New bike for local rides.

[andy120t]

I picked up this `bargain` 550 Zephyr last week (aka potential moneypit/disaster). Sold as a non-runner/ not running very well, but otherwise loads of new parts and ready for an MOT. ..

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Fuel didn't seem to be getting through despite all the relevant bits having been replaced or rebuilt, so I added  my ancient Easy Start and after a minute or so turning over whilst squirting that into the air intake it seemed perfectly happy and fires up on the button.  I managed ten miles yesterday...gear change was a bit high so I adjusted that, braking isn't two-fingers good, so I need to bleed again and see if that can be improved. Aside from that it seems all seems fine. Result - winter riding is sorted on the first of the retro bikes!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

How much is a bargain?
Looks neat - always liked the look of some of the Kwakas.

[Johnny4428]

That’s what I need! Not necessary a Kwak. A winter hack is a nice thought, whether I would use or not I would have to get one to find out.

[Orcade-Ian]

That seems like a really nice useable bike - not heavy, quick enough and classic looking, so what's not to like?  Johnny, don't even go there - you'll only end up 'minting' it and become reluctant to use it if it's raining (it has been known to do that very occasionally) 

Ian

[K2-K6]

Looks really good andy120t, ideal for general running around. Always liked Kawasaki engineering as quite different approach to honda in many aspect.

Johnny4428, if your after a complete contrast too the four cylinder bikes, the Honda 500/600 RFVC engined bikes offer something really interesting, both in riding experience and technical approach. I was talking to an owner of a GB500 at bike meet recently, they sound so sweet and sophisticated for a 4 stroke single with smoothness that seems to cone from a multi, very impressive design. A friend had one years ago in a XR500 that was really good too, also they did a 600 capacity.

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[Laverda Dave]

That’s what I need! Not necessary a Kwak. A winter hack is a nice thought, whether I would use or not I would have to get one to find out.

Nice bike for the winter, decent brakes and power.
I remember when MZ250’s were winter hacks, they now appear to be on the collectors wish list. I used my CB250RS as my winter hack for years, commuting into town on it come rain or shine (and snow) but now I've treated it to a restoration those days are over!

[Laverda Dave]

Looks really good andy120t, ideal for general running around. Always liked Kawasaki engineering as quite different approach to honda in many aspect.

Johnny4428, if your after a complete contrast too the four cylinder bikes, the Honda 500/600 RFVC engined bikes offer something really interesting, both in riding experience and technical approach. I was talking to an owner of a GB500 at bike meet recently, they sound so sweet and sophisticated for a 4 stroke single with smoothness that seems to cone from a multi, very impressive design. A friend had one years ago in a XR500 that was really good too, also they did a 600 capacity.

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The same engine is used in the SLR650 Nigel. They go for sensible money and make for a decent hack. I think they were built in Italy and used Italian made parts. I think Honda renamed the SLR to the Figo or something similar?

[Nurse Julie]

We use our pair of CD250u's as winter hacks. Plenty big enough for the muddy lanes around here and theres not much chrome on them to get rusty.

[K2-K6]

Forget they put the engine in that one Dave, there's some nice modded examples about of it.

More to suit your riding heritage Dave with Honda using that engine via HRC factory supply to make a flat tracker

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RS600 to blat around west london on 

[Johnny4428]

That seems like a really nice useable bike - not heavy, quick enough and classic looking, so what's not to like?  Johnny, don't even go there - you'll only end up 'minting' it and become reluctant to use it if it's raining (it has been known to do that very occasionally) 

Ian

Think your right Ian! Just have to make sure it’s rough enough that it’s never going to become a “swan”
Like the idea of a trail adventure type bike. Maybe a cheap Chinese job?

[Matt_Harrington]

Ooh, that RS600 is a lovely looking bike - no doubt an expensive piece of kit. It reminds me of the Honda FTR233....

Matt

[Laverda Dave]

Forget they put the engine in that one Dave, there's some nice modded examples about of it.

More to suit your riding heritage Dave with Honda using that engine via HRC factory supply to make a flat tracker

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RS600 to blat around west london on 

That's a lovely bike Nigel. It would be just the thing to blat about on around here.
A few years ago I thought about fitting a 500cc Jawa engine into a road bike but it would have taken a lot of engineering to make it work. I remember seeing a 500 dohc Westlake speedway engine fitted into a Manx frame, I think it was called a Brooklands 40M. They were going to go into production but like a lot of other projects of the time it never got properly off the ground, a few were made but not many.

[andy120t]

..and probably too nice for salty / wet roads too. Cost 800 with just over 30k miles and has loads of new parts and s/steel exhaust too, so I'll aim to keep her clean and dry and be my unfaired  'modern'  ride!

[Johnny4428]

Good buy at 800 I would have said! This is my dilemma, need something that is ugly and would look better covered in salt spray 🤣🤣

[Laverdaroo]

Thats a very cheap bike that looks pretty well together and looked after. What a great purchase, enjoy