Waving hello. KZ750E tossed. Should I take it?

With the help of a few strong friends, I've rescued a 1981 Kawasaki KZ750E from a metal scrapper. I'm debating the wisdom of doing that but...I believe a spark of life still burns in the bike. It sat outside for a couple years so it looks a bit haggard. Anything that had rust potential did, the wiring seems to have become very brittle in a few spots, needs battery, mirrors, a couple of turn signals, key for the ignition, etc. The gas tank was dry and clean, maybe a few specs of rust, filter very clean. After adding a little gas, a paperclip "key" and a shop battery boost, the bike actually started and ran somewhat fitfully on two of the four cylinders. It doesn't appear to have any grinding or knocking in the engine. Seems to be a decent spark to all four plugs. Cyls 1-2 don't seem to be getting much gas if any at all. Maybe floats are stuck or jets gummed up. Cyl 3 seems to get too much gas, actually backflowed from carb throat. Cyl 4 seems okay. Maybe take the carbs off and and carefully clean them might help. The tires aren't bad, front forks don't seem to have any leaks and there were no oil leaks on the engine that I could see. It did have oil in it. Chain looks oddly new. There's more pluses than there are minuses and I'm inclined to give it a shot. Should I keep it and go for it? I think I can get the title for it.

Yes.

If possible, yes.
Or at least you saved it for parts. Old Jap Donor bikes die with far more honor than friggin' scrap yard....

If you have the time, dedication and the love for these bikes, then you definitely should go for it. Be aware, you will have to plow some money into it. Tires may look good, but I can almost guarantee they are not (unless they look great and are less than 4 yrs old). Carburetor rebuild kit will be required. The forks may not be leaking. But possibly because all the oil that can leak out has already leaked out (new for seals and oil may be needed). After you inspect the rest of the bike, you will most likely find the brakes need reconditioning (M/C and caliper rebuild, pads), chain will need replacement (if rusted already it will likely wear and stretch fast no matter how much lube you put on it). If you are not too worried about cosmetics, you can do everything real cheaply. You can worry about looks once you find out what fun bikes these KZ's are.

Thanks for all the responses. I guess that makes it unanimous. Here's a pic of the bike. Years ago I had a Kawasaki 500. This bike sort of reminds me of that one.

KZJOE900,

I have a buddy who said pretty much the same thing. The initial list of parts doesn't seem to be all that expensive and I can redo the wiring. I haven't had a bike in years, but I feel left out every time somebody passes me on the road riding one.

Thats actually in good shape Great Score!

My kz650 sat for 29 years in a barn and took about $1500 to get back on the road.

Medina wrote: Old Jap Donor bikes die with far more honor than friggin' scrap yard....

This one is going to have a few more years. The more I look and wipe and clean, the better the possibilities look. With a little luck, I'll find out how the motor really runs this weekend and go from there.

DesmoBro wrote: Thats actually in good shape Great Score!

I haven't had time to work on it much, so a little here a little there. I temporarily fixed a couple of wiring issues, needs to be rewired up front. But, I fired it up today and some of the cleaner we dumped in the gas must have helped because all four cylinders are firing now. This thing runs! I can't take it out on the road yet so it got parking lot trials but it has some serious scoot!

awesome i knew it looked almost ready when i saw that picture

Nice score. I had to pay $300 for a bike I that kind of condition. You could easily get it running right for that.
Good luck keep us posted