Kz550A1 vs 1984 kz750 (Canadian version)

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum but not to bikes and I'd really appreciate some feedback.

I've previously owned a 1977 Kz1000
and will soon be buying a new bike.
I'm pretty small guy at 5'8"/150 lbs.

I've been offered a 1980 Kz550 for $2000 (CDN).
It needs some work. (tach cable, left turn signal, chain is rusty, tank dented but
not leaking, brake adjustments) but the engine was rebuilt last year
and the ignition was upgraded I'm guessing to electronic.

I've also got a shot at a 1984 Kz750 with 38,000 original Kms
all stock in very nice condition with new rubber and brakes for $1300 (CDN).

My question is... 'for the few extra horsepower that the 750 offers
what would be a better bike for me considering the 550 is lighter.'

I like the fact that the 550 is lighter and will be cheaper to insure.

Thanks in advance!

I take it the '84 KZ750 is the "K2" twin? The horsepower is roughly the same between the 2 bikes, but the KZ750 weighs somewhere around 60 - 70 pounds more, but is not too heavy at around 500 lbs. You owned a KZ1000 so the KZ750 weight will not be an issue. Regarding insurance costs, I cannot believe insurance on the KZ750 would be $1000 greater than that of the KZ550, so I wouldn't even consider insurance cost as an issue. I say $1000 because the KZ550 is going to cost more than $1000 above the cost of the KZ750; maybe MUCH more! I say this because you state the chain is rusty, brakes aren't "adjusted", etc. This tells me the owner didn't give a crap about maintenance which means you will no doubt find lots of costly surprises with this bike (not to mention how would you know if the rebuild was done well or was just a half-hearted effort to get the engine running). Also, $2000 is way too much for a KZ550 that needs work. The KZ750 sounds like it's been well maintained and has low mileage, so even though I'm a 4-cylinder kind of guy, if my choice was limited to those 2 bikes the KZ750 would win without a doubt. Ed

Thanks very much for the post Ed!

The 550's motor was apparently done by a reputable shop recently
and good money was spent. The bike sat under a tarp on a back porch over the winter
hence the rusty chain. The other issues are due to a fall at 25kms/hr on streetcar tracks.
I could deal with the maintenance issues no problem, not too worried.

The previous owner paid $680/year to insure, mine would be about the same
as it's an old bike and I'm 40yrs myself. I agree the insurance would only be an extra
$150/ yr on the 750.

The kz740 is a four cylinder model with the Ediie Lawson Green stock color scheme and stripes.
I'm not sure of how much power it makes, I've read 55hp but I find that hard to believe (must be more)
seeing as the 550 makes 50-52.(Lower on Dyno supposedly)


I wonder if the 750 is a better all round bike and if there is lots of motor life on a 38,000km
engine.

Thanks!

If it's a 4 cylinder 750 there's no decision to be made. Buy it, not the KZ550. The 1984 4 cylinder 750 is most likely a ZX750-A2 also known as the GPz750. It's a better bike than the KZ550. See if the one for sale has single shock in rear. Ed

www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Kawasaki_ZX750A

Of course it could even be a ZX750-R (92 HP!)

www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/kawasaki...aki_gpz750r%2083.htm

Ed,
Thanks so much for taking the time to give me more info
regarding these bikes.

I've attached a picture of the 750 here.
I know for sure it's a Kz750
(55hp? not so sure yet,really doesn't matter to me that much, I love the styling)

I really like the idea of not having to do tons of work
to the 750, it's all stock and in great shape!
Looks like it's been kept in a garage by its owner and not on a cold porch under a tarp.

(It reminds me of my Dad's zxr-1200)

What do you make of it?

Thanks again!!

Looks like an L4 in Eddie Lawson colors.

That's a GREAT looking bike for that price!!!!!!!!!! I think Jamz is correct about it being an L4:

www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/File:1984-kawasaki-kz750-l4.jpg