Would like your advise on a 1977 kz1000 A1

HI everyone,

I'm looking for a week end bike and I saw this nice 1977 for sale a few hours frome here.

It has 20,000 miles and seem to be pretty clean from what I see on the pictures. I should see it in person next week end but would like know a few thing before going further.

From what I see, seat cover is not original and neither the airbox (nothing major). The mufflers have some small plate weld underneath at the far end...... what is this? anyone seen this before. If it was a rust hole, the rest would be in bad shape also....

The asking price is 2,000$. I've been searching a lot and I saw some at 500$ and at 10,000$......... The book price is not that high. Under 1,000$ if I remember well.

I know the value of those kz1000 are less than the kz900 but what would be a fair price for this bike?

Is there anything else you see that don't seem original or that sould be questionnable?

Thanks in advance,
Joce

a second one

and a rear shot

It may not be 100% original, but it's sure is a fine looking machine. If it runs as well as it looks I'd say it's a buy. Ed

Nice, clean original bike.
If it runs good, it's worth it.
Make sure it runs good first.
I always tell owner to leave it cold before I look at them.
This way you can cold start it. See if it fouls a plug when it starts. Or blows oil.
Nice bike from pictures.

Not sure about the plate weld...someone on here will probably chime in on that...But it looks pretty damn nice to me, the seat looks professionaly redone..And i like that air box...if it works good Id run it.

Overall I think it would be a GREAT buy, The chrome and paint look pretty good, and i dont see any visible rust. Its a really nice looking bike, hopefully it runs as good as it looks!

Tires look alright too!

Geez,that's a tough call,that bike is in pretty nice shape.
Other than the pods and the seat,ya that bike appears to be stock.Can't say what happened with the one pipe but ya it probably was rust.

As nice as it is,I keep seeing 1500 flash in front of me,lol...try the guy out and see if he bites.
How it runs is the next question.
Offer him $1300 after you inspect it.Ask him if you can hear it fire up from cold so you can listen for any noise in the engine.If the owner starts it up,stand in FRONT of the bike,not towards the pipes,you'll be able to hear better.
Any dents in the tank?The body parts look to be in superb condition,wow.

Ya,that's a nice looking KZ,that's what mine looked like when I first bought it 20 plus years ago.:whistle:

My first Kawasaki was the same year only the green version, I had it for 5 years, traded it for my 1982 GPz1100 B2 model.

Except for a float sticking in #1 carb, no problems. When the Gerex ignition came out, I bought and installed it on the bike. My Gerex had the external module(box) mounted behind the right rear shock absorber.

The straight cut gears make a turbine like sound when on the road.

Nice scooter! Mine used to look like that! lol Looks about 99% original parts which is great. $1500.00 also pops into my head but if the bike checks out well I would go a bit higher, maybe to 1700-1800.00. Doubt the guy will drop $500.00 but it doesn't hurt to try! Just don't lose the bike!

That thing is worth a heck of a lot more than he is asking for it. I would pay $3500 for it, if I was living in the area.

I'm with Otto...I'm not the least bit scared by the US$2000 asking price. Stock pipes alone are worth a pretty penny.

What... you don't have this in YOUR garage yet....

That KZ is in beautfull condition....

Things to look for...
Is in in good running condition, no oil leaks, no exhaust smoke after warming up, starts easy, idles easily, is it missing (ignition) etc...

Is there frame surface rust, under pan rust, chain, sprockets and tires in good condition...

Pull off a plastic side, electrical clean or scrambled eggs and oxidized etc....

On a test ride, does it hesitate when you twist the throttle, does it back fire on deceleration, does it pull well, does it follow well (steering), does it brake well, does it bounce hard (suspension) etc....

Above all good....

Then seriously ask yourself this one last question....
What are your mechancial experiences....
Meaning you can't learn to tune/maintain your KZ but if your brand spanking new to the KZ 30 year old bike rhelm, what that truly equates to then it's worth the extra $$$ for an already reconditioned KZ to start off on...

Hope this helps ya out...

OMR