Four years ago, when I was still holding down a day job, a work colleague handed me this kit, Tamiya's 41-year-old Kawasaki GPZ400R.
He said he kept looking at it, but knew full well he'd never build it. I replied that the chances of me building it were remote at best, but I took it home as loft insulation all the same.
Well, here she is, all built up and shiny.
Earlier this year, the same gentleman asked if I would attend his upcoming wedding in July, Of course, came the reply. Then I remembered the kit!
With a goal in sight, I buckled down (pardon the pun) and got to work. Over the course of a few months, I had her beaten.
What can I say? Tamiya kits never disappoint. The fit was spot on, and the painting stage was a pure joy. The only downside was the decals. Decades of sitting in a box without climate control destroyed any hope of doing a box-stock build, so I chose to go without and I'm happy I did.
I cut and sprayed the lettering for the base myself.
Sean will walk down the aisle on July 4th and marry Tina. The number plate tells the story ;-)
The bike has now gone full circle and is back with Sean. He and Tina have an early wedding present. Sean was impressed? Tina, not so much! lol.
There endeth the story.
Cheers,
Biker Bob
