Rebuild this 76 (FINALLY)

Hi everyone. I was a new member in 05 (I think), but I finally have more incentive to get the stock KZ900 running, besides the beautiful bikes on this Web site.

Since we commute to work, I told the wife we should buy two scooters (150cc to 250cc). She asked what they cost. I told her one(150cc) might be $2500, then we save another $1200 in fuel, leaving the F150 in the driveway.

She asked what $3700 would do to the stock 76 Kz900 sitting in the garage for 15 years.

I said it "might" rebuild the WHOLE bike. Is that true? I need to buy fuel lines, but if it will not start and I have to rebuild it, would a $3700 investment, be enough? Its pretty much stock. I drained the varnish from the floats bowls and tank, the week I hauled it home, in 93. It has 90k on the odometer. I bought it for $500. She said she would gladly ride on the back of the KZ900, if I got it running and licensed.

Any opinions?

THANKS AHEAD OF TIME.

BUY HER FLOWERS!!! You´ve got a keeper there.

Well, my first opinion is you have a keeper for a wife, that's for sure,,
If the bike looks as good as it does in that picture, it would be well worth a rebuild. And, if you are going to keep it stock and not do a lot of engine work as for as hopping it up it should be a lot less the 3700 buckazoids, in my opinion.

Thanks guys. After seeing the great "finished" bikes on this site, it would be great to commute to work and not be another GXSR or Cruiser.

She is a keeper. When I rent Harley's with friends, she always wants a ride around town, sometime, during the 24-72 hour rental. Sacramento Summer evenings are a great time to go riding.

I think $3700 might clean up the 32 year old bike pretty well. I would not mind rebuilding it to look like an LTD. Although I am partial to Drag Bars.

Croatia 07

If you can do a lot of the easy work yourself, $3700 can go a long way. I would start with a basic motor and carb. rebuild. Then I would go from front to back and replace the wheel bearings, fork seals, tire, rebuild the caliper, brake lines, triple clamp bearings. Of course cleaning and polishing along the way. (Freebie just elbow grease). Then go to the back and do the swingarm bearings, rear caliper, chain and sprockets, tire. Again clean and polish. By the time your done with all that the motor should be done and ready to go back in. If your just doing the top end on the motor you should have plenty left over for the other stuff. It should take up all of the $3700 but you will love it when done. (For this year :laugh: )

I'll go out on a limb and suggest that $700 will get you well past a running bike and into the territory of a really nice bike that runs to boot. Your biggest initial expense will be tires, chain and sprockets. Clean the carbs and do some other maintenance such as make sure the valve clearances are good and you'll be commuting in style.

Welcome aboard!

Dang...I'm going to print these last two Replies and use them as a Time-Line.

Thanks for all the great tips.

In 73, I built up a 68 VW to 1850cc (Dual carbs), then in 77, a 69 El Camino and had a blast. I am really looking forward to starting on this project. I will send progress photos. At least there are allot of parts still out there.

I really like the look of this bike. I am leaning in this direction. (gee, that would mean an alarm also...LOL!)