New KZ750E owner in Bend, Oregon (with pics :-)

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!

 

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.

 

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.

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

Welcome, and congrats on the new bike - looks very nice. 

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.




 

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.

Welcome.
Great looking 750E.

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

 

Welcome to the fun!  You have a great looking machine to begin with.  I look forward to what you do with it. 

There is also a vin list here at KZR

www.kzrider.com/filebase?task=download.s...id=1178&catid=64&m=0

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.