New Bike, 1985 ZX750-A aka GPz 750!

Well yesterday made a deal on a 1985 GPz750 and will take delivery soon when the funding shows up, since I am purchasing from a family member have a bit of leeway in that regard and can make sure funding is solid and family account is good before trying to rush and take delivery of the bike. Been riding for about 6 months now and have around 2K miles under my belt. Have been riding loaner bikes from Pops so that I could ride this year without worrying about trying to buy my own bike first. Well now the time comes to actually buy one and got hooked up with this gorgeous black/red 85' GPz750 with less than 15K original miles Going to be replacing the front windscreen and grips for more comfort, but other than that just going to ride the piss out of it!

Speaking of grips, wanted to try to confirm something. I am 99% sure that the cast clip ons on this bike are 7/8" diameter but haven't been able to confirm. Looking for a bit softer and more comfortable rips and wanted to get the right style. I believe I need 7/8" open end rubber/gel slip ons, not clamp ons right? Can anyone confirm this by chance?

Thank you,

Irish

Wow, :woohoo: nice condition, with original looking 4-2.
Take well care of that bike, it’s well worth preserving.

/Anders

Nice machine.
Steve

That is a very clean GPz congrats, I'm jealous. Go easy with her when you do buy it, they are still fast bikes and with the antique suspension and braking take some getting used to.

Thanks, when I take delivery it will have a new tank and potentially new side covers as well. The graphics/paint on the opposite side in the picture above is highly sun faded and damaged. I have a replacement tank in near perfect condition with same black paint and red/silver/white graphics and isn't rusted inside the tank. Very psyched about it

You are perfectly right, take well care of that graphics/paint it is not that common.
/Anders

swest wrote: Nice machine.
Steve

Thanks Steve, very lucky for sure and buying from Pops who has been riding it for a few months and figured out what its small issues are and wring it out, solid bike and its a screaming banshee above 7K RPM's, but very easy and confidence inspiring in normal riding conditions and minding manners.
- Irish

scubaanders wrote: You are perfectly right, take well care of that graphics/paint it is not that common.
/Anders

For sure, the original and super well condition 4-2 pipes are stock and gorgeous with the black chrome still (and sound killer IMHO), and the paint scheme/look is what visually captivated me would not want to change it at all and will be taking extra nice care of it!


Speaking of, no matter how I want to phrase it or look at it I am still a novice rider. And while I haven't had an off or dropped a bike yet, I also know that eventually it will happen so I prepare for that eventuality as well as I can. It is not a matter of IF I will have an off just a matter of when, part of something that anyone who rides eventually deals with. In that regard I really want to add frame sliders and spools to the bike to help protect the delicate paint and fairing. Haven't been able to find any frame sliders and not sure where to go. Can anyone help point me in the right direction to get some frame sliders for this bad boy?

Thanks,
Irish

You are perfectly right Irish-Kawi you will go down or at least drop your bike. There are a number of ways to try to protect the engine covers, but tank and fairings will take a hit no matter what precations you try to take.
Back in the days when these bikes were new engine protections like these were popular, but ugly as shit and has nothing to do on a sportsbike, You might get away with them if you add Krauser bags :blink:



// Anders

I don't care what they look like as long as the engine is protected. In the wreck the ignition housing was broken and the clutch housing cover. Both are replaceable. With the smaller fours, one is not. If it gets smashed, the cases are ruined. Cheap insurance, :whistle:
Steve

scubaanders wrote: You are perfectly right Irish-Kawi you will go down or at least drop your bike. There are a number of ways to try to protect the engine covers, but tank and fairings will take a hit no matter what precations you try to take.
Back in the days when these bikes were new engine protections like these were popular, but ugly as shit and has nothing to do on a sportsbike, You might get away with them if you add Krauser bags :blink:

// Anders

Yeah, I always heard and truly believe that there are two types of bikers, those that have been down and those that will go down lol. Appreciate the heads up on the engine guards, and agree they would look rather poor there, hence why I was looking at something like frame sliders as you see on newer sport bikes. Wonder if anyone has made some that they adapted to the GPz, will have to read around and try to hunt. I know I am replacing the grips (bad hands and yes at only 28 have terrible arthritis due to genetic conditions) so really need better and softer grips. And also replacing the windscreen as it is cracked at some of the mounting points (not uncommon just want to make it look a bit cleaner). Next season will likely replace the tires, and do fork oil and seals. May need to replace the starter clutch or something in the circuit as it is exhibiting issues of starting using electric starter on occasion with it simply not engaging and turning over. Number of things to check through but all small stuff to be honest. Just looking forward to riding it, and testing out the new gear that I picked up but have yet to ride in yet. Got a new iCon Sanctuary leather jacket in black leather and green mesh accents (go Maw Kawi!) and picked up a used pair of Sidi Vertigo boots for $25 that I rubbed on and rebuilt and they look brand spanking new now ) Just have to pick up some textile or leather pants this winter and will be 100% ready and protected as I can be come spring.

- Irish