kz400, good first bike?

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum, and will be new to the whole motorcyle scene as soon as I buy my first bike.

I was hoping to hear some opinions on whether the kz400 would be a good first bike to own/ride/work on.

If I do start to hunt for a kz400, what chronic mechanical problems should I look out for? I've read about the oil leak issue with early models. Was that a common problem, and was it fixable?

All input and opinions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

have you driven ANY bikes before? like say a dirt bike?
I started out on a 100cc 2 stroke street and trail then went up to a kz650. if you have no bike experience, I would think a 400 or 440 would be a good start:) not sure about the oil leak problem?...

Welcome to the fan club! I bought a '79 kz750 as a first bike about a month ago, and have been completely happy. Sure, a lot of things to tinker with, but that is part of the love. For example - I spent today, since it was raining, rebuilding the carbs. Previously, I have done lights, oil and filter change, general cleaning / sprucing up.

I am not sure about the 400 vs. other kawas. The 750 twin seems to be a solid machine so far.

An old bike will need work - just the way it is. If you like that sort of thing, it will be a match made in heaven.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the responses.

Another question, how available are parts for the kz400?

Any certain websites I should be aware of?

Thanks again.

yeah check out Z1Enterprises Jeff will get you what you needB)

schvizen wrote:

...Another question, how available are parts for the kz400?...

You 've had some great responses already, I just want to add that the 400 is *definately* a great strting bike.

However, depending on the model, like the oldest ones ('74, '75), some parts might be getting a little rare, but can usually be found on eBay or other trading places.

But REMEMBER THIS: If you are buying an older bike to learn on - ANY brand - you are also going to be learning how to work on them, not just ride them. Almost all mechanics will not work on bikes older than 10 years. If you just want to plop money down and ride, you either have to 1.) be REALLY lucky and find an old bike in perfect condition that never needs repairs, or 2.) go to a dealership and buy a 250 learner model.

For me, this was fine since I *wanted* to learn how to work on bikes, too. And the 400 is one of the easiest to maintain...

400's are real good beginner bikes. i would recommend a later version like 78' or newer. if your lucky you can find a six speed, electric start one for pretty cheap. i'd say in the 3/400 dollar range. if your new to biking make sure the bike has a title. depending where you live it can sometimes be a real pain to get a non titled bike registered. even though the owner says he will give you a bill of sale and all that.
oh yea the old ones, prior to 77' i think leaked oil from the head gasket, not a terrible problem just messy

Post edited by: flht1997, at: 2006/10/01 09:53

schvizen wrote:

Thanks for the responses.

Another question, how available are parts for the kz400?

Any certain websites I should be aware of?

Thanks again.

Welcome to the forum schvizen. Check out Ivar's site:
www.kz400.com/

I got an '82 440 LTD this summer as my first bike, and have had no regrets about it. I paid $500 for mine with 20K miles and two almost new tires. I've put about 2K miles on it this summer, and all I've had to do was buy a new battery. As far as parts go, I think its easier to get parts for the bigger bikes. The stuff for the smaller ones is out there, you just have to look a little harder.

Thanks for all the good suggestions and opinions.

Just a having a great website like this one makes the possibility of owning a kz that much more attractive. Hopefully I can find one in my price range!!!!

schvizen,

I've found my Kz400 to be a great first bike. I just got it back on the road today after a starter clutch problem.

I've done most of the work on it myself, and the factory manual is very well written. The work itself hasn't been too hard, either.

Between this site and Ivers, we should be able to get you up and running.

Thanks,

George

depending on where you are located someone here might know where to get one reasonably priced