How much to invest?

We all bought a KZ and most of us fixem up to make them "ours."

Honestly, when I see them on eBay for sale... and I see a price of $5,000 or more... I look quickly and pass them by. The reason is that I don't think the bike is worth it, mentally. It may have $10,000 in the bike, but I just don't think I would pay that for a KZ. Maybe because I like to build them myself??

So, now I have a few project to finish... and I keep thinking, what "should" I limit myself to on a bike for a total cost?? What is a reasonable price should I ever want to sell the bike?? Looking at it this way... I don't think I would ever finish a project.

I thought I would ask you. What is your opinion on "investing" in a KZ build? Is there a market for a nice KZ build here in the State or somewhere else in the world, where I could get $10,000 (assuming it is nice and I have $10-12,000 invested?

If you're looking for a return, stick with Z1 and H2 restos, etc.

If you want most of your money back, stop before you hit $4k.

Otherwise, spend as much as you can justify, just plan to keep it or lose it.

jmo

spend whatever you can afford
should it return your money?
has anything you like to fuck with ever done that?

I'll make you a deal: you give me your LTD and Vetter bikes and I'll give you $10,000 for them so you can invest in a few more KZ builds.

I dont think there is a 10,000.00 market for a KZ build. Like you said people just pass them by and not everyone likes your taste in things. I think the Kz is an exression market 2-3000 bucks is all of it. unless its a low number low mile vintage complete bike.

some people will spend big money on chasing the dreams of their child hood but they quickly put it in the corner and start riding their ultra classic or their modern sport bikes.

just my opinion but the KZ is a gearheads bike most of us remember them as badass then get ours running and forgot how bad they ride compared to the new stuff. Then we start our build

as you can see on here hundreds of builds over months and years with more unfinished than finished.

As for me I dont believe there is any money to be made on KZ builds it has to be something inside you that says I love this bike and want to make it an expression of me look at the purist they love there bike just as it was 30 years ago when they rode it home

The guy with 10,000 to spend on a performance bike will choose a newer faster bike same guy wanting an investment will buy 2 Z1's and put them in his basement

sorry dont want to offend anyone just my .02

I understand... I have been loosing money at this since 1979. just looking for the justification to dump $8k into a build, like, "well, there is always an export to Japan which will yield $10K."

and so far the $4,000 limits was shared, and funny, I use that same limit when looking to buy bikes.

for me its like a model that always changes
but always runs on the street at the end of the day
its fun that pays back

supercharged wrote: I understand... I have been loosing money at this since 1979. just looking for the justification to dump $8k into a build, like, "well, there is always an export to Japan which will yield $10K."

and so far the $4,000 limits was shared, and funny, I use that same limit when looking to buy bikes.

LOL mine was a grand when I started lol

If its a kz your looking to for an investment... save your money, unless its a pristene z1 complete unmolested trailer queen forget about it.

newer bikes look like plastic shit sooooo.... do u really wanna put on a power ranger suit and go riding around like a moto GP wannabe ??? or do u want to be stopped everywhere, (and i do mean everywhere) and ask about or be complimented on, etc.etc.etc. ur badass old school bike ??? Gas Stations, Bars,Grocery Stores, u name it , and if ur counting what it costs then ur not doin it for love, ur doing it for money and u know what thats called ???? :woohoo: :woohoo:

I agree with pretty much everyone. I intend to put about 10,000 into a bike over the next three or four years, but that'll be my bike that I built, no intention to sell.

I seriously think, build it for 10,000, but some uber cool parts on it, Marchesini wheels, ohlins suspension, brembo brakes, some one of a kind titanium and carbon fiber parts. Then list it for $30,000 plus, like a Sanctuary bike. You might sell it then, to the rich people. You have to make it exclusive and put a big price tag on it to sell a custom in my opinion. Look at the Ecosse Moto bikes. Super expensive harleys that are actually pretty cool. Make it expensive and exclusive and they will come.

I use the it's saving me money justification

I have been known to spend rediculous amounts of money in bars and on the gambling boat.
needless to say for the last 7 or 8 months I have devoted all of my pent up vices to my KZ
if I do the math I have saved 14000.00 so far!

I could spend another 12000.00 on my bike and give it away and will have had more fun than my old life ever produced!