Possible KZ acquisition..and a hello!

Good afternoon all! There is a high likelihood that I'll be acquiring a KZ in the next little bit. Long story short, I have a coworker who is tired of looking at his non-running 83 KZ750-H4 and he has basically offered to GIVE it to me (only caveat is that if I decide to sell it, he gets first shot at purchase)!!!

I'm not 100% sure of it's condition, as I haven't seen pics of it yet, but from what he tells me the pistons are rusted into the cylinders, but he has a new set of cylinders/pistons that will come with the bike (SWEET!) Aside from that I'm sure it needs the regular workover of a bike that has sat for 5 or 10 years- carbs cleaned, electrical gone through, new seals, etc...

So, being a member of other MC forums- currently a Honda Shadow Spirit 750 rider, I'm quite familiar with the SEARCH button, but I come to you folks seeking info- I have dug and dug all over looking for info on this particular model of KZ, however I'm not finding a stinking thing...is there anyone on here with some links or other good info that I can get concerning this particular model? I've done some pretty heavy modding to my current bike, but never have I delved into the internals of a motor before, and would like to know prior to obtaining this bike if I'm getting in over my head...so any info concerning rebuild would be AMAZING!

Looking forward to peppering yall with some questions if/when this hits my garage!

I've attached a few pics of my current ride just 'cause I like to show it off all work done by me!

Current bike looks GOOD! I like it.

On the 750, there are a couple things I can suggest. You can start out at Kawasaki.com and look under the info section and look at the parts diagrams. This will give you an idea of what things look like. Secondly, and more importantly would be to pick up a service manual. You can find one on ebay, or possibly here. Its a small investment and well worth it and you can always resell it later if you don't need it.

Any specific questions on rebuilding?

+1 on the current bike. I like that look A LOT!

The 750's are great bikes (I'm not biased at all I swear :silly: ). I say get the kz too and enjoy that as well. Definitely get a manual as boostable suggested, it will help out a lot on the rebuild.

Welcome to the club

Thanks for the welcome and the kind words about my ride! It took a while to get together, but I'm happy with the final product

Shop manual will be here once I've confirmed that this is going to happen (still working out specifics with the current owner, but we're getting closer!)

I guess if I had one question, are there any tools that are 100% necessary for a rebuild? I've got your basic stuff (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, drill, etc...) but since I've never gotten into a motor, I don't have any "specific-use" tools...

Awesome bike!

I just got my 82 KZ750 on the road. They are great bikes!

pyrplhaze wrote: I guess if I had one question, are there any tools that are 100% necessary for a rebuild? I've got your basic stuff (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, drill, etc...) but since I've never gotten into a motor, I don't have any "specific-use" tools...

Well, that could get into a long list of specialty tools and some you may be able to borrow or "work around" if you know what I mean. Some basic things you will need for any type engine build would be torque wrench, feeler gauges, micrometer, ring compressor, allen wrenches, and every other tool you have mentioned and then some. Your best bet is to review the manual and see what is suggested and go from there. Good luck on the bike..

Hello and good luck with the new bike. the spirit looks great, my last bike which was about 7yrs ago was a spirit and was on the spiritworld alot and meet alot of cool people, hoping to do the same on here.

Ahhh yes...good ol' TSW...TONS of good info on there if you can tough out the "hazing" from the regulars


UPDATE ON THE KZ:

Talked with the current owner yesterday. Looks like he's wanting me to pick it up before Christmas! Now all I gotta do is find another person that can help me get it loaded in my pickup, and I'll be well on my way to another project!

Looking forward to learning from you folks. Seems like there's a whole boatload of experience on this forum. That's a totally good thing.

If you can find an origional Kawasaki service manual for the bike that would be best.
The Clymer and Haynes type amnuals are also equally good to have as a suppliment to the origionals.
In the first chapter of your clymer/haynes manuals are a section on tools required and techniques that will be very helpful!

Good luck.