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New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)
- stinkfinger
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25 Oct 2021 08:28 - 25 Oct 2021 13:07 #857029
by stinkfinger
1981 KZ750E, 2005 GasGas EC300, 2023 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-) was created by stinkfinger
Greetings,
As a dirt/dualsport rider, I just acquired my first street bike... a (free!) 1981 KZ750E in barely running condition (idles, but dies as throttle is opened). There are a few other issues needing to be addressed with the bike, as it was last registered in 2007, but overall in pretty good shape from what I can tell so far anyway.
Current plans are to get it running (obviously), adjust the valves, service the suspension, polish it up and decide where to go from there. When I'd heard about this bike's availability, the first thing that popped into my mind was to use it as the basis of a cafe build, but now that I look at it I'm thinking it's a pretty cool bike in it's own rite. So maybe some kind of resto-mod enhancements aimed at preserving its style but modernizing the performance (especially handling) a bit? Definitely need to get some seat time before getting too excited...
Anyway... browsing this forum looks like some good people, and I look forward to learning and contributing where I'm able. Cheers!
As a dirt/dualsport rider, I just acquired my first street bike... a (free!) 1981 KZ750E in barely running condition (idles, but dies as throttle is opened). There are a few other issues needing to be addressed with the bike, as it was last registered in 2007, but overall in pretty good shape from what I can tell so far anyway.
Current plans are to get it running (obviously), adjust the valves, service the suspension, polish it up and decide where to go from there. When I'd heard about this bike's availability, the first thing that popped into my mind was to use it as the basis of a cafe build, but now that I look at it I'm thinking it's a pretty cool bike in it's own rite. So maybe some kind of resto-mod enhancements aimed at preserving its style but modernizing the performance (especially handling) a bit? Definitely need to get some seat time before getting too excited...
Anyway... browsing this forum looks like some good people, and I look forward to learning and contributing where I'm able. Cheers!
1981 KZ750E, 2005 GasGas EC300, 2023 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
Last edit: 25 Oct 2021 13:07 by stinkfinger.
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- JR
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25 Oct 2021 09:13 - 25 Oct 2021 09:15 #857033
by JR
1980 kz750E1, Delkevic exhaust
Replied by JR on topic New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)
Welcome to the site stinkfinger
Bike looks great. All there. Looks like original exhaust (hard to find). Original turn signals, original paint airbox etc. Minor wear and tear - seat? and a bit of corrosion which will clean right up. I think your plan is right on. Get er going, make er stop - brakes - and for sure do the suspension and upgrade those original rear shocks. They are good bike.
If you need a manual you can download a pdf here. Just go to the articles tab above, click service manuals and select the gpz750 one.
Bike looks great. All there. Looks like original exhaust (hard to find). Original turn signals, original paint airbox etc. Minor wear and tear - seat? and a bit of corrosion which will clean right up. I think your plan is right on. Get er going, make er stop - brakes - and for sure do the suspension and upgrade those original rear shocks. They are good bike.
If you need a manual you can download a pdf here. Just go to the articles tab above, click service manuals and select the gpz750 one.
1980 kz750E1, Delkevic exhaust
Last edit: 25 Oct 2021 09:15 by JR.
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25 Oct 2021 10:08 #857036
by stinkfinger
1981 KZ750E, 2005 GasGas EC300, 2023 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
Replied by stinkfinger on topic New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)
Thanks JR.
When you say upgrade the rear shocks, are you suggesting replacement of the factory units or upgrading internals? I'd like to avoid throwing good money after bad, if the originals are not worth messing with.
The suspension feels pretty soft front and rear, so my initial plan was new bushings, seals, and oil at a minimum and see what the options are for upgraded valving and springs. This plan is admittedly naïve, based on what's worked well for me for off-road bikes so any suggestions for better KZ-specific options is welcome.
When you say upgrade the rear shocks, are you suggesting replacement of the factory units or upgrading internals? I'd like to avoid throwing good money after bad, if the originals are not worth messing with.
The suspension feels pretty soft front and rear, so my initial plan was new bushings, seals, and oil at a minimum and see what the options are for upgraded valving and springs. This plan is admittedly naïve, based on what's worked well for me for off-road bikes so any suggestions for better KZ-specific options is welcome.
1981 KZ750E, 2005 GasGas EC300, 2023 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
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- scubaanders
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25 Oct 2021 12:37 #857038
by scubaanders
Gpz750R1 1982
Gpz750A1 1983
Gpz1100A2 1984
FZ750 1985
Gpz900R -91
Replied by scubaanders on topic New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)
Congrats!
That's a wonderful all original find!
Best tip ever is to find the FSM and getting it to run flawlessly before making any mods, or one easily ends up with expensive parts and a bike that still doesn't run ok.
/A
That's a wonderful all original find!
Best tip ever is to find the FSM and getting it to run flawlessly before making any mods, or one easily ends up with expensive parts and a bike that still doesn't run ok.
/A
Gpz750R1 1982
Gpz750A1 1983
Gpz1100A2 1984
FZ750 1985
Gpz900R -91
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- ghostdive
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25 Oct 2021 12:54 #857039
by ghostdive
1982 KZ750 Spectre - 6 speed swap, BS34s, 18" rear wheel
2001 ZX-6R
Replied by ghostdive on topic New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)
Welcome, and congrats on the new bike - looks very nice.
1982 KZ750 Spectre - 6 speed swap, BS34s, 18" rear wheel
2001 ZX-6R
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- JR
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25 Oct 2021 14:02 #857042
by JR
1980 kz750E1, Delkevic exhaust
Replied by JR on topic New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)
stinkfinger
Regarding rear shocks. 40 year old shocks not serviceable. At least mine werent so I would chuck them as I did mine 10 years ago. Look for something with similar eye to eye measurement. I bought a pair of no name brand which Z1Enterprises had on special at the time.
Regarding rear shocks. 40 year old shocks not serviceable. At least mine werent so I would chuck them as I did mine 10 years ago. Look for something with similar eye to eye measurement. I bought a pair of no name brand which Z1Enterprises had on special at the time.
1980 kz750E1, Delkevic exhaust
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25 Oct 2021 14:17 #857045
by azman857
I don't have a plan and I'm sticken' to it! '77 KZ 650 / 750 GPz custom project in progress
Replied by azman857 on topic New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)
What I suggest is doing a valve adjustment, thorough carb clean and sync and then let the suspension rebuild. Ditch the original worn out shocks and fit some IKon's or other decent shocks. Rebuild the front forks and replace the original saggy springs and seals. Maybe let Race Tech do their thing to them or let them make the springs to your weight instead of standard springs that may be too light or heavy.
You know, red bikes are faster. Change all the fluids. Enjoy the wrenching and the riding. Keep us in the loop on your bike rebuild. Pics. We love pics.
You know, red bikes are faster. Change all the fluids. Enjoy the wrenching and the riding. Keep us in the loop on your bike rebuild. Pics. We love pics.
I don't have a plan and I'm sticken' to it! '77 KZ 650 / 750 GPz custom project in progress
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25 Oct 2021 14:21 #857046
by rstnick
Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
Replied by rstnick on topic New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)
Welcome.
Great looking 750E.
Great looking 750E.
Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
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- Mikaw
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25 Oct 2021 14:47 - 25 Oct 2021 14:52 #857049
by Mikaw
1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
Replied by Mikaw on topic New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)
Welcome from Michigan. You might want to check the vin at Zedder.com. Go to bike info and scroll down till you find the 750 listings. It might be an 80. The hand controls changed in ‘81
This past spring I pick up a 1980 and was planning to flip it. It’s grown on me and it will stay.
working on cleaning up the front end
This past spring I pick up a 1980 and was planning to flip it. It’s grown on me and it will stay.
working on cleaning up the front end
1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
Last edit: 25 Oct 2021 14:52 by Mikaw.
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- Denco where did you go?
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25 Oct 2021 15:14 #857053
by gd4now
1977 KZ650 B1
Pods and Denco header
OLD KAW OWNERS SMILE ALOT
Replied by gd4now on topic New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)
Welcome to the fun! You have a great looking machine to begin with. I look forward to what you do with it.
1977 KZ650 B1
Pods and Denco header
OLD KAW OWNERS SMILE ALOT
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- TexasKZ
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26 Oct 2021 05:45 #857068
by TexasKZ
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
Replied by TexasKZ on topic New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)
There is also a vin list here at KZR
www.kzrider.com/filebase?task=download.s...id=1178&catid=64&m=0
www.kzrider.com/filebase?task=download.s...id=1178&catid=64&m=0
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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- stinkfinger
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26 Oct 2021 08:19 #857071
by stinkfinger
1981 KZ750E, 2005 GasGas EC300, 2023 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
Replied by stinkfinger on topic New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)
Nice bike Mikaw, I'll keep an eye out for your posts for inspiration. What do you use to blast parts? I have a cabinet with aluminum oxide, but from other threads it seems like soda is preferred.
1981 KZ750E, 2005 GasGas EC300, 2023 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
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