Insurance, what would be more?

Thanks for the tip Toolmaker, but I'm in Ontario Canada.

Also I am now the proud new owner of an 82' GPz550, I have quite the road ahead of me, lots of work to be done in the next 2.5 months.

Congratulations for snagging the GPz. I know the insurance game is different in the provinces, but here in Texas, State Farm is fine for autos and homes, but has among the highest rates for motorcycles. I've been with Progessive for many years and have also had good luck with Dairyland.

Congrats also on the gpz. They are a nice bike.

Sounds like most people insure for liability only. I also had coverage for theft until a few tears ago when I figured the insurance company would give me diddly squat for the bike if stolen. What is current thinking on coverage out there ?

I use state farm and on average pay $15 a month per bike. I do also have auto and home coverage thru them though

Sorry missed the bit about riding bikes since 3 years old - doh! Unfortunately to any insurers just looking at recent road miles on two wheels you are still a novice as they see it

floivanus, I'll probably switch to state farm in two years when I turn 25, after that they're competitive, until your much older, then you switch to gray power or silverwheels etc.

Tyrell, no worries. Unfortunately it doesn't matter how seasoned a rider or responsible you are, when you get your license you get lumped right in with the high school/college speed freaks who try to ride at 300km/h (180MPH for the rest of you) down the broken bumpy highway, in shorts and t-shirt to show off.

The bike was in much better condition than I was expecting, All the things that normally go like the unitrak were all good, no rust ether. The carbs had been rebuilt (but I'm going to redo them again because I don't trust anyone to do things right) the fork seals need replaced but he gave me brand new ones and as well as brand new front turn signals. got every part for the bike, fairings and gas tank are 84' spec and need painted because the owner before him rattle canned it blue and yellow, right over the decals and everything (what a tool) but that's all fine, even got a 900 ninja lower cowl that fits and a new haynes manual for it. I think after reminiscing with the guy he must have really liked me because he invited me to come dirt biking with him and his buddys (when I finally get back into it) and took $100 off the asking price, So I snagged this diamond in the rough for $400.

My plan is to make it into a sort of street fighter, cafe, sports bike cross. I have an idea in my head and thanks to photoshop I can show it to you.



Perhaps I should start a Project thread...

EDIT Good choice on the 82 GPz550. Looks like an '83' model zx550. I read somewhere that Kawasaki's year never started 1st jan so some models were registered 'early'. My '1981' model Gpz D1 was actually registered late 1980. Is it an early frame number?

Those zx550 look really nice once the front fairing is removed.

Go for a bright kawasaki racing green, thr original ELR green isn't that bright. Also I'd try to get the angle of the tail and exhaust pipe continued in the angle of those tank graphics, emphasizing the stance of the bike more. Good project!

I like the flat/level stripes but I think I understand, using them to create a 'stanced' look.

Maybe like this?
Edit: fixed side covers on old as well.


or

I like the second one. Whereabouts in ontario are you? I'm in Arthur.

XI ED: Oh a new riding buddy then. I'm not 40km from you, I'm just out side Hillsburgh.

The paint scheme is still way up in the air, I'm actually thinking of going with a warm white and red and black kawi style decals now. but only time will tell if I actually do use this scheme.

Heres roughly what this new idea would look like, disregard everything but the paint. (also not my bike or photo, google sensei found it) Again, not set in stone. I'm always playing with how it could look and anything could change, I want to find a set of newer sports bike forks to lower the front as well as make it handle a tad better.

Small world, I work in Eden Mills so we could certainly hook up. Look forward to meeting you.