Newbie--my first bike

I picked up my first motorcycle last night--a 1979 kz400

I'm sure I paid too much for it (and its got mid 20s on the odometer) but thats the price of living in a big city without a car to go look at far away bikes (I was also looking at smaller honda CBs but the prices of running, clean bikes within a suitable distance was in a similar range).


Rode it home and everything seemed smooth (although my only other experience was in the MSF course). It might be running a bit lean as there was some popping when letting off on the throttle but maybe some of that is just to be expected out a 30 year old carburated engine (since the bike is a good 6-8 years older than I am...I don't have any prior experience with carbs).

I got a couple of service manuals with it (and the regular turn signals/mirrors/rear fender) but I am sure I will be spending time hanging around here.

Congrats! That's a sharp looking 400!

You mentioned the MSF course, that means you've taken it, correct? If not, I highly recommend it for a new rider.

Where are you located?

Looks good mate! Congrats and welcome.

mtbspeedfreak wrote: Congrats! That's a sharp looking 400!

You mentioned the MSF course, that means you've taken it, correct? If not, I highly recommend it for a new rider.

Where are you located?

Yup, I'm located in chicago and took the free MSF class through the state.

Very nice bike! welcome to the mad house. Roy

Another good website is: www.armbell.com/forum/index.php?c=6&sid=...1025726&mforum=kz400

Thats a nice clean 400, I like that a whole bunch. Welcome in, and definitley check out the KZ Twin owners site its a great resource.

www.armbell.com/forum/index.php?c=6&...726&mforum=kz400

Welcome! I have a '77 KZ400 and I love it. Much like you, it was my first bike and it broke down the first week I had it. I didn't know a carb from an engine at the time, but thanks to this site and a lot of bull headed determination I have completely restored and cafe'd it. Another sight you will find very helpful is kz400.com It's an entire site dedicated to our make of motorcycle. It has pdf copies of the repair manual and other helpful information.

If you ever have any questions or concerns about your bike feel free to hit me up. I've seen about everything go wrong that can go wrong and would be glad to help.

wow..looking like a good start..

Wow, that little 400 is clean. All she needs is a seat cover. Seems like a good choice for a first bike to me. Kudos for taking the MSF course. It will serve you well. Welcome to KZR!

Hey Ottothecow - very nice looking bike! I took the MSF course as well, it is a great course. I enjoyed it so much I have been thinking about taking the next riders course (advanced). Here in Iowa, we have to pay for those classes, but I think it is only like $75-$100.

I am in the Quad-Cities (IL/IA). Used to live in Chicago myself. Just north of Wrigley on Irving Park and Sheridan. It was a blast.

gwolever wrote: I am in the Quad-Cities (IL/IA). Used to live in Chicago myself. Just north of Wrigley on Irving Park and Sheridan. It was a blast.

My first ride would have taken me right by your old place then--I brought it home via Sheridan from glencoe all the way down to just past Irving Park.

Thanks for the compliments everybody. I know the bike looks clean but don't get jealous just yet--with 26k on the clock and an engine that feels like it is running lean (died at a stop today but seemed fine after I gave it just a tiny bit of choke), I can't be too optimistic about it.