78 KZ650 with no electric start. should i buy?

Hello everyone, new member here. I have found a 1978 KZ650 with under 10k on the clock that looks like its in really good shape. Runs great, new tires, everything seems to work fine. The only issue is that the starter clutch is slipping. The bike kickstarts fine however.

My question is should I buy this bike knowing the starter clutch is dead? its only $1000 (could probably get that down to $900). Will this become an issue only useing the kickstart? does it make starting it when warm difficult? Any others out there had only kickstart for any period of time with no problems? I know how to kickstart a bike, just never owned one without a electric starter as well.

I understand the starter clutch can be repaired but I am a novice mechanic at best, more of a tinkerer, and dont think I have the tools or the right space or skill to do the repair myself, and i've been told most shops wont touch it or charge outrageous prices to do the job. (side question anyone know what a shop would charge?)

Any information or advice would be helpful. Thanks

- Eddie

The kick-starter will work fine for any situation, so long as everything is nice and clean. (Clean carbs, lines, gas, etc.)

They are quite robust and shouldnt really give you any trouble.

Rebuilding the starter clutch is really easy too, if you decide to do it down the road.

Cheers!



Get a manual! Get a manual! Get a manual! :laugh:

YOU WILL LOVE IT!

I never take my bike to a shop for anything.

I think $1000 for a 650 with a broke starter is a little much. If you can get it a little lower because the starter is broke it will be that much better. Fixing it is relatively simple and you will get some help from this site if you run into some problems. my .02 cents

Is it possible to post a couple pics?

Ed

i bought my 79 as a project bike 4 400$-it needed alot of tlc-is the starter clutch the only issue-mine had 9600 miles on .one of the issues with mine[i found out after i got itr running] was the starter cluth but ifound that if i used the kick start to start it initially,later if i needed to started it again [while warm]it started with minimum slipage;if the bike is in otherwise good condition -isay buy it ,ilove my 650[remember theese are cool vintage bikes now]theese bikes are so easy to work on yourself as compared to todays bikes-you will have many miles of coolness on a kz650