1981 KZ 550 ltd

I found a 81 kz550 for sale, asking price 600. I was directed here to a member by loudhvx, but cant seem to locate a member directory, i was told hes the one to ask, but i basically am just looking for some input on what to look for when purchasing this bike. im not familiar with kawasakis and dont know if these had any issues to look for or anything specific i need to check etc. the bike from the pics looks nice and clean, it hasnt been started in a year so carbs need cleaning and a tuneup, this is coming from the seller. any opinions or advice is greatly appreciated.

thanks

Great bike. How many miles, pics?, tires, tank rust free?, exhaust in good shape?, airbox still on it?
Welcome by the way!

Log in, click on recent topics, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on User List. Then use the search function to locate Loudhvx. On his page will be a way to use the PM (private messages)

not sure how many miles. from the pics its looks good. It has the ugliest seat ive ever seen, its fat and has a backrest that is tall, not sure if thats stock, but its horrid lol. but the bike itself looks in good shape. I havent seen it yet as its a drive from my house and didnt want to go see it until i had some information. im looking at the fact that hes asking 600 for it and said it ran before storing it. to me sounds just like the carbs need cleaning but wont know until i actually look at it.

not sure how to post a pic on this forum. but i have a few.

Good, strong bikes. Carbs are really simple and best yet, they don't have rubber diaphragms, which can be pricey when they fail. I have an 82 550 LTD and love it.

is there a way to post a pic. id like to post it so you guys can see the bike im speaking of and make sure it is what is stated in the ad. im not familiar with them, and ive looked up the model and it looks different than what im finding.

thanks

Good Fortune!

apbling wrote: Good, strong bikes. Carbs are really simple and best yet, they don't have rubber diaphragms, which can be pricey when they fail. I have an 82 550 LTD and love it.

+1 on this. I've got an '83 KZ550 LTD and it is a great bike.

ok heres some pics. the seat is horrid imo but i know its a minor change. is this an 81 kzr 550 ltd. pictures ive seen look different unless the model is another from that year.

Don't look like the right gauges. They look like GPZ gauges. You are right about the seat. Looks all swollen up like it needs an Epishot. You are right about the seat being minor but it can get expensive to change. Pods! $%$#%&*(^%! Guess the airbox is MIA. Aftermarket exhaust too. I wonder if they ever re-jetted the carbs and got it running decent. Can't see tires, sprockets and chain. Not my choice of color but paint looks to be clean. I'd be leery. Get it down to $400 at least but I think I'd still pass.

That motor can't be an 81... it looks much newer. Plus, I believe the later motors had the CV carbs and the earlier ones had the mechanic slides.

something isn't right....

Its got an oil cooler too. I wonder if thats a GPZ with different tank/panels??

Ok, well with all the comments and info I have decided to pass on the kz550...not on to another find...1982 Kawasaki KZ440, asking 600 22k miles restored 3 years ago, carbs gunked due to sitting because of a move...any advice. Im going to take a look at this and see the physical condition. I dont mean to keep bugging everyone on this but im not very familiar with these bikes and dont want to buy a junker.

i appreciate the help, i promise this is my last attempt..for now