👏

[@yeahitskimmel]

Probably my favorite current series on YT. Recently inherited a whole mess of bikes and it's great to see someone else also going through the trials of getting an old bike on the road, CMS can really be a lifesaver

[@johnperry5102]

super, super video that bike looks totally awesome, you did a super job fixing it up and bringing it back congratulations on a job well done

[@Mandred85]

I knew you couldn't leave it like that! That bike deserves love!

[@drott150]

The time space continuum bits are more special than you realize. As a guy that was your age when this bike was new, I have flashbacks about where I was and what I was doing in 1986. Yet, simultaneously here I am in the present-distant-future listening to what is now kitschy 80's retro music watching a guy who could be my son rebuilding this same "antique" motorcycle. Back to the future in real life. Thank you!

[@jimmccormick6091]

Ronald- I have to say, the past year has been an absolute pleasure to watch! I must admit, I pretty much felt, after watching you commit Fiero-Cide, I knew the bike was going to be given the full treatment. It's just who you are (said the guy you have never met....). And as far as painting and all that other stuff other people want you to do? well, they can go and get their own bike, and do whatever they want to it. Hope you have a great time riding the bike, and, take your time to get used to it, as you mentioned, it has a lot of power! Part of me wants to know if there will be more projects????

[@davidheilman1613]

I very much enjoyed this entire series. I could so relate to the struggle this project quickly turned into. As you said, you thought you would put a weeks worth of work and you could ride the Bike. And then you discover one thing after another that needed to be replaced, rebuilt, reinvented, nightmare after nightmare. And once you've started, so many times, there was no choice, fix it, or scrap the entire project. And glad to see that quitting, while tempting, you chose to push on with the task of finishing this Bike. I love these older Bikes, and I often see them in video's like yours and I sometimes can't believe how time, neglect and ignorant amateur mechanic fix's leave these machines in a condition that is boarder line Junk. But, as they say, one person's Junk is another's Treasure. Glad you put this project back into running shape, but my oh my was the journey sometimes painful! I can't tell you how many times I too have found myself fixing something that should have been simple, easy and done in a few hours to a few days. Only to find that there was surprise after surprise, and not the good kind! I could feel your PAIN! So, now that the project is finished, do you Hate this Bike?

[@DarkOTVx]

this and M539 Restorations are the best restoration channels hands down

[@carloargentine3395]

Vicariously experiencing the glory of completion through you. congrats!

[@zx9b2]

This series was a joy to watch. it's great to see an old bike stay on the road. Thanks Ronald

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Aw, the Kawa bug bit you big time. I still have my 1983 GPZ 750A2, original owner, with roughly 23K miles on it. Once took an off-camber turn faster than the steering and wheelbase liked; front end washed out towards a guard rail. Somehow (God most likely) I recovered the bike without high-siding. Rode it home, parked it, disassembled it in 1987. Didn't ride street until 1993, picking up an ST1100 Honda. I'm now contemplating getting the GPZ back together and running. I think you did a fine job on this Kaw, because you kept your mind focused in on just getting it running and riding safely. Can't wait to see what comes next!

[@Mrrsmtchll2]

Thank God. I was beginning to think he really wasn't going to paint the gray part.

[@alexandermorris8420]

I owned one of these GPZ's. Me and my wife went everywhere on it. Smooth as silk. Rain or shine. Well done on getting it running, nice!

[@bbevis2357]

I have loved watching the series and the progression of the bike. But, was it all worth it and would you do it again?

[@RonaldFinger]

I would tell myself to work faster and manage expectations, but absolutely!

[@ryanorr4626]

@@RonaldFinger Yeah, but would you listen?

[@BayCityRestorations]

Great job Ronald! I really enjoyed watching this rebuild series. I look forward to seeing you take the project even further. Have you looked into the Vermont method for getting a title for the bike? May be worth looking into so you can really enjoy this bike on the open road once you finish it!

[@RonaldFinger]

Yes I have! Going through that process now :)

[@edamnaf9265]

Yo man..that is amazing! 3 previous "I'm going to fix it!" Owners...and finally YOU did it? Awesome job!

[@cameronhicks5225]

I am 35 seconds in and all the previous videos are rushing back - you are an inspiration sir! I shall now go continue to work on my 2001 Suzuki Bandit 1200 naked, replacing clutch slave cylinder

[@andljoy]

Another example that proves my view that IC vehicles are living things and need love an attention. Look what you can make work again with just some knowledge and a lot of effort. The more modern electric stuff is cool yeh but something is being lost. And i can also see the steam guys having the same discussion back when they where replaced with IC .

[@majcrash]

And the horse guys...

[@indegoadult]

Seeing this pop up in my feed made me so happy.

[@Ducatista189]

I love watching this guy. Honest, humble, fun, and informative content.

[@HepauDK]

Man, that old Kawa really did fight you all the way through this series. But it's good to see the old girl back in working order. :)

[@stevewilliams1654]

Remember this bike could do 165 miles per hour in the day this was just great to see it back

[@DoUrden09]

I wish your channel had more content to be honest. I’ve been following for 2 years + and they are probably the best rebuild videos ever. You explain everything in details and it is very interesting to follow.

[@jasongreen2252]

It's good to see a old bike back on the road again and it actually runs right thank you

[@kodenarmstrong6473]

So much has changed for me in the last few years but one thing that hasn’t is fingers vids every couple months

[@dowgy177]

A local hydraulic shop should be able to fix you right up with properly crimped replacements for those oil cooler lines. Their entire business model revolves around making custom hoses and fittings for anything your hot pressurized oil needs.

[@Zaaf2003]

I can't wait to see this bike get painted. Loved this revival series. Can't wait to see it a restoration. If you want to of course.

[@aaramirez76]

I love all your content. This series has helped me guide my uncle rebuild his ninja 1000r in Mexico. He practically gave up and watching these pumped him up to get it rebuilt. Cosmetically it’s mint. The tank and carbs are what have been his road block. Thanks you

[@Derpderpson123]

That’s so inspirational, keep your uncle motivated!! Doing the same with my honda cb-1

[@Evdath]

Love that you are not afraid to show your mistakes. And the background 80"s synth montage music.

[@linasegovia6041]

its always a good day when there is a fingerprints workshop download

[@andrewmurphy6906]

Old Kwaka's, tough as nails. It will keep going for another 30 years. Very fast bike in its day. It can still bite you if you not carefull. I really enjoyed this build. I'm very happy to see you ride and very happy to see another old kwaka back on the road. Good stuff

[@badrinair]

It is really great that you brought it back to life. After all that work out truly deserves to look as good as it did the day it left the showroom.. Well done.

[@mr.crispy5365]

Probably the most underrated restoration KZbinr ever

[@victorgustafsson2328]

Love you're content. This is so inspiring and I love it! Keep up the great work

[@michellecairo3335]

This bike restoration project is the only reason why I subscribed to your channel. Pls continue or make another bike project 😁

[@gouravjha4042]

This whole series was a masterpiece, from innovations to utter foolishness, great script and humour (time travels), watching the series unfold throughs it's twists and turns, this ending was a pure bliss. This was awesome, lots of love from India.

[@ridethroughlifertl]

As a daily motorcyclist, I can say that you have every right to enjoy your bike the way you want to. "Ride your ride." That was a hell of a project, and I get the feeling you're not done with it. I'm excited for the things to come, and what bike you get next, if you do another one.

[@2kBlueStreak]

I love your videos and was thinking just the other day that we were overdue for one. One of the best channels on YT. Congrats on the bike.

[@elitster]

Absolutely incredible!! Thank you for your work and the share!

[@One_Guy]

love your video editing and cuts! great work on the bike!

[@Arokud]

I find it funny that this video was uploaded the day I picked up my latest project (82 suzuki gs650g), fantastic work Ron. I feel you've done more to inspire this type of work than most people on the platform. You demystify complicated subjects and encourage us all to jump in and start wrenching. Thank you.

[@Anthonywinters_]

this video series has made my 14 year old impulse buyer ass want to get a dirtbike and engine swap it to a moped, youre the most entertaining guy on youtube

[@wolf-gang]

Really well done dude! Thanks for sharing and taking us along for the ride!

[@eyesturnedeverinward]

Wow man what a feeling. Thanks for all you do and hope you get to make more episodes

[@michaelwilliams4974]

Another amazing video. Keep them coming man