Hello from Minnesota, USA

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to drop in and say hello as I will probably become an active member as I seek information, advice, and opinions about my 83 kz750 ltd. Over time, maybe I'll become that person that'll be giving the advice.

I just bought an 83 kz750 ltd off of craigslist for $1500. The odometer on the bike say 7700 miles and it has Minnesota collector plates. I've only riden the bike for a total of 5 miles before putting it away for the fast approaching winter just yesterday.

While I was putting it away, I noticed smoke coming from the engine body. It looks like the smoke rises from no lower than the head gasket and I've found seepage from the front side. The engine is spotless so I can see the oil pretty well. When I get bored over the winter, I'll get in there and check the torque on all of the head bolts.

One thing I'm concerned about now is that the engine is literally spotless in areas you wouldn't have easy access to. So, I'm thinking the engine has had a recent rebuild despite being told that it had been riden up until I bought it.

Despite these aforementioned problems, the bike appears to be clean. The seat is original and has no cracks. The wheels are completly corrosion free. And all of the instruments function perfectly including the low fuel indicator.

I'll be getting a picture up here soon.

I'll see you around...

welcome looking forward to your pic's

my bike has selective seapage from the left side of the head was just bragging to a buddy it quit
leaking after i switched to Lucas Motorcycle oil (oil type shouldnt mater) and after a 300 mile ride
pushing her pretty hard it showed some seapage again.

I'll get around to fixing it one day

Welcome aboard. It helps if you add your bike’s year and model to your signature line. There were 3 different 1983 KZ750-LTD models. There is a 4 cylinder model with a drive shaft rather than a chain – that is the KZ750-F1 LTD; there is a 4 cylinder model with a drive chain – that is the KZ750-H4 LTD; and there is the 2 cylinder model that uses a drive belt instead of a chain – that is the KZ750-K1. Which do you have?

Regarding the oil leak; before trying to fix it by re-torqueing the head bolts I would first identify exactly where the leak is coming from. You may find it is just a cam plug or cam cover gasket that is the source of the leak. The head gaskets on these bikes normally don’t leak unless someone has been in there fiddling with things, and with only 7700 miles that is very unlikely. Also, it could just be old thinned out oil sneaking past something, and changing the oil and filter may fix it.

If you are putting the bike away for the winter be sure to drain the carbs and make sure the petcock is not allowing fuel to leak down into the carbs. You may want to disconnect the fuel line and plug it to ensure no leaks to the carbs.

I would seriously doubt the engine was rebuilt with that little bit of mileage. That’s barely enough miles to break in a KZ engine let alone needing a rebuild. These engines are very robust and 100,000 miles is not unheard of before a rebuild. The owner probably just kept the engine squeaky clean as many of us do.

One other thing I'll add - before trying to unscrew any of the cross-head screws that look like Phillips screws do a search on the site (or ask) on JIS screws. Using Phillips screwdrivers bits on a KZ will wreck the screws, but there is a very simple and cheap solution.
Ed

I've updated my signature to show I have the shaft model.

The leak I was talking about seems to originate at the head gasket right in the center of the exhaust manifold. It was bad enough to where 2-3 drops of oil made it to my garage floor.

I did drain float bowl and put a little bit of 5w30 in each cylinder and rotated the back tire while in 4th-5th gear. I'll have to check to make sure the petcock.

I've never heard of JIS screws. I'll have to get the right drivers.

Thanks for the tips!

Does the LTD have the cable driven, or electric tachometer. The cable driven tachs are notorious for leaking and connect right in the area you're describing.

Welcome from another Minnesotan! Good luck with your bike. Lots of excellent people and information around here.

Cory

Here are some pics of my bike finally.

Getting those pics took a long time :laugh: , but it was worth the wait. You bike looks great! Ed

Yeah, sorry to say it took me nearly 10 months to actually ride the thing. I enrolled in the school again and haven't had a moment to myself. School sucks even more when you're in your 30's and you have a family and a full time job as well.

Great Looking Bike. Always loved this model AND especially with the aftermarket handlebars that are on yours. Bet it is easier on the wrists with those bars than the stock ones. Enjoy the Ride! AND, wishing you success on your continuing education.

83KZ750LTD:

That's a great looking bike. It appears to be in pristine condition.

I've noticed a few differences compared to mine:
1. No front turn signals
2. No grab rail at the rear seat
3. Your paint color looks to be much darker/blacker than mine - mine has a lot of bright purple in it during the daytime
4. And as Forrest mentioned you have much more comfortable bars

Have fun and enjoy the bike.

upncummr wrote: 83KZ750LTD:

That's a great looking bike. It appears to be in pristine condition.

I've noticed a few differences compared to mine:
1. No front turn signals
2. No grab rail at the rear seat
3. Your paint color looks to be much darker/blacker than mine - mine has a lot of bright purple in it during the daytime
4. And as Forrest mentioned you have much more comfortable bars

Have fun and enjoy the bike.

Handlebars are rather an inexpensive item. Replace your stockers and keep this bike. You will love it then! OR sell it to me at your cost!