Sizing up to a KZ650

I just sold my nimble little '78 KZ400 so I could buy something with a little more umph.
This KZ650 (see link below) seems like it will do the job but I just thought I'd ask for other opinions about the price and condition.
I know I won't be able to throw the 650 around the city and back roads the way I did the 400 but there are just too many places I have to be this summer that require four or five hour jaunts on the expressway.

halifax.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorc...50-W0QQAdIdZ11984876

Thanks

Post edited by: 48Crash, at: 2007/06/05 20:31

That price seems way too high. Is that USD or Canadian money?

The price is in CDN$... although it's only a nickel more for a US$ now. He had it listed for $2800 two months ago but I think its still too high also. What would be a fair offering price?

oops

Post edited by: 48Crash, at: 2007/06/05 20:55

I wonder why it needed an engine overhaul? What is the mileage on the bike ? Have you seen it in person?
As a reference point, I paid $1600 (cdn here in Ont.), 13,000 km needing only a paint job, a front tire, and a little routine maintenance. Hope this helps.

sorry!
way to much for a 650
i only paid $100 for my 77 1000
deals are out there, just got to wait for them.

Just over 30k on the odometer. I saw it briefly back in April when it was still winterized. The owner said a carb problem caused the piston/ring damage and I think he said he replaced only that one bad piston and rings.

Keep looking. Why would he do all the work of tsking the motor apart to fix a problem and then only replace rings on one cylinder. Seems like he was trying to save a few bucks. Makes you wonder what other corners he cut trying to save money. If the bike has been for sale for at least 2 months then you can be certain of a few things 1) it is over priced. 2) might have issues that other buyers have noticed and walked away. 3)Guy is a jerk. One of these 3 will be true. If a bike is a good deal it would not last on the open market for 2 months. Most bikes do not even make it 2 weeks before they are sold if the price is fair.

I bought my running 1977 KZ650B1 in Saskatchewan about 4-5 years ago for $900.00 to give you a bit of a reference point, and some thought that this was a little high. Funny thing about an old runner though is that it's........ still old. I soon noticed that I needed to or should replace numerous parts. Things like cables, tires, wheel bearings, carb rebuild kits, brake pads/shoes and many many more parts were bought, to upgrade the bike. I have replaced,lubed,adjusted so much on the bike now that I TRUST it to get me there and back. The point is to buy a cheap running (hopefully)650. Odds are 75/25 that you'll be replacing/upgrading a pile of parts anyway so go in with a low initial cost. I later bought a non runner that I saw rusting in a guys yard, as a parts bike for $100.00

Here's a pic of the old war pony, Sportster shocks and all.

img.photobucket.com/albums/v167/luvmykaw/mykaw6502.jpg

Post edited by: old650, at: 2007/06/05 22:35

Hey Gang - In Canada the prices for old bikes are probably 25% higher than in the U.S. There are simply less old bikes to choose from and the old economic balance of supply and demand take over.

That is not to say that there aren't good deals if you are patient and know what to look for. Dave's bike (dkmk) is in fantastic shape but his type of find is rare and so was the price he got it for.

However, I would think that judging from the pics and description, it would be hard to convince me to part with anything north of $1000 for that ride.

Cheers-Colin Firth-Ontario Canada

Post edited by: reborn650, at: 2007/06/05 23:03

Yea, it's a little high. Mint condition to me means "mint". Maybe that bike could be called "really nice" ect, but not mint, that's for darn sure. A $1000 bike, and that's only if you don't mind having the wrong paint, wrong mirrors and wrong???? Probably many a wrong hiding. My experience is if a seller claims mint and it's not, he is really not to be trusted. Move on on these type of guys.

del