What is your favorite smaller Kaw?

I know that there are lots of Z1, K900, and KZ1000 riders here, but I am interested in your experiences with smaller (250-750) KZ's. What is your favorite and why? I want to get a smaller KZ in the future b/c I like small bikes too, and my wife is only about 5'3". She rides and would appreciate a shorter bike that is a little easier to handle. We used to have a little 250 Nighthawk, and although slow, it was a great little bike. I would probably lean towards a 550 or 650, but I have no experience. I see a KZ400 in craigslist that looks like it could be a cheap runner for $400.

BTW it doesn't need to be low powered or slow, my wife has been riding for 16yrs and she can handle my ZX-10r except its too tall. I don't like the thought of drastically lowering a bike and screwing up the handling. Thanks in advance.

get her an ltd 440...or better yet and ex500...the ex500 with a cutdown seat and she is gonna have really safe really fun bike ,that is a real motorcycle to...theres a reason they made em for 30 yrs without changing much...

my fav is the 81 kz550 but that might be a bit too much bike for a gal.....the ex is slimmer and lighter imo

I think that KZ550 might be more her speed. She's not much of a sportbike fan, so she wouldn't like the looks of that ex500. The main qualifications would be seat height and hand position. She seems to handle her dad's panhead ok, so it probably doesn't matter if the bike is a little heavy. Have any experience with the 550? Any common problems? Are parts commonly available?

The 550 is a great bike, right now e-bay has 69 pages,and 3,426 items/parts for 550's. and yes its true what thay say about Kawi's thay take a lot of hell(like a timex take a lickin'and keep on tickin')

The 550's are nimble and torquey, rake, trail and wheelbase are very similar to that of a modern 600. According to the magazine articles of the day, they were quicker and 50 lbs lighter than the 650.

With GPz bars or something similar they also feel small and compact. They are relaible and parts are plentiful and cheap. Great bike.

If weight isnt an issue i like my kz 700 with an 810 kit 6 speed and a longer swing arm and newer style suspension . i have only rode my kz or i might have a better opinion lol
:woohoo:

I wouldn't personally go for a 650. I have one, but they were kind of made obsolete when the 750 came out. My next bike is gonna be a KZ750, turbo build!

the 550's are awsome bikes, easy to ride, tough, and cool! personally i like the A models with the boxy tank. like mine haha. With a little work they can be pretty snappy little bikes. mine sure as hell is.

I really loved my 550 spectre, i miss it sometimes actually. It was great on gas, great top end for messing around in twisties and was actually really comfortable for somebody my size (large) if she is more into the cruiser look than sports look, but doesn;t want something slow, you may be able to find an LTD 454...likely the most cruiser looking of the LTD's but has the ex500 motor in it so it's still fun to ride...

www.foroswebgratis.com/imagenes_foros/3/...87Kawasaki454Ltd.jpg

and it has a low seat for her if shes short...

I'll go with the the GPZ550, quick and nimble, I was in Sonoma County CA. Then it was known as Sears Point Raceway, the kawasaki 550 outran everything, (stock class) probably due to the many corners, i beleive there were several Suzuki 1000's in the mix.

Something like this may be good.

Kawasaki KZ 550 1982 - $500 (West End NC)

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Date: 2010-06-09, 9:40PM EDT
Reply to: sale-gyut3-1784197317@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

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I hate to part with this excellent bike but I need the room in my garage. Only 9.203 original miles. New paint job, new seat cover, new chain, and good tires. Excellent commuter bike that is capable of 50+ miles per gallon. Bullet proof engine. Don't hesitate to email if you have questions or call (910) 638-5170. $500 or best offer.


•Location: West End NC
•it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

ty is right that's the one i like most...more fun than any bike and simple set up...hardley anything breaks....and can really scoot down an old road without scarring the shit out of you.....

just a great bike and plenty made