Some "before" photos

[plavix]

I am trying to post some photos of my 83 vision as it looked when I got it, and during the tear down phase...I wasn't able to make it happen, so I am posting a link to my photo database on Yahoo's "flickr" page.  In addition to the Vision photos, you can see one of the 1987 ZX600 I restored. 

FWIW, I have found Yahoo's flickr to be a nice photo hosting/sharing site.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32006596@N00/

Enjoy,

Tony

[Night Vision]

nice seat  ::)

are you doing swing arm RR also? just curious how much effort and cost that would be

[h2olawyer]

Nice job on the ZX.  Looks great.  The XZ looks like quite a project but if you are as diligent with it as it appears you were on the Kaw, you'll really love your Vision!

H₂O

[Superfly]

Nice 83! 
THAT looks like a fun project!
But I saw a pic of your zx600...
It is funny, I have restored a few Visions, so I went to some older ninjas for a new project
(2 older zx600's  one 86, A model, one 88, C model)
VERY fun bikes...



All I am going to say is that the parts for the ninjas were easier to find!

[plavix]

Superfly...your 86 has the same tank as my 87 "A3" model.  That is the one thing that bugs me about mine...the tank not matching the color scheme, but I haven't gotten around to painting it.  Now, it will be even longer since I am focusing on the Vision.  Did you do anything with your anti-dive valves on the 86?  I went through and rebuilt mine and they do make a difference, but sure make it a total pain in the butt to bleed the front brake system!  Six seperate bleed valves...uggh.

So what is your verdict between the A and C versions?  Which do you like better and why?

[plavix]

Night Vision...I don't intend to take the drive shaft apart, but I will clean everything up, and paint the swingarm.  I haven't read too much about the drive shaft except that it is not an easy component to take apart...and likely not necessary.  I do recall reading that the oil can be drained and new oil added...  Has anybody else messed with that component?

[kiawrench]

plavix,,, if the shaft works,, just clean it out, and refill as per service manual---nothing but trouble inside the shaft housing .

[plavix]

plavix,,, if the shaft works,, just clean it out, and refill as per service manual---nothing but trouble inside the shaft housing .

That's what I thought.  I generally try to only mess with stuff that needs to be messed with...or will need to be messed with in the near future.  From what I saw of the driveshaft in the manuals...I would rather not touch it.  Thanks for the confirmation Kiawrench!

[Superfly]

Superfly...your 86 has the same tank as my 87 "A3" model.  That is the one thing that bugs me about mine...the tank not matching the color scheme, but I haven't gotten around to painting it.  Now, it will be even longer since I am focusing on the Vision.  Did you do anything with your anti-dive valves on the 86?  I went through and rebuilt mine and they do make a difference, but sure make it a total pain in the butt to bleed the front brake system!  Six seperate bleed valves...uggh.

So what is your verdict between the A and C versions?  Which do you like better and why?

I saw your tank, that is why I put the picture of the one I am working on with the same tank on it.  And yes, I did rebuild the anti-dive system (which works really well) and when I finally finished bleeding all 6 valves, the front brakes worked great!  But what a PITA!

The A versions I remember from when I was younger, and always thought they were the coolest thing ever.  I have restored both bikes from a frame & blown engines.  Here is a link to the process of restoration of both bikes. 
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/kawasaki-streetbikes-sportbikes/21436-88-zx600-restoration-pictures.html
They are both really good bikes.  The C model is very dependable, and a very skinny bike, which makes it perfect for lane splitting.  It is my daily ride while I have the Vision off the road for a upgrade (well, upgrade... fixing spun berring... same thing!).  But there is something about that A model, it is more solid.  I really like the way that the bike is put together.  I only have 10 miles on the rebuilt engine, so I am still breaking it in.  Just added a stage 1 jet kit to the carbs, and a Micron exhaust to it, so she has some pep in her step!  But both are really good bikes, I really cant complain.

The Vision is my baby though, I think I like the odd-ness off it.  I can ride to work on the ninja, and every-so-often see an A or C model, but I have yet to see another Vision.  I really like that.  Plus, that growl of a V twin engine is nice. 

[plavix]

Superfly...I remember following your restoration progress on that thread.  I remember thinking about how much work you were investing and your tenaciousness.  I had also posted a brief report on my restoration process...and noticed that you had replied within the thread!!!  http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/kawasaki-streetbikes-sportbikes/28168-resurrecting-1987-zx600a-ninja.html
Small world.

Tony

[Superfly]

HA!
That is funny!
Very small world (or internet)

[Scott_Mc]

and how about that diamond seat cover  :o !!  A labor of love to be sure! Good luck with her & thanks for sharing the photos!

-Scott