new kz750

So this morning I get a call from work at 5 am telling me they were cancelling my shift. My immediate thought was "great, I get to sleep in". Couldn't fall back asleep. My wi-fi enabled PDA is right next to the bed, so I figure I might as well look around on ebay to see if I can find any parts I might "need" for my kz650. There she is, right in the first box on the first page, a 1976 kz750, and I know I want her, need her. Fortunately I have $700 under my mattress I was saving for just such an occassion. I thought I was saving up for a ZRX, but at 5 am those plans don't make any sense. Especially when I can get this right now, no waiting at all. So I put in my bid, $600 and tried to think of how to tell my wife. Fortunately, on the way to church, she told me she wants a new pair of boots. So I casually told her I put in a bid on a new bike. So I get home and immediately have to check my auction, and there she is, my new 750. I know she's a twin, never had one. She only has 15k on her, and the pictures sure make her look pretty. Hopefully I made a good buy, guess we'll see when I pick her up.
My 650 is the oldest bike I've ever ridden, and this one is 2 yrs older than that. Does anybody have any advice for what I need to look out for on this old twin? I appreciate any help I can get.
Also, I will post pictures as soon as I get her home.

i had to try and explain how i "accidentally" won my 750 twin on ebay to my lady a few weeks ago. i do not think she believed me
76' will have the old charging system, which is fine if it still works.
also the starter clutch is very weak on the big twins and should be inspected ASAP.

genesis wrote:

...Does anybody have any advice for what I need to look out for on this old twin? I appreciate any help I can get...

Cool story! Welcome to the world of twins...

There is one thing I will tell you to look for before you anything else... take apart your starter clutch and inspect it for broken bolts and damage.

....the coil is probably failing, too... replace that while you're at it...

Post edited by: Biquetoast, at: 2007/11/11 17:45

I guess I am going to have to buy a twin so I can keep up with the Joneses..

z1rick wrote:

I guess I am going to have to buy a twin so I can keep up with the Joneses..

It's good to see another 750 twin owner, we need something to talk about besides 650's and 1000's

I do have one little question. are these bikes peppy? How will it compare with my 650? I don't expect the smooth ride, but I rode a Sportster once and it did a lot with the 70 HP it has. These are only 55 HP, but is it a good 55?

genesis wrote:

I do have one little question. are these bikes peppy? How will it compare with my 650? I don't expect the smooth ride, but I rode a Sportster once and it did a lot with the 70 HP it has. These are only 55 HP, but is it a good 55?

I've never ridden a 650, but if I had to guess, I'd say they are *not* as "peppy" as the 650. Probably not as peppy aa *any* inline four. The twin is not all about that. If you're looking for performance, you're looking in the wrong place. If you're looking for style and simplicity, you found it.

well, since i own both also, i do have an opinion, and you can see in my sig line i do like twins.
its hard to compare, it is apples and oranges, you do not have to shift as much on the twin, stop light to stop light the 650 will win, 1/4 mile the 650 will win, so why own a 750B? cause its a twin! and people in the know, ride big twins
650's are great bikes and all inline 4's for that matter, but twins are just a different kind of fun. you will really enjoy your B.

That's great news. I know it's not going to be as performance oriented as my 650. So it's obviously not what I'm looking for. I just don't want to be on a high about my new bike, and be severely disappointed when I pick it up. More or less I wanted something to ride a few hours on, that can keep up with traffic in the highway, and maybe a little bit of twisties.
I like interesting vintage bikes. I took a step down performance wise from a CBR 600 to a kz650. Best vehicle decision I have ever made. I just hope I enjoy this bike just as much. I got it as more of a cruiser to ride with my wife. She doesn't really like my 650, but eventually I'd like to get her a 400 or 440 to relearn on.
I love these KZ bikes. The only other bike I've even considered lately are the early 70's cb750, and they're a little pricey for the package.

genesis wrote:

.....that can keep up with traffic in the highway...

Then you'll also need to make sure the front sprocket has been swapped from the stock 16 tooth to a 17 tooth. Mandatory.