KZR's Bikes of the Month for 2024

What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

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04 Aug 2023 13:10 #887947 by 1981KZ550
What should I ask for my 81 KZ550? was created by 1981KZ550
I'm selling my 1981 KZ550, it has very low miles, like less than 2K, but does not run well. Probably needs tank sealed and carbs cleaned and synced.  When its running, its a sweet ride with lots of pep, but I'm tired of pulling the carbs off every year and cleaning them and dealing with idling issues. The seat is a little rough, tires are pretty much new, and overall looks good (except for inside the fuel tank).

Any suggestions as to what would be a reasonable asking price?  Thanks!

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04 Aug 2023 15:13 #887949 by Nessism

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05 Aug 2023 06:57 #887969 by martin_csr
Replied by martin_csr on topic What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?
Non-runner w no pics. maybe $500.
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05 Aug 2023 12:19 #887979 by 1981KZ550
Replied by 1981KZ550 on topic What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?
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05 Aug 2023 12:20 #887980 by 1981KZ550
Replied by 1981KZ550 on topic What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?
Blacksburg, Virginia....I added some photos to the post.

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27 Aug 2023 13:46 #888749 by 1981KZ550
Replied by 1981KZ550 on topic What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?
So its running, actually idles decent, but a little hesitant when giving it some throttle.

I added pictures and location, maybe someone has some more thoughts on a reasonable asking price. Thanks!

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27 Aug 2023 18:30 #888765 by Nerdy
Replied by Nerdy on topic What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?
The low mileage is great, but I wish there weren't so much black spray paint.

Does the bike have a clean title in your name and in your state? That can make a real difference.

1979 KZ400 Gifted to a couple of nephews
1967 Yamaha YCS1 Bonanza
1980 KZ440B
1981 Yamaha XT250H
1981 KZ440 LTD project bike
1981 GPz550
2013 Yamaha FZ6R

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27 Aug 2023 19:08 #888767 by ckahleer
Replied by ckahleer on topic What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?
I'm seeing it as a beater bike. Maybe something for a new rider to learn on, and not having to worry about dropping it a few times. $700.00.
I fix up older needy bikes. But yours looks a little too needy to get it running right and looking nice. For someone like me, somewhere between free and $200.

94 KE100
81 CM200t
82 KZ305
85 VF1100c

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28 Aug 2023 06:41 #888783 by martin_csr
Replied by martin_csr on topic What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?
I would list it for $1995 then see what kind of offers you get. It's a vintage motorcycle that runs, so you might be able to get someone to pay $1000 or more. you never know sometimes.

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28 Aug 2023 12:23 #888795 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?
With all due respect, that's one of the roughest 1,400 mile bikes I've laid eyes on.  It must have spent several decades parked outside in the weather...or someone changed the speedo, and it has a LOT more mileage than first thought.  

I think you will be fortunate to get $700 for it.  I'm the sort of guy that loves to find low mileage original bikes for restoration projects, but this one has too many red flags; rattle can paint, crappy seat cover job, etc.  It looks like a decent project bike for someone, but it will need a LOT of money to get into decent condition.
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  • hardrockminer
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28 Aug 2023 19:58 - 28 Aug 2023 20:02 #888807 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?
My wife rode one for a couple of years.  We bought it for $1,000 in about the same shape as yours and re-did everything.  Paint, seat, chain, sprockets, tires, brakes,  exhaust, etc etc.  Sold it a coupld of years later for $2,000.  I never liked those TK carbs.  The choke flaps have a tendency to come loose and get drawn into the engine.  I really liked the 6 speed tranny and how quiet the bike was on the highway.  Great gas mileage and lots of power at 58 hp.

I agree with Nessism that the bike has seen many more miles than the speedo shows.  It may need engine work.  Hard to say without actually seeing the bike.  Maybe $1,000 if you find someone interested in a winter project.

This what the bike looked like after we were finished.   Keep in mind that it was a girlie bike.



 

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
Last edit: 28 Aug 2023 20:02 by hardrockminer.
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