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New member shopping for a KZ400/KZ650b1
- VaporC60
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I'm a new rider, who enjoys the style and sound of classic bikes over their modern counterparts.
I'm taking a drive to take a look at a KZ400 which is priced at $800 and I'm curious what I should be on the lookout for. I've already taken a look at the technical tips offered here: kz400.com/TechnicaltipsFrameset.html , but I can always use more information. As most online seller typically claim, "everything works great"… we'll see.
About myself, I'm a 31, live in Connecticut, and I've been putting off my first motorcycle purchase for far too long enough. I'm fairly comfortable a wrench, but time is not on my side to have a continuing project. I'd like to get a solid runner, and fix up other bits along the way.
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- ThatGPzGuy
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The good: Fun to ride around town, nimble, good on gas, quiet. somewhat rare.
The bad: carbs can be a pain, parts are hit and miss. Try finding a new front brake caliper rebuild kit, slow, not for the freeway.
Others may disagree.
All that said. I love mine but I am keeping it as a low mileage survivor, restoration candidate.
Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"
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- 650ed
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The KZ400 is a totally different animal than the KZ650. What is your intended use of the bike? Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- VaporC60
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I do not plan on chopping it up for a cafe racer project. Just a cool little bike to put some miles on, keep long term. I found beauty of a 650b1 for sale, but keeping my first bike purchase cheap is my main goal.
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- 650ed
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Since it's your first bike I suggest you take a seasoned motorcycle rider with you to look at the bike. Anyone you know who has been riding for a number of years will be more than happy to do this; after all they get to ride a different bike and that's fun. Let him/her take it for a good test ride and report any issues or concerns. That's the only way to see if the brakes, engine, tranny, etc. are working well. A bike can look good and idle well but still have brake problems, engine problems, etc. A test ride will usually show any serious problems. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- SWest
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- 10 22 2014
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Steve
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- riturbo
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Gpz 750 turbo The one I ride
Gpz 750 turbo Not finished
Gpz 750 turbo Not started
Gpz 550 1981
Gpz 550 1983
Bunch of other junk
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- craig900
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1976 kz900a4 Pittsburgh,PA.
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- pete greek1
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Pete
1980 LTD 1000..,1976 LTD 900, have the 1000&900 now. the rest are previous= 1978 KZ 650 B.., 1980 Yamaha XT 500..,1978 Yamaha DT 400.., 1977 Yamaha yz 80..,Honda trail ct 70.., Honda QA 50...5-1/2 hp brigs & straton CAT chopper mini bike...3-1/2 hp mini bike (WHEN GAS WAS ABOUT 45 CENTS A GALLON)!!!!
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- ThatGPzGuy
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swest wrote: I'd get the 650 if it is in better shape. It will last you longer because of the power and repairing it would be money better spent. Yes bring a seasoned rider with you.
Steve
Good advice. The 650 is a great bike and a little more practical than the KZ400.
Or get the 400, and ride it while you clean it up and trade up when you are ready.
Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"
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- VaporC60
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riturbo wrote: Maybe spend a little more cash and look at this one in R.I,, Looks nice www.kzrider.com/forum/23-for-sale/599337...sale-in-rhode-island
I saw that CL listing, and it is a beautiful bike. Unfortunately, it's more than I'm comfortable spending. Also, having a light bike is pretty important to me. I'm 5"11/160 and I want to feel confident maneuvering this thing.
I ended up pulling the trigger on the KZ400. The price was right, seller seemed like a stand-up guy and my buddy approved of the purchase. He only rides dirt bikes, but better than nothing.
So, consider me officially part of the club. Hello everyone.
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- ThatGPzGuy
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Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"
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