TOPIC:

Hey guys!

So I picked up a 1976 KZ400 for my girlfriend and it was in great cosmetic condition. The paint is original and it looked like the bike has never seen rain before. The lady I bought it from was looking for $700, and after a quick inspection, the bike wouldn't shift into 5th gear. It would click like it was in 5th but acted as if it was in neutral. I explained the the woman that this is a very labor intensive job and not the easiest to do (I've already done a few KZ rebuilds) and I talked her down to $375.

Now I'm not going to replace the transmission just yet, it's for my girlfriend who is learning, and gears 1-4 are perfectly fine for around the neighborhood. So what I really want to know is there anything that could be wrong that's either an easy fix or would mess the bike up more? I understand how these transmissions work having replaced them before but maybe I'm over looking something and I just want to cover my bases.

Thanks guys/gals!

I assume you tried to shift while riding the bike. These don't want to go into gear, unless the engine is running and the wheels are turning. Bob

I had it on the center stand and spun the back wheel while attempting to shift. Maybe it just wasn't lining up right, I'll try it again when I get home.

The bike hasn't ran in two years, the carbs, as I'm finding out now, are insanely hard to find parts for. I got some parts in last night, and I hope to have the carbs on it tomorrow.

I would not be concerned about it yet. Ride the bike and see if it shifts through all the gears. If it does you're good to go. After all, most folks don't often have reason to shift into 5th gear while spinning the rear tire with the bike on the centerstand. Ed

650ed, this was during my purchasing inspection in which I did this. Wanted to make sure it shifted through the gears.

easy fix, as above, try it onthe road running. Then try moving the gear lever a few degrees on the splines. Sometimes accident damage can bend the shift mechanism.

Hard fix, worn selector forks, broken teeth or dogs.

Allthough the z400 are rare now, they are cheap as chips and transmission problems in these aren't a common fault. This is a 400 twin not a z400j four right?

You could even change the sprockets to give you a longer 4th gear as a bodge.

Either way, it will be a blast for your girlfreind as a first bike if she has yet to be corrupted by the more powerful offerings.

Hey guys!

I got it out on the road today, Carbs still need some adjustment (riding a little rough). The transmission was solid for riding, it is quite a longer shifting stroke between the gears than I'm use to. I did notice that if I didn't do full shifts I found a few false neutrals but I'll just make sure it's adjusted right for her to ride where it's easy to get into the proper gear!

Here's a pic of the bike!

Nice score! Bike looks almost new.

If you happen to be driving buy Ive got another kz400 parts motor,free to good home.
I saved it from the scrap guy

The bikes pretty complete and I don't think i'd have much use for a pats bike but if I was closer to Omaha I would take you up on that.