What do you guys think?

So after adjusting the timing on my 1980 kz250 today and fixing the starting/sluggish issues I was having, I went out for a ride. I stopped at the local Auto Zone where I met a young guy riding a Honda Goldwing. We talked about bikes for a little while and after I mentioned that the 250 is way too small for a guy my size, he said to follow him to try out a couple of bigger bikes.

At his place, he rolls out an old Honda CB 400 that I ride around his neighborhood on and was not very impressed. Next, he pulls out a 1982 kz 750, which I loved. Back at his place he mentions both of the bikes are for sale. I asked how much he wanted for the kz and he said "$650 or even title swap for my 250".

Puzzled, I asked him if he was serious. He proceeded to explain that he is moving soon and wanted to get rid of a bike or two (he also had two 1984 GPZ 900's...one as a parts bike). He also mentioned that his sister is looking for a small bike to learn on which is why he mentioned the swap.

The bike is in great running condition, and other than needing some front brake work and some fresh paint, is cherry. So....I'm curious....what do you guys think???

~Clutch

Clutch, If theres' papers on the 750, jump. if not, give me his #. G

Here's a pic of my kz 250 in front of the 82 kz750

gane wrote:

Clutch, If theres' papers on the 750, jump. if not, give me his #. G

He said he has a clear title for it, and I am leaning towards going ahead with the swap. I wish I had the money so I could keep the kz250 too though...I put so much time and elbow grease into making it look and run as nice as it does now...

But on the other hand...I am a big dude and need something full sized for both safety (getting out of the way power) and comfort.

Here's a decent shot of the 750 by itself

Looks like a DEAL to me. Did you ride the 750 also and if so how did it ride?
Mark

Yes, I did go on a short ride (maybe got it up to about 45-ish mph) and it ran nice and smooth (and made me not want to ride my 250 home). The guy makes a hobby out of restoring old bikes and now that he's moving needs to get rid of some. The even swap thing just benefits both of us and I think that's why he suggested it.

if you get a good feel off the guy then do it....sounds ideal and will be a good bike to move up too for sure...looks nice and it is not all hacked up,,,,,i see no reason to not unless you have an attachment to the 250.....good luck.....that year 750 had a great frame too i believe....

The bike is definitely solid. And as far as the guy, I had no gut feeling that he was trying to pull anything...seemed very honest about little things that needed looking at (nothing major), and seemed sincere about wanting a small bike for his sister to ride.

I AM attached to the little 250 though. Even though it is a small bike, and has nowhere near the power a guy my size needs to ride on trips/highway speeds, it was my first bike. My intention was to keep the kz 250 indefinitely, but I don't foresee an opportunity this sweet coming along again in the near future and really think I should jump on the opportunity. So, I am going to call him tomorrow, make sure he is still for the even swap thing, see if he wants to ride mine (was so excited about riding his bikes that I forgot to offer), and go from there.

And as an aside...does anyone know what model it most likely is from the pics (ex kz750 e2, etc)?

~Clutch

Go for it!

I used to have one of those. JDM version, known as a Z750FXII. Best handling bike I've ever been on. Had to let it go, regretted it ever since.

My advice as your attorney is: Get it!

That swap is an absolute no-brainer....go for it before he can change his mind. You are not only getting a bike that better suits your needs, you will also find out that parts support for the 750 is much better than for your 250. That same basic engine was produced from 77 until I think 2003. Lots of parts from the KZ650 will swap over as well as some from the 900/1000.

The model designation for an 82 would be KZ750 E-3. I always liked the 750 Std. model. Nice handling bike with a very comfortable seating position.

How many miles is the 750 showing?