83 kz1100 shaft drive or 79 kz750-4?

Which would you choose and why? I'm leaning towards the 750 due to the fact that I have a 650 parts bike complete with no title already. It's hard to say no to 1100cc's though.

I'd say it depends on several factors; here's a couple to think about....

Bike's condition - which one will require the most work to ride, and are you interested in spending the time and money to make it safe and fun. If both are in good shape you are ahead of the game.

Your riding habits - if you're a get out on the highway and cruise mile after mile at highway speeds or over very long distances consider the 1100. If you're more inclined to ride the backroads or ride in a "spirited" fashion the 750 may be a better choice. Ed

750 four 1st model year was 1980, manufacture started in July/August of 79.

If the parts bike is the SR in your signature, I wouldn't use that as a reason to buy the 750-4, as the 1980 & earlier 650s don't have a lot in common w the 750.

Thanks guys you've given me more to think about. I value your opinions highly.

I went with the 750. It is cherry too. It's imaculate except for a 1/2" tear in the original seat. I got it for 1600. And Steel was right. It is an 83. The guy had the ad wrong. Will post pics soon. It only has 13,000 miles.

I was also told this is a canadian bike. Are there any major differences between canadian and US bikes?

The Canadian model would`nt have the smog crap on it

Based on what I would get the most enjoyment from due to the kind of riding I do, that would have been my choice as well. Enjoy!

Stupid newb question...I've never seen a petcock with a prime option on it. How does the priming system work on this? I don't have a book yet either, just got the bike a couple hours ago.

if there is no fuel in the carbs the petcock must be turned to prime, this lets fuel flow by gravity, like the "on" position on a standard petcock. When the bike is running and the petcock is in the "on" or"res" position the vacuum produced pulls fuel through the diaphragm in the petcock. this is a failsafe to prevent fuel from spilling. Some people always start with it on prime, however i find if i'm riding the bike regularly this is not necessary.

Thanks much DoctoRot.

Pics as promised. Factory oil cooler, bonus.

I was going to clean the advance today and opened the cover and was pleasantly suprised. Cap screws and new parts!

Can anyone ID these carbs please?

I have a large barbed nipple under the right side of the tank with nothing attached and no plug. any Idea what it's for?
I also have literally a cork stuck in the hole in the front of the airbox which looks like it might have been PCV at one point.
Is there a breather somewhere on the crankcase this should be attached to?

Looks like I need drain hoses too.
Frame says its an 82, title says 83, vin on title and frame match. Weird.

For manufacturing lead time they start making the next years models as early as September the year before.There should be a corresponding barb on the top of the valve cover and a piece of hose to go between them or that's how it is on the Suzuki's I'm more familiar with The carbs are Mikuni BS34's.What you have is basically a 82 GPz minus the small fairing.A Canadian bike will have a KPH speedo instead of a MPH one to.