1983 KZ750

Well since I have decided I am going to attempt to restore it rather than part it out, I am making this thread.

First off, I purchased the bike for $100. Has 22k miles, does not run. I didn't check compression or see if it turned over when I bought it. For $100, I wasn't overly concerned. So from what I gather, it is an L model. The exhaust pipes say KZ750R.

It is in rough shape, missing front fended, air box, carb boots, battery, needs a lot of work.

Someone left the carburetors uncovered unfortunately. I removed the spark plugs, blew out with a compressor and soaked the cylinders in oil before turning the motor over by hand. It hit what felt like a slight snag, but after that it turned very easily.

The day I checked to see if it would turn, I put a battery in. Lights came on, but would not turn over from the start button. I checked the main fuse, and when I turned the key again, nothing happened. Not sure if I did something or not, but the battery could have been dead.

My plans for this is to restore it. No bobbing, chopping or cafeing

I would like for anyone to post some pictures of their seat. I am wanting to reupholster the seat, but not quite sure what pattern I want to do yet.

Glad to hear you are saving her. Looks like you live in a dry climate. So it doesn't look too bad. When it wouldn't turn over from the start button, did you try jumping the solenoid instead? Mine had some debris preventing my starting button from making contact a completing the circuit. I also used a portable car jumper to help the battery along. Look forward to see it come back to life. Good luck.

No, I didn't attempt it. I may find out more tomorrow or the day after. Im not sure how to go about jumping from a solenoid though

And ya, I live in Arizona. The plate on the bike is New Mexico. (They have the ugliest plates ever)

This site has a pdf 750 factory manual. kz.bike-night.com* .

mbsween KZ750L3 Page

ravenz07 wrote: No, I didn't attempt it. I may find out more tomorrow or the day after. Im not sure how to go about jumping from a solenoid though

Sorry, let me clarify what I meant. The portable car jumper or a charger is hooked up to the battery in the normal way. I did not mean that you would use the jumper at the solenoid. The jumper is solely to assist your weak battery. That way the battery is not a factor on how the bike runs once it is started. To start using the starter, turn on ignition and make sure the kill switch is in the run position (I'm pointing out the obvious but more as a check list). The use an appropriate size screw driver to make contact between the two large posts on the solenoid and it should crank. See the diagram below:

Ahhh I see now. Hopefully the solenoid isn't bad. The battery could have been that dead, but I never heard it click. I might be able to check it out today.

I have realized that since this bike is in such rough shape, it is that much more necessary to restore. I mean, what is the point in taking a clean bike to restore? Well there is a point, but where is the challenge?

Martin, I have that same picture as my desktop background. That is pretty much my plan of how I would like mine to look.

Z1Enterprises.com or Z1Parts.net could help you out with different seat covers. I think they sell foam too if you want to redo it all. KZJOE900's idea is the way to go, but if it doesn't work, then there may just be corrosion on the terminals in your switches, not letting it make contact. You might have to open up your controls and lightly sand off the terminals to make contact if it won't turn over from the solenoid.
Have fun with the build, I look forward to seeing how it comes out.

I do a bit of upholstery, so I have foam and materials. I am more just wanting to see what other people have done with their seat that looks good so I know what I want to do to mine when I redo it.

Ill give it ago. I have no doubt that there is corrosion. It is been sitting for awhile from what I gather

ravenz07 wrote: I do a bit of upholstery, so I have foam and materials. I am more just wanting to see what other people have done with their seat that looks good so I know what I want to do to mine when I redo it.

Ill give it ago. I have no doubt that there is corrosion. It is been sitting for awhile from what I gather

If you are so inclined, replacement reproduction seat covers are still available...makes the refurb a snap.

Not a bad looking bike! It will cleanup nice and be a sweet ride once you have it restored. I double checked the part numbers for the airbox I have against the one you need, and they don't match. Feel free to double check me, but it looks like the 83 L, uses a different box than my 82 E model.

Awwww I definitely need that. I have no intentions of using pods! Anyone know what the difference might be? Maybe it is just a different color