78 kz650c Worth it?

Hi gang,new to the site but have been a long time lurker.:laugh:
at any rate I currently have a 78 KZ650B, and have found a
78 KZ650C with 20,000 miles for sale locally for $400. I looked at it today
and it would definitely be a project bike as it has a rattle can if you can call it that paint job looks so bad you would have to see it to believe it. The bike is currently not in running order, hasn't run in 3 years. Some of the parts are missing and or changed from stock, but it is complete. So I guess my question to the forum is it worth it? I would like all opinions good and bad. no stranger to the 650's as the one I have I got in 1980, so I'm used to the carbs and whatnot.Wish I took pictures but I didn't. Thanks

Nice paint would be nice but if it's pretty complete I would think $400 would be ok. Is it all there? Know any history of it running? And as usual, try to get it for less by pointing out things that are wrong!

To me, $400.00 doesn't buy much when it comes to motorcycles. Only you can decide if it's worth $400.00. Personally, I never seem to find "deals" like some of these guys on this forum. I paid a lot more than that for my bike... If you want a $400.00 project, it sounds like a deal!

By the time you get it running the cost may well be three to four times. Tires,sprockets and chain,rubber carb parts,rebuild kits for carbs,new ignition system,and cost of mising parts.

Not to be negative about this but realize your time and money getting it going again. If you want the challenge of "Hands On" this will be a good learning experiance.

If you plan on restoring it as a hobby (that's what I do) then yeah, it's probably worth it.

If you are buying it because you just want another bike to ride, then it's not a real good deal because that one will cost you a bunch to get it looking and running right.

If you're looking to buy it, fix it up, and sell it for a profit, forget about it.

It's worth what you're willing to pay

I would figure for 400 after you got her home and did a real evaluation (compression and sober lookie see) you could better decide to quick fix, long project or part her out. I imagine you could get most of the 400 back parting her if you put some effort but to make money ....no.

Any running KZ is worth $400. Sionce you are familiar with theese, you know at minimal:
Tires = about $150 for both
Carb kits = $50
Battery = $40

That alone makes $400 + $240 = $640. I have faith in most all KZ, but I have found a few that were better as parts than as bikes. I think for $1000 dollars you can buy a nice 650 ready to go.

Based on my experience Mellvis' math makes sense.

Doesn't take much to run it up even higher. :blush:

Best of success.

I just passed on an '81 KZ650 that was being offered for $300. Never saw it in person, but from the photos and owner's description, the bike was complete, and the engine turns. But would not run.

Sounded like a nice project as this would have been my first 650.

But for me, what killed the deal was that he did not have the title, and it is a royal PITA in Oregon to apply for a lost title. Didn't need that headache. So I said 'no thanks'.

hi gang, thanks for all of your valuable input. this would truly be a project bike. something to learn how to paint and so on. I would sell it when I was done but that would not be my main reason for buying it. Its mostly all stock missing the tank badges, side cover badges, grab handles, seat lock
except for the terrible paint job and the usual rust on places. my guess would be other then tires,brakes tune-up filters the biggest one is the painting to which I am looking forward to learning. what better way then to learn on a project bike that if it doesn't turn out right either do it again or live with it. i found 2 pictures the guy took of it judge for yourself. Thanks Bob

IMO -

spark Plugs
+new seat
+locks
+paint job
+HOW DOES THE BACK TIRE LOOK?
+OIL
+fUSES
+BATTERY?
+TANK BADGES (U NEED TANK BADGES)
+grab Handles
+shipping and Handeling
+headache of finding those items
+valve shims
+cam chain

---

DO yourself a favor and keep looking. (Ever see the movie "The money Pit"?

Buy an old tank to use to practice painting on.

I am speaking from experience. I love working on my bike, but man I have spent a fourtune and there is no end in sight. If anything major happens I am going to PI#S on it and then set it on fire and then push it into the Harbour.

Looking at the pics, I'd say that if the engine turns and isn't seized, that $400 is a good deal.
A big plus is that you know the breed, since you've had your 650 for 28 years.
It's a project, but you've got a rider, so you won't be frustrated with a non-runner while your working on it.
The down side for me would be that you've already got a 650, so when you're done, you'll have two. Of the same bike. You'll have some money in it, so you won't make much if you try to flip it. I'd be looking for something different, maybe a 900 or 1000.