Noob lookin' for advice

Hey guys! I'm in the market for an old project bike, and I've always had a soft spot for Kawasaki. So, after much deliberation, I've decided I want an old KZ from my own era (late 70's). I'm keeping an eye out for any '76 -'80 KZ 650-1000 cc that I can fix up. Just curious though if there are any known gremlins for this age and displacement range that I should be aware of while I'm on the hunt.

Thanks a bunch!

Good bikes, in general...except that you'll be buying a motorcycle that is 35-40 years old. The number of things that can be wrong with a machine that old can be substantial. If you decide to restore, then it can be pricey...however, there are still a fair number of old Kawasaki out there...but you might be buying a pig-in-a-poke if you purchase long distance. Welcome to KZR...

I have a '77 'A' model KZ1000 rolling chassis. Great for someone that cld round up a motor and electrical. I've been keeping it for someone looking for a good start on a project. PM me if U wld like a detailed list and more info. I was planning to have pics for posting by the weekend.

Swordsman wrote: Hey guys! I'm in the market for an old project bike, and I've always had a soft spot for Kawasaki. So, after much deliberation, I've decided I want an old KZ from my own era (late 70's). I'm keeping an eye out for any '76 -'80 KZ 650-1000 cc that I can fix up. Just curious though if there are any known gremlins for this age and displacement range that I should be aware of while I'm on the hunt.

Thanks a bunch!

Welcome to the Family. There are lots of options from that era. Hard to go wrong with a KZ650 but don't overlook the Gpz550 or Kz550. The displacement may be a tad smaller but you won't lose much if anything performance-wise.

Mcdriod, thanks! Not really big on long-distance purchasing, so should be safe there. I've run across a half dozen or so possibilities in the surrounding area, so I was curious if there were any models In that range I should shy away from. This will likely be a slow process to purchase and then a sloooower process of rebuilding whatever needs rebuilding. I'm not opposed to tearing it down if need be. I'm just looking for something simple (as opposed to modern "OMG-you-need-a-laptop-to-service" bikes), and I figured something close to my own age would bolster a healthy sentimental attachment.

~ SM

what is your riding style and preference? Sport, touring, metro, hotrod etc.?

Hmm, well, it would likely be a mix of commuting and mild touring. I like sporty looks, but I don't really ride that way. I prefer a more forward sitting position than upright, but not lying on the tank, and I prefer mid-controls. I'm 6', so I kinda like good flat seats that allow me to find a natural fit.

At some point, I might even consider attaching a sidecar if the displacement allows, but that all depends. I sold my Ural about a year ago for a host of minor reasons that added up, but I did really dig driving a rig.

Sounds like you are looking for a "standard" (ie. KZ750E) or "sport tourer" (ie. KZ750P aka GT750). If you are thinking about a side car you'd probably like to get a 1ltr+ shaftie like the KZ1000ST aka KZ1000E.

I was thinking a KZP. Some of the builds here make me want to do one.
Steve

ThatGPzGuy wrote: Welcome to the Family. There are lots of options from that era. Hard to go wrong with a KZ650 but don't overlook the Gpz550 or Kz550. The displacement may be a tad smaller but you won't lose much if anything performance-wise.

I've gotta say, this guy knows what he is saying the kz/gpz 550 is a deceptively fast and torquey machince, I'm 6' 250lbs and had one, i was impressed, faster that a honda cb750.

Agreed. Kawasaki could very-well have meant for the 'Z' in GPZ to stand for 'Zoom!'. They are quick at that (any cc)...and can handle weight and loads and have torque to spare..

floivanus wrote:

ThatGPzGuy wrote: Welcome to the Family. There are lots of options from that era. Hard to go wrong with a KZ650 but don't overlook the Gpz550 or Kz550. The displacement may be a tad smaller but you won't lose much if anything performance-wise.

I've gotta say, this guy knows what he is saying the kz/gpz 550 is a deceptively fast and torquey machince, I'm 6' 250lbs and had one, i was impressed, faster that a honda cb750.