78 KZ 750 Twin

My son and I are considering a KZ750 Twin we found on Craigslist. It is a project bike that "can be started with starter fluid" and can't run through all five gears. It does not have a title at the moment. Picture looks fair. He is asking $400.00. I think we can get him to $300.00. Are we nuts? What can you tell be about this model? What should we look for that would be deal breakers?

We are interested in a project to learn to do some wrenching. We are amateurs. Whatever we buy could become a community problem on this forum. Thanks for your help.

depending on the state you are in not having a title can be a major hassle. not to mention it could be stolen. I generally take a pass on bikes without titles just because i don't want to deal with the DMV/state patrol in Washington plus you have to wait 3 years before you can officially register it. if you are considering buying it even without the title get the vin and have the state patrol look it up to see if its stolen before buying. or if its nice enough to swap parts from, buy a titled frame and swap everything over.

Unless it's immaculate $400 seems high for a no title non running 750 twin, I have picked up titled 750's for $150 (two years ago) when they are non runners

I can clearly get it for $300.00 but the lack of title makes me nervous. I'll look it over close before we move on this. My son is married to the idea. Tough to argue with an 18 year old. Any additional details on dealbreakers would be helpful.

How readily available are titled frames?

Titled frames are available if you wait and see and go from $100-$300 plus shipping, out of state title issues etc.

So by the time you get it together $600-$800 before tires, brakes etc

BEFORE you buy it check with your MVA to see what the procedure and costs are to tile a non-titled bike. It could be a major hassle and expense or it could be simple, but you really need to know before you spend any $$$ on the bike. If they require a search on the VIN do that before paying for the bike, otherwise you are stuck if the VIN turns out to be a problem.

Even your 18 year old should see the value in finding out what's involved before paying. If it turns out to be an easy inexpensive process he will be thrilled. Ed

And BTW, I just bought a COMPLETE no title 78 Honda GL1000 for $50 like I said no title, $100-$200 at most

And BTW, I just bought a COMPLETE no title 78 Honda GL1000 for $50 like I said no title, $100-$200 at most

I appreciate all of the input. We are going to approach this more cautiously. I have spoken to to Wisconsin DMV and understand that process. We'll search the VIN and find the Federal Certificate label before considering a purchase.

We are out. No deal. Thanks for all the help. In addition to your feedback it sounds like parts are hard to come by. My son made the call and it was the right one. We are now in the market for something more workable for him to start a project on.

I've had and rode Honda CB 350 twin, Yamaha XS 650 and both are a blast to ride and parts are easily had and not that expensive. You can also build them to almost style you want to. Granted, the 350 is no Highway bike but on country roads, its hard to beat.
Maintenance isn't that hard to learn. Get a manual for whatever you acquire. It will be the best $20-30 you spend.