1974 kawasaki g5 restore write up; just filled with pictures

[sm7482]

The wheels were torn apart. The spokes were cleaned and polished, the rims polished and the hubs got special treatment.
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After priming, they received a nice coat of black,
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[sm7482]

Next was the exhaust, a nice aftermarket unit.
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Pulling the old packing out, be careful, this stuff could contain asbestos
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Ready for a nice coat of flat black!

 

[sm7482]

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Engine mounted, bike is starting to come together.
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The original blinker cases were chrome, but that’s boring. So I masked off a nice ring of chrome around both ends and shot them with flat black.
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Side cover I bought off ebay, this won’t do.
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Yeah, I painted this too. Even made the decals myself.

 

[sm7482]

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A nice mock up of the bike. Notice the front forks, I went with fork gaiters instead of dust seals, it gives it a more off-road look.

 

[sm7482]

Approaching The End

APPROACHING THE END
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With the rear wheel put together and trued by me, a new chain and sprocket set, and new tires. The only thing left was the front wheel, well the only major thing. Notice the nice number plates I’ve mounted, I like the look it gives the bike.
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Front wheel on and rolling, she’s just about done.
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[sm7482]

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[sm7482]

Well she looks beautiful but as of this minute she’s not done. There are two things left, the tank is being cleaned and sealed and then I have to insure and register her. I will get pictures when I slap that Oregon plate on and a video of the very first start up. I have never heard this bike run and I can’t wait! Here’s the next project on the list, can you guess what it is? I plan to go all out!
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[sm7482]

Well to some, it might be a worthless bike. i agree that i spent way, way, way, way, way, way, way more money on it then i'll ever get out of it, but i know this bike like the back of my hand. i'm able to look at it and tell myself i made it what it is, and thats priceless. It is now ok to post. Thank you and hope you enjoyed

 

[RM_guy]

That was damn nice!!! ...and an impressive write up. Back when that bike was new a buddy of mine had one and I don't remember it looking as nice as the one you restored. That rotary valve worked well and he used to cut them to get more power but usually ended up having to buy a new because he went too far. That really brings back some memories. Thanks for the post. :)

 

[dirt bike dave]

It is a real joy to see a talented, hard working young man apply his skills on a project of his choosing, using his own initiative! Gives me hope for humanity, and I needed that this morning.

So....Thanks!

As for the bike, it brings back memories. My buddy had a '76 KE100, my first bike was a '73 Suzuki TC100 and another buddy had a '79 Yamaha DT100.

Lots of us dirt riders cut our teeth on bikes like your G5, so it is nice to see one that is so well loved and cared for.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Wow, a teenager, unbelievable mister! Fantastic abilities displayed on the rebuild, at any age. Especially the paint. I can not wait for the Honda! Thank you for posting, Vintage Bob

 

[dirt bike dave]

Yea, tell us more about the MT250 Elsinore!

I'll guess it's a '75 or '76, but it would be cool if it was a '74 also.

BTW, that pie plate on the front of the 100 will cost you some top speed on the road. Oh, and I'm also amazed the original seat is in such good shape.

 

[RM_guy]

It is a real joy to see a talented, hard working young man apply his skills on a project of his choosing, using his own initiative! Gives me hope for humanity, and I needed that this morning.

So....Thanks!...

Ditto on that for sure!

 

[Chili]

Great post and looks like you did a fantastic job on the restore. One question, who's drinking the beer? :laugh:

 

[XRpredator]

I'm impressed

 

[justalonewolf007]

This was great! Thanks for sharing!

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Great post and looks like you did a fantastic job on the restore. One question, who's drinking the beer? :laugh:

I know that root beer bottle, it is on the tip of my tongue.

 

[sm7482]

yeah, it was a rootbeer, haha! the Honda is a 1974 model made in late 1973. so far i've painted the tank, fenders, frame, swing arm, polished the forks, bought and rebuilt some rear shocks, and other misc stuff. i'm hoping to rebuild the engine on that one this summer. the thing about it though is that it was beat to hell. i had to buy another frame for it because the original was broken and welded together poorly, all electrical is shot, and the crankcases have holes in them from chains breaking, sealed with jb weld. so almost nothing will be stock specs. i bought a 73 cr250 cylinder assembly and a 73 brand new DG performance exhaust for it. when i said i'm going all out, i am.

 

[Vic]

VERY well done, sir! You have every right to be very proud of that. :cool:

Did you find that old Bassani pipe on ebay?

 

[sm7482]

VERY well done, sir! You have every right to be very proud of that. :cool:

Did you find that old Bassani pipe on ebay?

No, surprisingly it came with the bike when i bought it! the carb was already jetted as well, which is a blessing because i can't find any larger jets for it anywhere. not on ebay or the local motorcycle shop.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

It is a Mikuni? Did you try Sudco?

 

[2strokerfun]

Super Job. Very impressive. I think you'll find parts are a whole lot easier to get for the MT250 !!

 

[Okiewan]

Awesome! Lots of hard work there. A lot of well deserved praise to you. It came out great, congrats!

A 72 KE model was my first motorcycle and looked no where as good as yours!

 

[Uchytil]

Hard work pays off - great job!

 

[Patman]

In this day and age of teens that would rather sit and play video games you are a standout young man! Keep up the attitude and determination that got you where you are and it will take you far. Good job it's cooler than any new bike.