Looking to buy KZ 1000 but need help

I have not ridden for about 10 years, but decided this is the year to do it again.

Having had several Kawasaki's, that is my first choice.

A guy locally has a 1982 KZ 1000 LTD with 24,000 miles and a vetter fairing (which I would probably dump). He is asking $1500 and that seems reasonable.

Does that seem like too many miles? Are parts and accessories readily available? I have a test drive scheduled for tomorrow, and what specifically should I look out for?

Thanks in advance.

Dave

Welcome aboard! Too many miles? Heck no! My KZ650 has more than double that, has never had the head pulled or any other serious repairs, and still runs like a top. 24k miles is still a baby. Pretty much all parts are still available either from Kawasaki, internet/eBay new old stock parts, aftermarket clone and/or performance parts, or worse case used. Ed

Advice I was given when looking included:

Check tank for rust (not the end of the world if it's there)
Check the cables (brake throttle ect..)
Check the tires( check for dry rot and tread)
Check the lighting (may indicate electrical issues if not working)
Ask when the last oil change was( insight on maintenance upkeep from previous owner)

any of these can be used for negotiation of price too

I am a KZ novice maybe others can give better more indepth advice. Good luck and post up a picture when you get her home!

Chris

Thanks guys....I appreciate the responses. I am going to look at it today, and he said the tires are a year old it it has a newer battery.

KraZy Chris wrote: Advice I was given when looking included:

Check tank for rust (not the end of the world if it's there)
Check the cables (brake throttle ect..)
Check the tires( check for dry rot and tread)
Check the lighting (may indicate electrical issues if not working)
Ask when the last oil change was( insight on maintenance upkeep from previous owner)

These all gauge how well the bike was maintained, if you get an honest answer. I'd also ask about things like how often did he need to adjust the rear axle/drive chain or how often the cam chain was tightened, have the valve clearances been checked recently - which can tell you how much he rode it and/or paid attention to it.

For the most part these bikes are tanks and can take quite a lot of beating and abuse without notice.