1998 Kawasaki ZX9R - Project Shinobi, Episode 1 - Bodywork Off, Let's See What Horrors Lurk Beneath!

[@timselbie3419]

Love the mechanical archaeology, it never ceases to amaze me what the previous Neanderthal has done before !

[@KevsShed]

I know, but it wouldn't be a proper project without having to put right others bodges I guess! 😆

[@markwellington4376]

Just brought myself this bike in black as a non runner (due to rattling timing chain) and loving this step by step videos.
Great job 👏🏻

[@DaemonWulf7]

many a great man has falling trying to vanquish a Kawasaki bolt.

[@gkbike7002]

I've just bought that bike, its 90% mint. Owned by a copper, full service history, all original. Few cosmetic scuffs, but looks almost new

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

I thought the observation about the side-stand was very smart. Not the wrong one, after all. Just seems like it because someone's tried to raise the back with shorter dog-bones in an attempt to make it turn in quicker. Better idea was to fit a shock off a ZX12R.

[@KevsShed]

Yeah, that would have worked. I actually have a shock from a 2009 ZX10R sat around gathering dust, I wonder if that could be utilised to good effect! 🤔

[@coolNightFever]

Love watching your videos man, you saying "i'm not a prof. mechanic" but you're better than most of the mechanics i know, that's for sure.

[@KevsShed]

Cheers bud 👍🏻

[@HalfdeadRider]

Nice mate, just got recommended this as never came across your channel before. I'm going to enjoy this, I have the E1, amazing bikes still.

[@KevsShed]

Glad you found me! Enjoy 👌🏻😎

[@jasonjason7277]

its nice to see the ZXR finally getting attention. i look forward to following your progress.

[@KevsShed]

Cheers bud 👍🏻

[@AdeReeves]

About blooming time 😂

[@KevsShed]

I know, I know! Got round to it eventually though! 😂👌🤓

[@jordangraham9533]

Looking forward to seeing you fix it up Kevin

[@patrickwalsh6873]

Great stuff, mate. Thanks so much for all the quality content of the channel.

[@KevsShed]

Glad you enjoy it! 👌😎

[@steveadams8799]

Good to see the ZX9R project started. I used to own a 99 C2 about 7 years ago and loved it. I have just got another one that is in similar condition to yours and I’m halfway through its restoration. Should sit nicely alongside my GTR1400 when finished. Reference the headlight, mine was also in rag order and not many are around on eBay. Found out that the ZX6R G is identical, so a bit easier to find one in good nick. Look forward to watching your progress.🍻

[@KevsShed]

Yeah , I discovered that with the headlight and have already managed to bag a nice one, you'll see in a later episode ;)

[@Squishington3rd]

Glad I'm not the only one really struggling to get the rear tail fairing bolts out as the front two are jammed on mine too. Going to thoroughly enjoy watching this transformation and hopefully pick up tips and ideas along the way. Would !lve to do a full resto on my C1 9R one day

[@KevsShed]

Yeah they were seized solid! lucky they were the only thing that didn't really want to play ball so far!

[@Squishington3rd]

@@KevsShed did you have to use an HSS bit to get at the head or were they quite soft? I think mine are the originals

[@KevsShed]

@@Squishington3rd I did use a HSS Bit as that was what I had to hand although they aren't particularly tough bolts to be fair! Once the plastics were off, a decent amount of heat from the blow torch allowed the remaining studs to be removed with molegrips pretty easily!

[@tonymontana897]

Use penetration spray in advance before attempting to rock them out.

[@jordangraham9533]

I used to have e1 Kawasaki zx9r

[@markconlon814]

great vid, unless i missed it, it looks like your catch bottles on the air ducts are missing !!

[@KevsShed]

Nah, I think it was probably the angle I was holding them or something as they are both there! Plenty that I do need to get for this bike though so please follow the project! 👍😎

[@markconlon814]

@@KevsShed I plan too , I am looking forward to part2 !!

[@KevsShed]

@@markconlon814 New videos on the channel every Sunday bud!

[@nitramh24]

If there’s oil in the coolant, there’s probably a head gasket leak. Hope you do the job in a video... I changed mine last year, took me a couple of weeks as I had to service everything once you crack the engine open😂

[@KevsShed]

Yep, the whole engine is coming apart, everything is being replaced! 👍

[@nitramh24]

@@KevsShed Hone the cylinders and install new piston rings while you re at it👍 Will be as new after, since you’re in there. Removing the cyl block is a piece of cake

[@nitramh24]

Yours is a 99 model, the 98 is all blue. You should install an exhaust system from an E model, that’s an awesome upgrade as the e exhaust is modelled after the akra-racing exhaust system👍 they’re dead cheap on the zx9 pages.

[@KevsShed]

You're spoiling the surprise! 😂😂😂

[@KevsShed]

BTW, it can't be a 99 as it's on an S plate, 99 would have been a T or a V. I actually didn't know that about the colours though and if that is the case then mine is likely wearing different bodywork to what it had from the factory!

[@nitramh24]

@@KevsShed Yea, at least the fairings are from a 99👍 Cool that you re doing the exhaust, if that’s the surprise, the c system is horrible, mine cracked, dont think too many read the comments tho, hope I didnt spoil it for ya...

[@galwaytribesman9289]

Up the Irons

[@michaelraley3301]

Hey, I'm just now seeing your channel ive just acquired a zx9r I live in the U.S my bike has 30k miles on it. Maintenance things I'm doing valve adjustment, new chains sprockets and clutch any other things you think I might need to look at while getting this bike into top shape also doing compression check to see how healthy the engine runs solid so far

[@guystevens162]

Nice bike. So what is project then. Just restoring back to original 🙂

[@KevsShed]

Yes mate, that’s the plan 👌🏻😎

[@UnCivilEngineerIRL]

Jesus, you're murdering the previous owner in a similar way to what he's done to that bike !
An eye for an eye leaves the world blind hahaha

[@KevsShed]

😂😂😂 True! I just don't understand how anyone can treat a bike this poorly!

[@UnCivilEngineerIRL]

@@KevsShed he might have been a here-tech hahaha

[@KevsShed]

😂