'94 Kawasaki Zephyr ZR750

[PegScraper]

Hi all,

 

I'd like your advise and opinions on this matter. Let me first please ask to keep this thread as on-topic as possible, and to try and keep it flame-free. Just want to meet fellow enthusiasts who have experience as well as those who would like to get started too.

 

I'm a postgrad student at NUS, and I'm currently doing my industrial attachment. That leaves me with a lot of free time on the weekends. I am currently just a 2B license holder with the upgrade coming up in a month's time to 2A.

 

I came across this classified ad for a '94 Kawi Zephyr ZR750 naked bike. The bike's been laid up for the past 1.5 years, and the owner said that she started up last time he checked. I'm willing to think of worst case scenario where the bike will not start up and some tweaking will be needed. I was thinking of slowly but steadily working on and restoring the bike part for part. I know it sounds stupid to do so, esp when there are many working bikes on the market, but somehow for such a price, getting my hands dirty on the bike seems to be a very good way to spend time and some how I feel the end result will be worth all that effort!

 

Since I don't have a proper license, and will not for atleast another whole year, I was planning on transferring ownership while in the laid up state. Move the bike from the current owner's parking lot to mine. Is this possible? What all would I have to do for it? I had contacted LTA and they told me that insurance was required to transfer ownership, even if the bike won't be ridden. I thought that didn't make sense at all. Does anyone have any idea on this?

 

I'm yet to see the bike, but the thought of such a project excites me... There are a couple of questions for the veterans of the forum. Hope you can help.

 

1) Garage / workspace: Would it be feasible to work on the bike while it's on the parking lot? Would it be possible to get dedicated garage space? I live in the East side. Some one told me that MSCP's don't allow any form of repair on vehicles. Does this rule apply to open parking lots as well?

 

2) Spares: Since it's a '94 kawasaki that's rare as is, would spares become a major problem? Who is the authorised dealer for Kawasaki here in Singapore? Would they be able to help me source old parts for the bike?

 

3) LTA: Since I'm laying up the bike for more than a year, would I have any LTA complications later on? Would just an inspection+road-tax+insurance be enough to get the bike back on the road?

 

4) Help: Has anyone on the forum actually done up an old bike like this by themselves?

 

If there are anyone who has done this, or there are Kawasaki Zephyr riders on the forum, please PM me, or contact by sms at 81267466!

 

Thanks a ton!

[Demon]

I have done restoration on a 1977 Yamaha LB80. So it's technically very much less challenging than your Kawa Zephyr ZR750.

 

You definitely need dedicated space because it's very time consuming to pack & unpack everytime you work on the bike. At one point in time, everything has to be stripped down, if you want the frame to be painted.

 

You can only lay-up the bike for 3 years at a time but you would need annual renewal. However, I'm sure some garages have the means to do an "extension". You need to state the location at which the bike is lay-up. I was warned by LTA that they will do random checks. Not sure if HDB carpark can be used as a lay-up location.

 

Spares are not a problem, if you can't get original parts, you surely can get compatible parts. However that requires alot of leg work, and you can surely get alot of help if you have friends who are "old hands".

 

Electrical was the biggest problem. It would really be useful if you can standby a good harness, preferably a New Old Spare (NOS). Try ebay.

 

Never start work unless you have the manual in hand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PegScraper]

Thanks bro Demon, those were pretty helpful tips. Kudos on your '77 LB80. The Zephyr is a '94 model, with some minor engine work according to the owner, so I'm guessing it's not too big a project in any case. Not in anyway like a '75 CB750 or the like!

 

Are there places where you can go check out bikes that are ready to be scrapped? I would love to rebuild an old inline four or a V-twin, maybe 500-750cc, as a cafe racer to maybe take a spin on PG with. No COE, no road-tax, no insurance, no headaches... How much fun would that be?

 

I'm still in two minds cos I still have to sit it out through a full year before I can actually enjoy my labor of love. It would be like having a hot hot girlfriend at home and not being able to do naughty stuff to her... It's just painful.

 

I live in an HDB flat with no MSCP close by even. But since it's in the East Side, I could possibly rent some space in a factory estate maybe. But that would be too strenous maybe.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I'll definitely contact you in case I decide to take up the project.

 

Ride safe...

[kirra55]

Thr ZR750 is rather large to start learning home mechanics, but it's not as complex as it may seem. Ignoring the varied legalities of LTA the obvios problem you have is space. 1st job is get the Workshop Manual and copy of Parts Manual. Then read it, several times. Parts are not so hard to get, if you are willing to buy from overseas, start by getting in touch with reputable Wreckers in places such as the UK and Australia. The Zephyr was sold in reasonable numbers in both countries. In OZ the wreckers I checked with had parts for that bike in stock, just have to check online with Australian Yellow Pages. Lots of listings there.

 

The size aof your project and your neighbours, makes it difficult to work outside in the parking lot, you could start by taking it apart into sub-assemblies. An alternative to renting garage space is to dedicate a room, or part of, in your apartment to workspace. Get some cheap vynil or heavy duty plastic (such as Fordicon) to cover your floor, saves lots of cleaning later.

 

You will need a very sturdy workbench, 1.5m wide and able to take 150kg, or weight of your engine. You will need storage space, so I would recommend getting hold of some rack style shelves and a metal cupboard. The type found 2nd hand as used office and shop equipment. A bike stripped down to its individual parts takes up a lot of space, so best to work on 1 assembly at a time.

 

Then take off all body work, instruments, seat pegs etc, store that carefully in one lot. That leaves rolling chassis and engine. Remove carburettors, exhaust and then engine from frame. The engine is the single heaviest assembly, and will need 2 of you to lift, but you could get away with having it sit on 1 workbench.

 

Then break down rolling chasis into front & rear wheels, front suspension and frame. That could be stored under your workbench. A trolley to carry parts would be helpful, especially with that engine.

 

I have gone through this several times, while at Uni, working on a CB Hondas, Kawazaki GPZ's and so on. You have to be organised and take your time.

Good Luck

[specialc]

Originally posted by Demon@Aug 30 2006, 02:12 PM

You can only lay-up the bike for 3 years at a time but you would need annual renewal. However, I'm sure some garages have the means to do an "extension". You need to state the location at which the bike is lay-up. I was warned by LTA that they will do random checks. Not sure if HDB :

Yes, HDB can be used as a lay up location. And yes, they do come by for random checks, maybe once in 6 months.

[tyujhgbnm]

would you mind to put your z750 pic to let me see?? coz i only saw this bike in comic book, in the comic write that this bike is a very fast bike even the rider can ride till 300 km/h and win zzr 1100. so wan to see the actual look only.............

[PegScraper]

Originally posted by kirra55@Sep 8 2006, 08:39 PM

Thr ZR750 is rather large to start learning home mechanics, but it's not as complex as it may seem. Ignoring the varied legalities of LTA the obvios problem you have is space. 1st job is get the Workshop Manual and copy of Parts Manual. Then read it, several times. Parts are not so hard to get, if you are willing to buy from overseas, start by getting in touch with reputable Wreckers in places such as the UK and Australia. The Zephyr was sold in reasonable numbers in both countries. In OZ the wreckers I checked with had parts for that bike in stock, just have to check online with Australian Yellow Pages. Lots of listings there.

 

The size aof your project and your neighbours, makes it difficult to work outside in the parking lot, you could start by taking it apart into sub-assemblies. An alternative to renting garage space is to dedicate a room, or part of, in your apartment to workspace. Get some cheap vynil or heavy duty plastic (such as Fordicon) to cover your floor, saves lots of cleaning later.

 

You will need a very sturdy workbench, 1.5m wide and able to take 150kg, or weight of your engine. You will need storage space, so I would recommend getting hold of some rack style shelves and a metal cupboard. The type found 2nd hand as used office and shop equipment. A bike stripped down to its individual parts takes up a lot of space, so best to work on 1 assembly at a time.

 

Then take off all body work, instruments, seat pegs etc, store that carefully in one lot. That leaves rolling chassis and engine. Remove carburettors, exhaust and then engine from frame. The engine is the single heaviest assembly, and will need 2 of you to lift, but you could get away with having it sit on 1 workbench.

 

Then break down rolling chasis into front & rear wheels, front suspension and frame. That could be stored under your workbench. A trolley to carry parts would be helpful, especially with that engine.

 

I have gone through this several times, while at Uni, working on a CB Hondas, Kawazaki GPZ's and so on. You have to be organised and take your time.

Good Luck

Bro kirra55, that is the single most informative piece I've seen.

 

I had thought of the same issues as you had said, and your ideas seem to be the best solution to it.

 

Do tell us more about the work you had done in uni. What was it in connection with?

 

As requested, a pic of a z750!

 

 

 

http://www.bikebros.co.jp/images/wallpaper/kawasaki/zephyr750_brn_1024.jpg

[E-SAP-TEHTEK]

Originally posted by PegScraper@Aug 30 2006, 10:55 AM

Hi all,

 

I'd like your advise and opinions on this matter. Let me first please ask to keep this thread as on-topic as possible, and to try and keep it flame-free. Just want to meet fellow enthusiasts who have experience as well as those who would like to get started too.

 

I'm a postgrad student at NUS, and I'm currently doing my industrial attachment. That leaves me with a lot of free time on the weekends. I am currently just a 2B license holder with the upgrade coming up in a month's time to 2A.

 

I came across this classified ad for a '94 Kawi Zephyr ZR750 naked bike. The bike's been laid up for the past 1.5 years, and the owner said that she started up last time he checked. I'm willing to think of worst case scenario where the bike will not start up and some tweaking will be needed. I was thinking of slowly but steadily working on and restoring the bike part for part. I know it sounds stupid to do so, esp when there are many working bikes on the market, but somehow for such a price, getting my hands dirty on the bike seems to be a very good way to spend time and some how I feel the end result will be worth all that effort!

 

Since I don't have a proper license, and will not for atleast another whole year, I was planning on transferring ownership while in the laid up state. Move the bike from the current owner's parking lot to mine. Is this possible? What all would I have to do for it? I had contacted LTA and they told me that insurance was required to transfer ownership, even if the bike won't be ridden. I thought that didn't make sense at all. Does anyone have any idea on this?

 

I'm yet to see the bike, but the thought of such a project excites me... There are a couple of questions for the veterans of the forum. Hope you can help.

 

1) Garage / workspace: Would it be feasible to work on the bike while it's on the parking lot? Would it be possible to get dedicated garage space? I live in the East side. Some one told me that MSCP's don't allow any form of repair on vehicles. Does this rule apply to open parking lots as well?

 

2) Spares: Since it's a '94 kawasaki that's rare as is, would spares become a major problem? Who is the authorised dealer for Kawasaki here in Singapore? Would they be able to help me source old parts for the bike?

 

3) LTA: Since I'm laying up the bike for more than a year, would I have any LTA complications later on? Would just an inspection+road-tax+insurance be enough to get the bike back on the road?

 

4) Help: Has anyone on the forum actually done up an old bike like this by themselves?

 

If there are anyone who has done this, or there are Kawasaki Zephyr riders on the forum, please PM me, or contact by sms at 81267466!

 

Thanks a ton!

So you are the lucky guy that bought the zephyr, I was 2 hours too late to come see the bike from Frank ( If I recall the name correctly). Not to scare you or anything... just FYI the zephyr top cam cover gasket alone cost more than $90. Freaking ex for a gasket i guess...How do I know the pricing? A fren of mine use to ride one... he gave up on the bike because of the spare part cost.But as Kirra mention, maybe u could get it oversea... Good luck with the restoration, just in case you give up on it and want to sell it, sms me at 98201584.

[PegScraper]

Originally posted by E-SAP-TEHTEK@Sep 13 2006, 01:00 AM

So you are the lucky guy that bought the zephyr, I was 2 hours too late to come see the bike from Frank ( If I recall the name correctly). Not to scare you or anything... just FYI the zephyr top cam cover gasket alone cost more than $90. Freaking ex for a gasket i guess...How do I know the pricing? A fren of mine use to ride one... he gave up on the bike because of the spare part cost.But as Kirra mention, maybe u could get it oversea... Good luck with the restoration, just in case you give up on it and want to sell it, sms me at 98201584.

The irony of the whole matter is that I saw the ad and floated the question on the forum since I didn't want to buy the bike and then not be able to go ahead with it. I had called Frank up and he told me that the bike was in good mechanical condition with only a service / tune-up required and maybe a new pair of rubbers. But other than that, there was nothing wrong with her. He also told me that there was a big group going to view the bike on a Wednesday, the same day that I got bogged down in office. I'd checked over the weekend, and the bike was gone already!

 

Like I said, my *2A* is just coming up, and if the bike was not in near running condition, I'd have tried my hand on it. The bike was in good condition already, so there was no "restoration" as is. Maybe I could've taken her apart and done a thorough once-over, but like the Yanks say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Moreover, having a sexy 750 in the parking lot with no license is asking for trouble. I have very bad self-control in that matter!

 

This was an opportunity lost, so I'm waiting for the next one to come along.

 

Bro kirra, do tell us more about the work you've done. Have you documented any project? It would be a great source of info to read up on how to work on a CB or GPZ. If you do have notes and pics, do write it up. I could maybe help you put it up.

[736cc]

Originally posted by tyujhgbnm@Sep 12 2006, 08:23 PM

would you mind to put your z750 pic to let me see?? coz i only saw this bike in comic book, in the comic write that this bike is a very fast bike even the rider can ride till 300 km/h and win zzr 1100. so wan to see the actual look only.............

i also got read the comic.lol

Btw the comic was saying the old Z750 vintage one. Not rhe Zephyr.

[Phang]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/PDSCN4353.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/PDSCN4351.jpg

 

Hi All,

 

bought a ZR750 last week, planning to restore it before I get my Class 2 in August 2007. It is a 1993 Canadian Model with 65,000km on the odometer. The bike is 99% stock except an ERP unit and a pair of FIAMM horns added, leaky sump, leaky carbs rubber holders + leaky carbs but engine in relatively good condition. I am now at the stage of planning. Will do a thorough check on all the parts with reference to the parts list this week to look for missing/additional parts.

[vfrT]

Originally posted by Phang@February 04, 2007 06:06 pm

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/PDSCN4353.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/PDSCN4351.jpg

 

Hi All,

 

bought a ZR750 last week, planning to restore it before I get my Class 2 in August 2007. It is a 1993 Canadian Model with 65,000km on the odometer. The bike is 99% stock except an ERP unit and a pair of FIAMM horns added, leaky sump, leaky carbs rubber holders + leaky carbs but engine in relatively good condition. I am now at the stage of planning. Will do a thorough check on all the parts with reference to the parts list this week to look for missing/additional parts.

First of, GOOD luck on yr endeavour. I this bike2hand & rode it for about 6 years. Problems encountered.

 

1. Carb mounting rubber crack causing air leak. Thi sis important as it affects the perf.

2. Carb jets is very sensitive to dirty fuel, so make sure you put in a good in-line filter. Puralator has a cheap and good one.

3. Carb synchronisation is crucial to perf.

3. Top cylinder gasket tend to blow and leak.

4. Bike charging system is quite weak.

5. Cam chains tend to rattle a bit as it ages- check & set the tensioner.

5. My starter motor gave up the ghost and I gave it away.

 

Other than that, I throughly love the bike for its rich heritage. Its a great bike.

 

I believe I have the workshop manual tuck away somewhere. Let me know if you need it and I'll go scrouge around in the store.

[Phang]

Thanks brother vftT, I will note these down, thanks for the valuable info on this bike. I spent 4 hours last night cross checking the bike and the part list of ZR750C3 which I downloaded from Kawasaki website, only managed to complete 25% but it seems everything are intact, only 1 missing nut on the brake level, 1 missing chromed washer on the right muffler mounting bracket and 1 missing rubber damper on the left muffler for the center stand. I really appreciate the previous owners of this bike for keeping the bike intact and stock.

[Phang]

Originally posted by vfrT@February 05, 2007 02:43 pm

I believe I have the workshop manual tuck away somewhere. Let me know if you need it and I'll go scrouge around in the store.

Is your workshop manual a Kawasaki published manual or published by others like Haynes etc.?

[player1799]

think if you need some spare stuff you can contact this man at cheese prata there..

rd the corner yi yang motor...

you will be surprised of the stuffs there...

hope this helps!

[Phang]

Originally posted by player1799@February 07, 2007 12:33 pm

think if you need some spare stuff you can contact this man at cheese prata there..

rd the corner yi yang motor...

you will be surprised of the stuffs there...

hope this helps!

Thanks, I will drop by and take a look this Friday, just to confirm with you, is it around West Coast Park area?

[tyujhgbnm]

Originally posted by marco83@October 01, 2006 05:12 pm

i also got read the comic.lol

Btw the comic was saying the old Z750 vintage one. Not rhe Zephyr.

is it?? I not sure coz comic nv write le. It makes me wan to buy this bike then wear the yakuza shirt and lead my biker to roundimg

[vfrT]

Originally posted by Phang@February 07, 2007 11:04 am

Is your workshop manual a Kawasaki published manual or published by others like Haynes etc.?

Its the official Kawasaki Factory manual.

[Phang]

Originally posted by vfrT@February 08, 2007 08:36 am

Its the official Kawasaki Factory manual.

Thank you for the manual.

 

I have a question, the original Kawasaki air filter for this model is paper element type or the foam/oil type? According to the maintenance section in the manual, it seems like a foam type but the one fitted on my bike is a paper element type.

[Musclehead]

Bro Phang, Nice bikes u have!

[Phang]

Originally posted by Musclehead@February 11, 2007 06:03 pm

Bro Phang, Nice bikes u have!

The ZR750 is still far from nice, I need more time and money.

[vfrT]

Originally posted by Phang@February 11, 2007 12:22 pm

Thank you for the manual.

 

I have a question, the original Kawasaki air filter for this model is paper element type or the foam/oil type? According to the maintenance section in the manual, it seems like a foam type but the one fitted on my bike is a paper element type.

Your welcome. Its paper. If u look at the maintenance log i gave u, i think u will find that it used to cost $30 from Evershine.

[Phang]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/DSCN4452.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/DSCN4453.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/DSCN4457.jpg

 

spent my off day to strip the bike, so far so good

[Phang]

I bought this yesterday and spent half a day cleaning the gunk and dirt on the side covers and fenders. Those thick gunk accumulated for years still need the old fashioned but trusty kerosene to dissolve and remove it.

 

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000M2SHHO.01-A2IG6WPSXSP0UY._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[Phang]

I did a compression check yesterday and here are the results:-

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/ZR750compressionbar.jpg

 

Test 4, Test 5 and Test 6 was conducted with adding some engine oil to the combustion chamber. The 2 red lines are the upper and lower limit specified in the service manual