'88 750 Ninja refresh

Finally got around to completing the 750 Ninja that a close friend threw my way.

Bad:- been sitting in a shed for 5 years and although put away properly, needed a lot of fluid flushes and clean-out.
-minor bodywork repairs necessary
-still had original sprockets and chain

Good;- only 27,000 kms. ( under 17,000 miles )
-a six speed, liquid cooling, hydraulic clutch and mirrors that are unbelievably clear
-pulls like a missile ( getting too old for what it will do)
-had regular documented maintenance done
-sounds better than anything I've owned (except the Zed)

Changed all the brake lines to braided type and overhauled all the calipers. Re-worked a Vance and Hines can with a custom made mid-pipe. I replaced the chain sprockets and rubber with new as spec'd in Cycle World back in "87 when the first model was released. I didn't think the 16" front wheel would be a big deal but sizes are getting rare. Pirelli Sport Demons were originally spec'd and are still a reasonable buy and seem to work well. Found out reading the article my friend gave me with the bike that it was touted as the second bike out of the showroom to reach 150 mph! Yipes

Left on Sept.10 and traveled to Watertown New York, through The Adirondaks and across Lake Champlain to Montpelier Vermont. Best roads were south on route 100 to Rutland Vermont and across the top of The Catskills to Albany New York.. Traveled through Scranton Pa. and on towards Corning New York then across the Border at Buffalo and home. The bike ran flawlessly and somehow I began to realize why some of the sport bike guys like the twisties so much but I wanted to make sure I also got to see some of the awesome scenery. People on this trip were unbelievably kind, even at two Harley dealerships when my friends' bike had issues. While we only did about 1400 miles, it is something I think we will do yearly.

Should try to hook up with other members next time out.

David

I've owned two of these, One in the late 1980's that was a race bike returned to the street, and another stocker about 15 years later, the old race bike was one of the best bikes I ever owned, it went like a scolded cat, was light and handled superbly, I miss it.. You have a very nice example there mate, they are a very underrated motorcycle...

Sweet motorcycle...a rarely seen model. Nice job bringing it back from the dead.

The 80's GPzs and Ninjas have held up over time. They are great looking bikes. That one is fantastic.

Kawboy74 wrote

it was touted as the second bike out of the showroom to reach 150 mph! Yipes

And indeed it looks like it just came off the showroom floor!
Great job David.
Have fun

Thanks for the positive comments everyone.
The fairings make it more problematic when it comes to working on it and spark plug changes mean the tank and other items need to be removed first but that won't be often. The biggest headache working on it was when I had cleaned the carbs and had to re-install them. The air-box is in two halves and as the stupid little springs that hold the air-box to the carbs don't do anything on old boots, my neighbor suggested zip ties instead. With the back end of the air-box stuffed into the frame, the front half with the carbs could be slipped a bit easier into position. Once in, the intake rubbers, which I found aren't available anymore, could be fingered around the carbs. Seems more and more restoration work on this type of bike requires younger stronger hands (son) to access some of these tight areas.
Onto the next project as time and money permits.
David

Nice job on the 1988 Ninja. Those forgotten bikes are under rated.
Great sport touring bike.
Also a nice picture of your son.

Uh, that picture was of me on the trip! If that was my son I would be 92, although most days I feel like it! :woohoo: