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Hi everybody,

New to the forum. My name is Andrew, 35 years old, sailmaker by trade and currently working as a marine trimmer, which is boat covers, boat upholstery etc. I've been marine trimming for about 15 years, and love it. I also fly light aircraft when I can afford it.
I've got a 77 Z650 which I bought off Ebay on an impulse and put some work in to. It's stock except for a 4 into one exhaust and pods.
I had to redo the seat, starter clutch, some simple wiring, big tune up etc to get it registered.
Now, I've never owned a bike before, so it's all an experience for me!
I've always been interested in bikes, but when I was youger, I had a wild streak that would probably have killed me on a bike, so I refrained from buying one. Once our fuel prices went way up last year, I did some thinking and went bike.
I've been riding the bike for about 4 weeks and have had my learner's permit for about the same amount of time, but have had the bike for about six months while I did it up and bought safety gear etc..it was a low dollar build up. I've been exposed to bikes through a mate's father who alwas had ex police bikes, mainly Kawasakis, so after researching I went Kawasaki too. I've spent a lot of time on bicycles when I was younger as a means of transport, so motorbikes has been a reasonably easy progression.
The plan is to build a super reliable commuter bike, and I have a nice old Shoei fairing to go on the bike, this will happen when I repaint the bike. I'd like to get some 70's style panniers for the bike too, but no rush for that. I will also fit some later model alloy wheels so I can run tubeless tyres(for ease of puncture repairs).
I do all my own automotive/ bike work, including paint and upholstery, which is very satisfying.
Anyway, hope to have fun here!

Regards, Andrew.

Welcome to Kzrider!
Sounds like you have many hobbies. Sounds like you will also ba a positive member with your reupholstering skills too!

Hi, Andrew. Defiantly looking forward to seeing some of your work.
You know we expect before and after pics for the rest of us "do-it-yourselfers".

There are quite a few good tech minded people in this forum that seem to enjoy giving good info plus there is a good archive section to do some checking in.

Looking forward to some pics of your bike also.

Eric

O.K, well, here is a before photo.
For after photos, well, you will have to wait a few months!

O.K, well, here is a before photo.
For after photos, well, you will have to wait a few months!