81 GPZ brat build

hey guys fairly new to the site been working on this for 2 weeks got alot of help and ideas
from this site. I will try to post as much as I can about the progress. Bike is a 81 kawasaki GPZ 550 picked it up in pretty rough shape not running missing some parts but paid $300 thought it would make for a good project.

Looks like that could be a pretty fun little bike to rip around on when you're done. I can't wait to see how this little guy turns out for you. I'm really interested in finding something similar in size and doing it up brat style for the wife. She wants a sporty but thats not something we'll be able to afford for a bit. All I care about is that she'll be comfortable on it and it will keep up on rides.


Sent from the handicapped stall.

Definitely looks like a fun build. Although it looks like your plumbing might be a bit clogged.

Originally Posted by MrFuckingBrandon

Definitely looks like a fun build. Although it looks like your plumbing might be a bit clogged.

Yup should be fun, haha I didnt think anyone would notice that good eye!

once i get the frame back from welding im going to put it back together almost 100% so i can mount tank, battery, etc have everything mocked up and then paint. Im going with a metallic grey for frame and black for mostly everything else. Going with a sportster tank and seat will be custom but we'll see how that turns out got few ideas

I got a little bit more work done past few days seat rails are welded and finished. Also got a head light pretty pleased on how it looks, might lower it down half inch more but we'll see as bike comes together.

Not sure what to do for handlebars i"m pretty tall any ideas? or photos of kzs with bars( clip ons, mini apes, window bars ,anything....)

81s are the best year IMO, I like the direction u are going with this, keep it up!

thanks, thats good to hear

Build has been going a little slow lately, but got some more pictures and ordered gasket set and should have them soon. Have also decided to stretch the swingarm 4" bikes too short and this way I dont have to spend $ on shorter shocks to lower it

has anyone ever done a similar swingarm stretch? seen a few but not much info

Welding it up should be pretty straight forward if you cut the swingarm, get size appropriate DOM tubing, and have slugs made to match the ID. The build is looking good so far. GET BUSY!

I got an 81 GPZ 550 that I am doing up cafe brat-ish. Nice work man!

Originally Posted by MrFuckingBrandon

Welding it up should be pretty straight forward if you cut the swingarm, get size appropriate DOM tubing, and have slugs made to match the ID. The build is looking good so far. GET BUSY!

ya but the swingarm comes out on a slight angle so by extending it i Increase the width between the rear tire mount which I could try and find an axle and spacers wide enough. or try and match the bend on the swingarm but seems pretty difficult. I will try and get a picture of the swing arm off the bike soon

started working on a seat while waiting for parts, its fiberglass with memory foam. really liking the way its looking going to narrow the front a bit more

Got a little update on the build, decided to grow a pair and chop the frame!
doing a 5" stretch bike felt way to short and why not it will look sick. Was able
to pick up some uni strut channel for nothing and used it for a frame jig worked
good and everything is straight as far as i can tell. can't wait to get this together!

Is it gonna look like the engine is to small for the frame now? I don't think I've ever seen someone stretch a bike like this before...

Originally Posted by livingdeadmc

Is it gonna look like the engine is to small for the frame now? I don't think I've ever seen someone stretch a bike like this before...

I was thinking the same thing but the engine is quite big actually and does sit far back we'll see i can move the engine mounts if it does look off.

You're going to need to stretch the downtubes as well otherwise the backbone won't line back up. I would also recommend slugging the joints that you weld.

Originally Posted by Jasonisdico

You're going to need to stretch the downtubes as well otherwise the backbone won't line back up. I would also recommend slugging the joints that you weld.

yup for sure, just picked up steel tube couldn't get right od size for slug so I got to take it to machine shop. kind of sucks but I want slugs to fit nice keep everything straight

A few pictures of the progress love the way its turning out! can't wait till shes rolling again

Dig it!

got her welded up and rolling again