Garage find

As a current "KZaholic", I'm always keeping my ears and eyes open for a good find. I recently found a local 1980 KZ1000. Looks like a great condition rider as the paint was redone somewhere along the line. 27K miles, and not ridden much in the last few years. Mostly original, tires look good. Started up okay, but gas was tired. Sounded quiet, no valve noise, etc.

What would you be willing to pay? Nice older guy loosing his vision...don't want to make him mad.

Depends on the model and the aesthetics. Anywhere between $600 and $1500

Yup...agree w/otakar...depends upon the model. Kawasaki produced six 1980 models that year and all are worth varying amounts. KZ1000C (Police), KZ1000G (Z1 Special), KZ1000A4 (standard), KZ1000B4 (LTD), KZ1000D3 (Z1R), and the KZ1000E2 (Shaft)...after model selection, it depends on condition...

up to 2200 is my c cents....would be fair.... as mentioned things factor in...some guys cant find em for that price...pictures????pictures i say!!!!!

is it one of this type???

Depends on the model, mileage, condition and most importantly kow BAD you want it.
Don't irritate him because of his medical condition, I'm sure that he wants his KZ to have a good home that will really appreciate the workmanship and craftsmanship of the bike. Good luck
1977Greyghost

Similiar with a two-tier seat. I think it is an '80 LTD. He's charging up the battery and I'm heading back tomorrow with a gallon of fresh gas. Appreciate the input.

Good running complete bike. And its clean. Put 8 crisp 100 dollar bills in his face. Maybe have 3 or 4 in the other pocket just in case. You can always negotiate up but never down. Worst he can say is no....Russ

If it is an LTD, then expect to pay between US$1500 and US$2300 if it is in very good condition and has low miles (maybe less than 30,000). If you can get it for less (and it meets the above criteria), then it is gravy. If the owner knows what he has, then the above is what he should be asking...generally, the days of $1.00/cc are long gone for big-bore Kawasaki's...

j.knuth wrote:

Similiar with a two-tier seat. I think it is an '80 LTD. He's charging up the battery and I'm heading back tomorrow with a gallon of fresh gas. Appreciate the input.

Dont even try to start it. Buy it as is. You get it running too good it will only cost more. Tell him you dont want to move the old gas around...Russ

Just some personal rules. Apply as you wish.

Whatever you do make the price fair for both of you. It's good karma to help an older rider get out of the saddle with dignity. We all have to pass along the keys to our cherished steeds at some point.

That said, I have no problem employing tricks to give bottom dollar to a jerk who neglected a KZ, though.

I love the part about keeping an older rider out with dignity. He loved the bike and took good care of it. A bit customized for me, with non-standard paint and all. I am going to offer him slightly less than his asking, which is over 2K. If it works for him, he should be happy and I think I overpaid slightly...the perfect price? Maybe not, but being able to see and touch the bike (ebay descriptions of quality?) are worth alot. Keep you posted, but thanks for adding the clarity I needed to come up with an offer.

I passed up a real clean '80 LTD for $1200......by the time you add in tires, tune up, etc. Your $1200 bike turns into $2000. Keep that in mind.