How much to invest?

Redline just sold a '77 KZ that was pretty much a stock build for $14,900. He also has another listed for $11,900. Both of them very nice builds. My brother (badkz77) for those familiar with that build has almost $20 large in his and still talks about selling it if the price was right. I stopped real close to $9,000 on my bike and know I probably couldn't get much more than $6k in a good market so I agree with Jeff, I've never made money on anything that I like to fuck with. :huh:

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

:blink: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Good point about Redline... I think they grab the newbee back into the KZs. I was wanting one of there bikes a few years ago, then thought... why not do it and have fun.

Still interesting how they get that money for basic bikes..

I think it all depends upon who you are and what you like.

When I go out riding with my buddies (riding R6s and the like) I get far more compliments than they would ever imagine- they just don't get it. They didn't grow up when these bikes ruled the streets and track and have no appreciation for what they are and what they stand for. I still get major flack from them since they've found out how much I dropped for my Lester's and smoothbores.

People will roll down their windows at red lights and yell "nice bike dude! I used to ride one back in the day!" or they'll follow me into the grocery store just to strike up a conversation about my bike. I love the look of these Zs and KZs, therefore I want to make as many improvements as possible without detracting from its recognizable looks. No mono-shocks or USD forks for me - heck, I don't know if I'm ever going to ditch my rear drum brake!

Unlike most fair-weather riders who like to tell their buddies that they're living a motorcycle lifestyle, motorcycles ARE my life. I work so I can afford to but motorcycles and parts. I'm willing to drop a chunk of change on something that I view as special and unique related to these bikes. Yeah I can go out and buy a S1000RR or 1199S, but so can anyone else (you can probably get financing even if you can't really afford it), I like being different. Sheer performance wise, a new crotch rocket, even a 600, will usually beat a bored and ported KZ with $20k of Ohlins and Brembo slapped on it. I don't care, I don't race.

I'd rather buy a basketcase or a cheap running bike and turn it in to MY bike. If I spend $8k for MY bike, great, if I spend 4$k even better, that's two grand towards my next project. I don't build bikes with the intention of selling them.

Just my $0.02.

I don't dare keep track of the $$ I spend on my bike. My bike is stock, and it may come as a surprise to some folks, but keeping a stock bike in excellent condition is not inexpensive. Over the years I have built quite an inventory of NOS parts; some of which I may never use. I do keep track of the date I install parts and my bike's mileage, but never the cost. I just figure it might take some of the fun out of it. I consider it an investment that pays dividends in the enjoyment of riding a 35 year old bike that looks like it's fairly new. And I must admit, it is kinda cool to have folks compliment the bike. Ed

mtbspeedfreak wrote: I think it all depends upon who you are and what you like.

When I go out riding with my buddies (riding R6s and the like) I get far more compliments than they would ever imagine- they just don't get it. They didn't grow up when these bikes ruled the streets and track and have no appreciation for what they are and what they stand for. I still get major flack from them since they've found out how much I dropped for my Lester's and smoothbores.

People will roll down their windows at red lights and yell "nice bike dude! I used to ride one back in the day!" or they'll follow me into the grocery store just to strike up a conversation about my bike. I love the look of these Zs and KZs, therefore I want to make as many improvements as possible without detracting from its recognizable looks. No mono-shocks or USD forks for me - heck, I don't know if I'm ever going to ditch my rear drum brake!

Unlike most fair-weather riders who like to tell their buddies that they're living a motorcycle lifestyle, motorcycles ARE my life. I work so I can afford to but motorcycles and parts. I'm willing to drop a chunk of change on something that I view as special and unique related to these bikes. Yeah I can go out and buy a S1000RR or 1199S, but so can anyone else (you can probably get financing even if you can't really afford it), I like being different. Sheer performance wise, a new crotch rocket, even a 600, will usually beat a bored and ported KZ with $20k of Ohlins and Brembo slapped on it. I don't care, I don't race.

I'd rather buy a basketcase or a cheap running bike and turn it in to MY bike. If I spend $8k for MY bike, great, if I spend 4$k even better, that's two grand towards my next project. I don't build bikes with the intention of selling them.

Just my $0.02.

X2 Bikes are a very big part of my life, I dont get to ride as much as I would like anymore but, bikes are still a part of my everyday life I make custom drag parts for all the nerwer bikes thats why I have an old kaw they have much more soul than the newer bikes. I can tell you that I have built several old kaws over the years and I have never thought about the money I spent doing so, You just cant get that bad ass sound out of the new bikes nothing sounds like an old kaw

Keep it as close to stock as posible for the largest payback when you want to sell it. Modified KZ's were great in the 80's but those days are long gone.

I keep a mental tally on what I have in a bike but it's usually tied to the bigger purchases which isn't even close to an accurate total. I really don't care about the total as much as I probably should but I don't spend If I don't have it. I build to suit me. Like rslingshot said, "Nothing sounds like an old Kaw."

Les Holt

If you are looking at likely resale value, then Z1, H2, Z1R-TC, ELR, Z1R, Mk II - that's the order for typical worth - the Z1 can top $20k for a very nice example - the first year H2 and Z1R-TC are very close behind. Z1A/B models and later H2's follow. A nice ELR is going to fetch well over $10k. The Z1R and Mk II bikes are still typically under $10k, but can fetch good money. Other than the shaft bikes, the LTD models are the least desirable - the overseas collectors don't have any interest in them.

Maybe someday they will attain the ultra-collectible status we think they deserve but until then I'm gonna wrench, ride, and spend money on it as I see fit just for the sheer pleasure of it.

So, how much to invest? Invest until it's no fun anymore. Then pass it on to the next guy...

And to think I paid $250.00 FOR MY Z1 back in the early 80's. Although not pristine it is still a Z1. :evil: I probably spent 3 grand getting it road worthy after a 13 year hiatus. Of course it is still not done, it will never be done because when you finish one thing it is on to the next, even if it is many miles later. :ohmy: :ohmy:

Well... it seems like nothing has changed, just build the bike "You" want and don't think of the dollars invested, then life will be good.

Be assured - most vehicles are not Investments that will grow in value, that is understood.

I have lots of these bikes, and I love the customs personally, since the stock bikes are very expensive to keep up. Something leaks or breaks... you better have OE parts on it and do it right. I have considered selling my stock bike, but that is probably the only one which will maintain its value.

BTW, this also dawned on me when talking to a car buff who is 70years old and is still building very expensive custom "bucket" cars ($1Mill in one car!!)... like the 1932 Ford buckets. It was clearer when I was the third party looking in.... The age group that likes those cars have more disposable income, but they are also older and dieing off... so who will want those cars in the future? I personally would prefer a muscle car for a hot rod.

With our bikes, as our generation gets older... we will stop riding much earlier then the car guys may stop driving, therefore our bikes will go out of fashion sooner...

Again, this doesn't matter for me, or most here, as we do it for love... love of our past, love of the KZ, love of the thrill, love of the accomplishment... and for some... so we don't go out and pay for love