Restoring my Suzuki GT250 X7 ( work in progress )

The year is 2007, a family member has made it known that I needed a hobby. Restoring a car would be fun, but alas room was at a premium. How about a motorcycle, one of my first loves. In typical male fashion,decision taken,DONE.
Now where to find one and what to buy. The criteria for me was simple, 2stroke would be fine for my first attempt as my mechanical skills, well lets not go there. The net provided the medium for search and before long I was the proud owner of a 1978-9 suzuki gt250 x7. This was in the true sense of the words, a barn find fore that's where it was when first saw it. As the bike was delivered I gathered everyone around to peruse my pride and joy and less than 2 minutes later the bike and I were on our own. And so begins my restoration.

 

DAY 1  Armed with scrapper and rags and multiple cans of degreaser, I began the process of removing years of grim build up. This task took far longer than anticipated but it needed to be done. Layer upon layer removed began to show what I'd purchased, a very neglected bike. Having said that, everything was there which gave me a little encouragement. My plan was to strip the bike down and get the frame and swing arm powder coated, this would give me a clean sheet to start with or so I thought. So dismantling begins in earnest

 

Think I am making progress, time will tell

 

Shock horror, the carbs have been vandalised BIG TIME. All the internals are missing and hardly worth trying to fix, use ebay and see what I find.
The frame has seen better days and my decision to have it powder coated is vindicated, I think

 

Finally, the day has arrived for me to deliver the frame to be powder coated. Whilst the frame is being done , I can start perusing other parts of the bike that need attention.

 

What do I need now, just about everything well not really but I think the credit is about to take a hit.
Engine needs a barrel , carbs
wheels need attention, new tyres
Fuel tank required as original is like Swiss cheese
And so the list goes on.
Findapart and ebay and ebay UK will provide all parts, Thank god for the internet

 

Time has moved on, 2 years have gone by and I'm starting to re assemble the bike. Parts have been sourced from Australia, N.Z, UK and Asia. Engine is good now, wheels fixed and re assembly commences . This bike will go one day

 

Well the bike has come a long way, taken alot of time and money. Have I done it correctly, no but I have learnt so much and I would do it differently if I were to do it again. These photo's show the bike assembled but with an undercoat only. Painting will be done in the next few months and I will post pictures once finshed.
Thanks for looking  Phil

 

Hey Chris, good to hear from you. I bought a set of carbs from the UK, still have whats left of the old ones, you are most welcome to have a look if there is anything you may needs, Chris has them at his place.  Cheers  Phil

 

Hi All, had an interesting Easter week end not eating Chocolate but playing with motorcycles and the Suzuki GT250 X7 came off the stand and got some attention. Put some fuel in the tank, made some minor adjustment to the carbs and Presto, a going concern.
Paint shouldn't be too far away and she will be ready to roll, can't wait.
                                                              Phil

 

Hey Nathan
Welcome to the Forum, Thanks for the info. As they say, every bit helps.
Talk soon
                                                              Phil

 

Hey Bob
What can I say, once again you have surpassed yourself and the X7, looks fantastic.
Imagine my surprise this morning when I checked the forum, you and Chris got me a beauty, am very greatfull.
Think red was the correct choice. Even my wife was in on it, I seem to be the only one who didn't know what was happening. Again Bob, many thanks for your good work.
                                                              Cheers  Phil

 

You never know Bob, that would be fun.
Am feeling better, just got to get some strength back, shouldn't be too long.
                                                Phil