1977 KZ1000 What to look out for?

I've got a line on a 1977 KZ1000 that hasn't run in a few years. It was somebody's project, they don't have time anymore and now they're getting rid of it.

The price is pretty attractive but, it doesn't run and current owner doesn't really know when it last ran. Before I go look at it, I thought I'd ask if there's anything in particular I should be on the look out for.

Are there any parts for this bike that are virtually impossible to find?

I've never bought a non-runner before so any advice on what I can do to check the bike out without being able to start it would be helpful.

He says it's got dyna coils and ignition, Kerker 4 into 1 exhaust. He says he hasn't tried to start it because he hasn't cleaned the carbs.

I figure compression test each cylinder and do a general visual inspection. What else? Should I bring a charged battery, some starter fluid and see if she'll fire up?

I've got an A1 and the only parts I haven't been able to find are the handlebar controls. There are reproduction controls out there for the kz900 that can be used and look very similar, tho. Everything else is available. As far as B model (LTD) parts go, I have no idea. The 77 shares several parts with the 900 and even the Z1 that the later kz1000's don't.

I can't think of anything specific to this year that was an issue. The electrics on these were weak just like all the other early models so you may end up digging into that at some point and they are susceptible to the worn dogs causing it to jump out of gear just like the other years.

Compression Check! it has a kicker lever.
Hope it has no compression, then tell seller it needs a $500 valve job and new $500 pistons for starters. It is basiclly not worth investing the $$ then offer him 2-3 hundred for the parts.

With out knowing/images of present condition, before attempting starting...
Rust in tank/rusted crank ends/pistons!
Crank manually rotate 360 degrees...

Also, is it titled! Real bitch of time unless for spare parts bike only.

Hell, if you can pick this KZ up for <=$500, don't do a damn thing but load her up in a truck/trailer is my motto.... If nothing else, spare parts for Z1, KZ900 77-80 KZ1000, ask me how I know this... :pinch: :whistle:

As for non runner... both of mine where total POS... Come to think of it, present KZ900 is non running POS.... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Thanks guys. I'll go check it out and take some pics. I'm not in the market for a parts bike so I need to determine if with my very limited skills I'm going to be able to make this a runner.

I went and checked out the bike today. It's rough and I could use some advice. My plan was to run a compression test on all four cylinders to at least get a sense of whether or not there was some internal engine issues.

I knew the bike had been sitting so I brought along a battery and some jumper cables in the hope that I could test the electrics and not wear my leg out kicking through the whole comp test.

There must be some electrical problems because the battery did no good. No headlights, nothing when I pushed the starter, etc.

So I tried the compression test with the kick starter. I couldn't get cylinder #1 over 60. I tried #4 and got to about 65. At this point I was getting tired and didn't bother with the other two.

I'm not real experienced with compression tests and I've always sucked at kick starting a bike (I don't weigh much and seem to lack the physical coordination it takes to get a good kick). So I'm only about 75% sure of my result.

The bike has a 4-1 Vance & Hines exhaust on it, but it looked like someone removed the baffle. Also there was no air box or filters of any kind in place. I wouldn't think either of those things would make any difference. I figure the valves take care of that when they're doing their job but just thought I'd ask to be doubly sure.

Also, it looks like someone was halfway through upgrading the front brake lines with braided stainless steel, then stopped.

Couldn't roll the bike with the clutch lever pulled, but I was able to shift into neutral and roll it.

Rear sprocket was pretty worn, so it needs a chain and new sprockets.

Any thoughts on this? I don't know what I'm expecting when you can't inspect the bike in person. Any advice on how to be sure I'm getting a good compression test? Any idea what this bike is worth in its present condition?

Not sure about how to do compression with the kick starter. But you would need to make sure the throttle is wide open and that you kick it until the compressions stops going up. The bike is in rough shape. Depending how much you want to pretty it up it can cost you anywhere up to $1000.00 just to clean it up and get it on the road. New tires, paint, carb kits, missing part like the baffle and everything else. Do you like the seat? Cost more if you don't. Just saying. And that estimate assumes there is nothing internal wrong with the engine. For example, I'm ready to spend about $100.00 at Z1enterprises for odds and ends like headlight bezel, horn, front brakes pads, speedo cable (the inside shaft was missing), and clutch cable. And these are just things I found I needed in the last week or so. It adds up fast. I wouldn't offer more than $300.00 honestly. But even for that price, just from appearances, you have a lot of work cut out for yourself. As long as you are going in with eyes wide open that is o.k. Don't worry about not having the experience Topper, you will gain it. Think more about home much you are willing to invest. Good luck.

$400.00 $500.00 tops. That bike will cost you $1000.00 to get it on the road. I wouldn't worry about the compression until you could get some light oil in the cylinders to soak.

What is the owner saying? Roy

doesn't look as bad as mine when I bought it (or some would even now)Price is everything and nothing.

What I mean is it's not an investment perse' if its reasonable and you can afford it buy it don't sweat the small stuff everybody says 500.00is too much for a non running KZ and they go spend 600 on a pipe.

i have to believe a non running KZ is money in the bank. parts alone god forbid you parted it out.

since buying mine I would have spent the same on it if it were a decent running bike and gave twice as much for it. and besides if you want a bike to mod you dont want a 4000.00 honey to butcher up just my .02

Thanks guys. I didn't have the throttle wide open and it probably would have been a good idea to drop a little oil in through the spark plug holes while I was there.

The seller's asking $750 which seems pretty high to me in this condition. He's a good guy, lives a couple miles from me and I know his family. I don't think he really knows how much work he's got ahead of him to get that bike on the road.

Knowing it was there and so close to me I had to go check it out, but I don't think this is the bike for me. At least not at that price.

That seems like plenty for a bike in that condition. Craigs has several listed in my area for not much more than that in running condition. I don't know if it is a good indicator but i paid 300 for mine non running but only took about 300 to be road worthy(rebuilt carbs myself and new clutch pushrod and roller clutch pusher). Pic in avatar. Owner might be flexible with price?

Tell him you spoke with the experts here on KZR and we all agree 500 is the max you should pay for it. Sounds like the fuses are blow thats why your not getting power to anything. New fuses new plugs a gallon of gas a bottle of seafoam and an oil change and it will fire right up.