81 GPz550 / ELR

I've been gathering the parts for this project for a while now, its time to get started.

Pic below is:

-81 GPz550 Frame
-Cal-Fab swing arm
-Ohlins shocks
-KZ1300 18x2.15 Fr wheel w/300mm rotors
-KZ1000P Rr wheel 18x2.50
-KZ1000P forks, triple clamps

This is the bodywork I will use:

Other parts:
-ZR550 motor,carbs & electrics
-82 GPz550 instruments
-black Kerker

The frame will need new steering stops that will work with the 1000P front end, and I plan on relocating the upper shock mounts so that the shocks are mounted at a little more of an angle. The upper mount will be located somewhere close to where the upper corner of the side panel is. Extra brackets will be shaved, like the centerstand, rr blinkers and bungee hooks, passenger peg brackets, etc.

Everything will be painted or powdercoated black, the wheels will be gold. I have to pick the right color for the wheels and decide whether to keep the polished lips.

This will be a nice project...the 550's are becoming increasingly rare...everyone seems to want 750's and larger to refurb...

Looking forward to your creation.

Thanks for the encouragement. I want to finish it by spring, which is realistic even at a moderate pace. The frame alterations and some machining to correct some axle/wheel fitting issues are the only things that will be handled by others. Once I get past those hurdles I will be able to work at my own pace. I have all the major parts on hand. I have to order the small stuff like steering and wheel bearings, brake lines, chain/sprockets, cables, tires etc.(ouch..., thats about a grand or so )

Macdroid, you are right about the 550's getting little love, they seem to be the unwanted step-children of the KZ line around here .

I'll post updates as they happen.

so are you using a zephyr engine?
keep us posted this should be a cool bike,
leon

mjg15 wrote:

Thanks for the encouragement. I want to finish it by spring, which is realistic even at a moderate pace. The frame alterations and some machining to correct some axle/wheel fitting issues are the only things that will be handled by others. Once I get past those hurdles I will be able to work at my own pace. I have all the major parts on hand. I have to order the small stuff like steering and wheel bearings, brake lines, chain/sprockets, cables, tires etc.(ouch..., thats about a grand or so )

Macdroid, you are right about the 550's getting little love, they seem to be the unwanted step-children of the KZ line around here .

I'll post updates as they happen.

Cool project.

If anyone doesn't want their 550 they are welcome to give it to me. I think that they are cool litte bikes. I promise to give it a good home.

Yes, using the Zephyr engine that I've had in the garage for 4 or 5 yrs now. It's a 4000mi motor. It needs paint, the orig gray color is shot, and I want it to be black anyway. Since the mileage is so low I dont really want disassemble it so I plan to soda blast it while it is still assembled. I hope that the soda isn't harsh enough to tear up rubber and gaskets. I'll do some testing on some other stuff I have laying around first.

I also have the complete wiring/switchgear and carbs from the ZR550, the digital ignition and newer type swithches are a bit more modern than the '81 550 stuff.

+1 on testarossa.

I really like my 550. Maybe more than my 750 even.


I do agree they don't seem to be as popular. Can't get as many parts or aftermarket accessories as the other bikes. Don't see too many of them at all either. Just about every KZ I've seen in person has either been a 440, 650 or 750.

Sweet, i like the direction your going with the bike!

harm wrote:

Sweet, i like the direction your going with the bike!

...not all that different than your direction I see !

Harm, what front wheel/rotors are you using ? Got a close-up of it ?

I remember seeing your build thread a while ago. Do you have a link to that ?

Here is the link:

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...=11&id=154651#154656

I used the stock wheels. Bought another rotor for a KZ550 and bolted it on. The wheel is machined on both sides to accept a rotor. I was on a fairly strict budget when building this so i stayed with the stock wheels.

I use ninja calipers to give me more stopping power. It was a big pain machining brackets for those

There is a close up of the front wheel in the link.

Cant wait to see your project move along:)