This has been going on for some time now, and I expect it will be some time still until it is a go-er.
I bought this off EBay in QLD for way too much, did a 2 person 22hr non stop turn around drive to get it. When I arrived, my heart sank, I had been had, it was much much worse than I expected. Serves me right for not asking for better pics. In hindsight, I should have walked away, but after driving so far, I had to bring something home.... Having said that, I don't know how many of these are around, and I do love the look of it.
the Ebay pic and in my garage:
The only original parts from these 2 pics that are on the resto are the frame, left radiator shroud, right side cover, rear shock, both hubs and some spokes, the crankshaft and transmission shafts and the carby. I kid you not, every other item has been replaced with something better. I had bought a steaming pile of.......
the rear rim after removing the tyre:
The search for NOS Kawasaki parts has been challenging not to mention expensive. I found a NOS cylinder, piston, rings, rod and bearings, main bearings, seals, carby to airfilter duct, fornt and rear spokes, gear lever, rear brake arm, Uni Trak bushes bearings and seals, left side cover, right radiator shroud, "250" side panel decal which I have had copied. The list is extensive. Good second hand parts were sourced from around the world, including both rims, both radiators, very nice OEM pipe and original muffler, a better airbox, better swing arm that wasn't butchered, better seat base plus a whole heap of bits that I can't remember. What isn't OEM Kawasaki? Seat foam and cover, UFO F & R guards and front plate and handlebars and not much else. I know the guards are '86 model ones, but I'm not a fan of the '85 style, and I got these cheap.
As it is now in my office, pretty much just a frame with some plastics fitted:
The engine is together in the garage waiting fitment. I have had the rims polished like chrome and am going to send them in for re anodizing as they are a bit blingy for me. Once the wheels are done I can make it a roller and put the engine in the frame and the rest will fall together. Then it's just the rear shock re build and put the 2 boxes of NOS parts on it and it will be complete.
Don't ask me what it has cost so far, or if I will ride it................
Adam
