Tell me about the KZ750 twins!

One thing I know for sure is that the early ones (pre 1980) use a valve shim that is totally unique to that engine. If your valves need shimming you WILL be at the mercy of your local Kaw dealer....unless there's an independent shop in your area with experience in the twins.
I'm not sure if the later engines use a different shim or not, although it wouldn't make sense for the factory to change shim size in mid production.....
On the up-side, there ARE only 4 valves to shim....

Post edited by: H2RICK, at: 2008/01/14 14:55

76-83 KZ750 twins all use the same size shims, Z1 Enterprises had the shims listed on their site the last time I looked (not a big selection though, maybe I should sell them a few )

They are good bikes but not for what you are intending. I feel that you would be happier with a 650 for cafe'ing up.

I have a free 750 twin in a partial frame to give away.. Located in Wichita KS. You pick up.

Richard Z.

Thanks for the replies.

I may hold off on this bike unless the Dude will trade or come off the price some.

I also have two KZ550 LTD parts bikes in need of a nice,titled frame. I could make one decent looking bike out of my parts and I may even like it better than a finished,well running KZ750 twin?

Your right,a KZ650 WILL be in my garage in the very near future. That is the one old KZ that EVERYONE seems to want even if they have a 750/1000 etc. A good friend of mine has a wire wheeled KZ650 that I just think is great. I like them style wise even better than the KZ750 LTDs which I also love.

The 1000s well,that's a hard call as to me they are probably the best looking Japanese machines of any size of their era.

I put more miles on my brother-in-laws KZ750 LTD in the late 80's than even some of own bikes I've owned since then. A buddy still owns it and it still runs strong with close to 50,000 miles on the clock. Still sounds mean as hell with that Kerker barking out sweet mechanical music.

They(KZs) are very ridable machines and don't ask for much other than not to be pushed past their limitations.

Post edited by: coolatula, at: 2008/01/14 20:57

Post edited by: coolatula, at: 2008/01/14 21:02