Inquiring about parts availability

Hello everyone!
I am new to the forum and the world of the KZ. I am hoping to buy a 1983 Kawasaki KZ440 tommorow and I am having a really hard time deciphering how tough it is going to be to find parts. I am even having a tough time figuring out how many years Kawasaki made the KZ440. Any help would be greatly appreciated. For those curious, this is the bike I am looking at buying. vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/mcy/5558692199.html

Again, I really hope to learn a ton on here and I have fallen in love with this little purple bike

Welcome. looks like a nice little bike.
Steve

Thanks so much, I hope I am not stepping on toes and posting this in the wrong place. I really like the bike but with it being so old I just dont want to get burned and find out that it was only made for 2 years and I wont be able to get parts for it.

You can research parts availablity here... www.partzilla.com/

$2k for that bike is top dollar. You can find a nicer ride for that kind of money if you have time to look.

Sweet looking bike there! Looks like it was really well taken care of. I rode one back when they were new and I had one as recently as 5 years ago when I gave it to my son to learn how to ride.

I don't know the exact number of years the 440 LTD was produced by Kawasaki but I think it was in production in that style from 1979 through 1983 or so. The bike was around before this and after this but in different clothes with various modifications. So you'll find some parts fit your model year even though they may fit or be found on pre and post dates of production bikes like the kz400 or later 440's.

It's an older bike though. You should be comfortable wrenching on it yourself and doing the normal maintenance things (for which many parts are readily available - spark plugs, air filter, oil filter, tires, chain (but I don't think the belt is still available as new). Many times you can find random parts on eBay and often even Amazon will have parts.
If you are not "handy" and / or don't see yourself doing your own maintenance and tune ups, you may wish to reconsider. Unless you have spoken with a local bike shop (hopefully one that's been around for years) in advance and they have told you they can work on an 80's motorcycle? My local "motorsports" shop will work on older bikes but usually don't have the parts for it (ie: I supply any parts or the time to complete is a big ? mark).

Good luck. Nice riding motorcycle for your first Kawasaki. I think you'll enjoy the heck out of it!

Thats 2K CAD so about 1.5K USD. I doubt you will have too much trouble finding parts you will find that all kinds of stuff is interchangeable between 400/440s, 650s, 750s and even 1000s. Like Nessism says check out Partzilla.com, find your bike in the parts diagrams then select some random thing like a turn signal part or something and see just how many years and models will work for you.

I'd put $1000 cash in his face and see if he takes it.
Steve

Nice bike!

If you decide to buy it make sure the airbox is complete and the ducts from airrbox to carbs are in good shape as these may be difficult to get.
Is it a belt drive? Some owners have converted to chsin - not difficult - when belt wears out.
Other than that youd be surprised whats stlii available from kawasaki, online suppliers and ebay plu you will find lots af help here.
Before i forget ask current owner if the is a shop manual available with the bike.

To answer one of your questions, the KZ440 (there were several models) was marketed for 5 years (1980-1984).

Even at 1.5K way too much. State side you could find better for 1000. R

Seems pricey to many here I'm sure but keep in mind it is located in one of the most expensive cities in Canada. By comparison, a small apartment there rents for $2500 a month. So probably a cost of living thing reflected in this price.
Still, it's a super clean and complete example of the bike.
A bike is worth whatever someone is willing to pay; isn't that what folks here say?

I only paid $10 (minimum auction bid at the time) for KZombie but will easily have $2k in it by the time I resurrect it from the dead.

If you are looking for a hobby that is cheap and/or easy (sane even?) I would not recommend taking up riding vintage motorcycles.