Just bought a 1980 KZ440

I purchased this bike for my wife to learn to ride on. I paid $1150 for it. I may have overpaid but it is in very good shape, runs good, and only has 6500 miles on it. I attached some pictures. Let me know what you think. Also if there are any tips or common problems with these bikes that would be great also. Thanks, Scott.

sweet!

Nice buy mate. I'm sure it'll do the job nicely.
As for first steps, I'd highly recommend buying a factory service manual, not a Clymer or Haynes, and doing the routine maintenance: change out the fluids, oil and lube everything, all that stuff. That way you're starting off knowing that it has been taken care of, not just taking someones word for it.

Nice reminds me of my old KZ 400 i had

but i will say you got balls for takin pictures in the middle of street (nice job)

have fun with it and ride safe

Those pictures are from the previous owner. They were the only ones I had.
So far the only issue I have is the previous owner removed the stock air box and replaced it with pod filters. I believe it's causing it to run lean. There is a little bit of bluing on the pipes and it has throttle response issues. It runs good but stumbles a little before accelerating. I found someone selling a stock system and I should receive it in the mail in a few days. Hopefully it fits and improves the throttle response.

good luck with air filter . and thats a good looking bike. and they are good bikes they keep going & going :woohoo:

Hello, Scott, and WELCOME to KZr!

Returning to the oem airbox is a wise decision.

If not already done, would consider new tires.
Old tires, even those with plenty of tread, should be replaced.

Good Fortune!

Oh yeah I have to replace the tires. They are dry cracked.

Would also consider renewing the brake fluid by continuously bleeding the caliper, while keeping the reservoir topped off, until fresh fluid emerges from the bleeder.

Be careful not to squeeze the brake too hard, and cause fluid to spurt out the reservoir.

And quickly clean any spilled brake fluid from bike parts. Common household rubbing alcohol works well for cleaning off brake fluid. I use a hand-held sprayer nozzle fitted to a store-bought plastic bottle of alcohol.

Good Fortune!

Can anyone tell me how I can know what model bike/engine I have? The title says its a 440D but everything I've looked up says the D is belt drive and mine is chain drive. Also on the side cover it says kick starter but there is no kick starter on the bike. What's up with that? Lastly what does the LTD stand for or mean?

Pictures of the engine cover in question.

You can find your factory service manual here (compliments of the KZ400 Forum):

www.kz400.com/Workshop%20manual%20bilder...Service%20Manual.pdf