Value of different KZ1000 and KZ1100 models.

Very much NOT impossible I have seen a 77-79 ltd done up to look like a z1 and sold for decent money (5-6k in crapish shape) battery box was held on with muffler hangers.

Also went to look at a 78 A2 a friend bought that was covered in mkii parts, and sold as an mkii with a title that said mkii even though the vin didnt match mkii number range.

Forks, fenders and fuel tank arent the big problem with converting an ST to look like a mkii though. Frame is too wide at the pivot point to run a chain model swinger. And would still have the three bolt holes on each side

Doug the thug was known for that crap. That's where I got the KZ 900. It had front end damage, my motor was down so he offered it to me with a Honda front end. I said no. Later he needed my dead F250 to exchange parts with. He traded me even for it. I had all the parts I needed for Bossie, he put the cab and bed on a stolen 4X4 running frame. He went to prison and I rode Bossie for another 5 years. :woohoo:
He would cut two cars in half, weld them together fix them up and sell them He had talent I'll give him that. It finally caught up to him and he went away for a long time.
GOOD FOR HIM.
Steve

I got offer $1800 for my bike today.
I'll paint it super bright lime green with stripes and sell for $20K !!!!!!!!!
Rode 50 miles today, my bike ran perfect!!! (Except cold start)
I found nice bike for the guy:
"Save your money, this is a bike for $1000:
ocala.craigslist.org/mcy/5505429631.html "

$18 is actually a solid offer on a shafty. They usually sit for a long time before sale. A couple years ago a super low mile all original CLEAN one was listed at $1500 and sold for half of that.

floivanus wrote: $18 is actually a solid offer on a shafty. They usually sit for a long time before sale. A couple years ago a super low mile all original CLEAN one was listed at $1500 and sold for half of that.

So I bought the wrong KZ, despite it being scary-fast and smooth at all speeds. Its too bad that parts are so-readily available and reasonably priced to purchase. Some things make them unattractive to some-folks, I guess.
To each his own

BTW, this one doesn't sit still for long :lol:

It looks like everybody (except me) enjoys buying and replacing chains and sprockets.
This is not a problem if KZ stays in garage all the time.

A QUALITY O ring chain and sprocket set up is good for up to 30,000 miles. They're not CHEAP.
Steve

t looks like everybody (except me) enjoys buying and replacing chains and sprockets.
This is not a problem if KZ stays in garage all the time.

You might want to do a little research on shaft vs. chain drive. There hundreds of articles out there. As you pointed out, shaft drives are lower maintenance. However, they are also less efficient power transfer (lost performance at the rear wheel), heavier (especially unsprung weight)and introduce significantly different handling characteristics (search "torque jacking"). Go compare current bikes. You'll find all sport models are chain drive, while shaft drives are found mostly on touring bikes. The Designers and Engineers consider all the characteristics when selecting the appropriate drive system for the bike's intended use. Obviously the majority of people accept the lube/adjust/replace requirements of a chain for the performance / handling characteristics.
A shaft drive has it's place, and may be the best choice for your riding habits. It's really not a question of how much the bike will be ridden. There's plenty of riders who rack up long hard miles on a chain drive. They accept the performance vs. maint trade off. The mechanical reality is that a chain drive bike will out perform a shaft drive bike in acceleration, handling and braking. These are characteristics at the top of most rider's list when buying a bike. Consequently, chain drive models are more desirable to more buyers and the market value reflects it.
If you like your Shafty...great! Ride it and enjoy it. It's the right bike for you. Insinuating chain drive bikes are garage queens and the owners are non-riding posers just because you're disappointed in your bikes value only shows a complete lack of knowledge on the subject.

I have over 30,000 miles on Bossie since I got her back on the road in Aug of 13. New chain and sprockets in a week or so when I put on my new swing arm. 630 O ring chain. :ohmy: Yeah it's going to cost $$ but that's the price of doing business. I'm getting excited just thinking about it. :woohoo:
Steve

I got offered $3200 and again for $3600 for my 77' KZ1000a last summer... by two totally unrelated middle aged gents.
I could never find anything as nice or in as good shape as mine for anything near that amount.
Besides, why would I want to sell it anyhow? I put a $500 deposit down on it, new at the Kaw Dealership in mid December of 1976 and drove it home in late winter of 1977!

I paid $2300 in 75. It was a demo model with 84 miles on it. I've had guys offer $1000-2000 for it. They shut up and walk away when I give them that look. :evil:
Steve

The shaft is still the best KZ1000 by far. Collector appeal may not be there, but it's still far superior. I can't believe I rode 80,000 miles on the MKII, before I got the ST. The ST is better in all regards. So the ST is less money is the bargain of the KZ1000 line, except for poor parts availability which fouls it up a bit. Motorcycles have always relied on chain drive, probably always will for most that is the only option, more power, cheap gearing changes, chains last a long time now, ect, ect. I won't buy another chain anything except a chain saw.