1981 Kawasaki GPZ1100B1 winter restoration project

Well boys,

I just picked up a stock 1100 fuel injection GPZ. Other than a bad paint job on the red it's bone stock.
Runs fine from what I see. Have not ridden it though. The bike didn't come cheap ...but try and find one in Canada. Crazy.

Anyway I have it now in my shop and already ordered my tank decals.
I was just going to do a quick resto, but I think I might strip it down to the bare parts and frame and really do it right.

Any tips on cleaning the aluminum engine (media blast?) and any other restoration tips would be awesome. I see some of you boys have done top notch restorations already.
Also, there are a few parts on it I would like to replace, These things all work but are not in great condition. like signals, most stuff o the handlebars, front brake master, chain guard, some of the smaller decals, etc. I would like to do a 100% looking original resto and again get collector plates

Not sure if I'll sell it after or keep it.
I would trade it plus give some cash for a KZ1300 though.

You got the best cabin fever vaccine available...

Nice find...early GPz's are getting rare everywhere.

Right you are daveo .. LOL.
I think you're right Mcdroid, and I hear they actually didn't make all that many to begin with. Not sure if that's true.

Coast Steve wrote: I think you're right Mcdroid, and I hear they actually didn't make all that many to begin with. Not sure if that's true.

Based on frame numbers, there were 10399 KZ1100-B1 and 6048 KZ1100-B2 produced.

That one's a beauty. R

Having a tough time finding the paint code or something the auto body shop can use or cross reference

Coast Steve wrote: Having a tough time finding the paint code or something the auto body shop can use or cross reference

Kawasaki didn't do codes for repaints. However, I have found that the following is damned close:

Mercury Capri 1991 Color Code: EA Color: Cardinal Red Valueshade #2

On the side of the paint can is:
850J Brilliant Red 124.5
864J Magenta 199.1
802J LS White 227.5
807J LS Black 232.4
62320F Binder 445.0

Thanks Michael, I just found the same thing on another forum.
Hope it's as close as you and they say it is.

And thank you very much for writing down the "ingredients"
I've found most things I need to replace on the web ...I think.

Do you mind posting a pic of your 82 ?

Coast Steve wrote: Having a tough time finding the paint code or something the auto body shop can use or cross reference

I don't recall if there is a numeric code, but Kawasaki called it 'Firecracker Red'. You can buy rattle cans and quarts on Amazon from a company called ColorRite. (They call it 'Kawasaki 606'.) Their rattle cans come with a can of clear coat, which is nice. I haven't bought any yet but have it on the list for when I start working on the GPz again.

Thanks Nerdy, I think we have it now.

Nice score , looing forward to read about your progress.
/A