1980 kz1000st Thoughts?

I found a KZ1000st (Shaftie) for a reasonable price and doesn't look too bad. Need a headlight and front turns but otherwise it's complete. Non-running of course. I personally prefer a shaft drive as opposed to a chain strictly because of chain maintenance is a PIA to me. And first thing I do with old chain drive bikes is to replace chain and both sprockets.

Looking for general thought on the 1000 shaft drive.

I've already talked him down a couple of hundred:

stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/5553621056.html

Thoughts?

thanks
John

Hi John, go for it. It looks pretty clean, it looks like an old school cross over 4 into 2 pipe. That is worth a few bucks.
Check out another members build page (rrsmsw9999) He is doing a fine job with it.
The engine is a KZTOOE That's a Mark II case with a big pin crank. Popular with the Drag racers if it was to be a parts bike.
I am helping a Friend right now dismantling a 1980. Did another 1979 2 weeks ago.
I never like to hear "tank has been lined!" means it has been sitting long time. But buy the thing for $500 thats a good deal

I love the shaft model. Can't tell what pipes they are, eaither a stock hack job or aftermarket?R

I offered $500 but he is sticking at $600. One hundred one way or the other? no big deal. I thought 850 was too much as I'm dropping a hundred on a headlight and another 150 to 200 on tires and misc stuff. Still under a grand for a kz1000? Sounds good to me as well. Now that has smooth bore carbs. I'm more familiar with CV but they don't scare me. At least I can jet them for pods if the air box and boots aren't there. I think I'll jump on it if it's still available.

$600 is a good deal. Headlight is $11 in any autoparts store. Turn signals can be bought for about $3 but I suggest to buy 3 wire good ones.
Some guy in my area wants 1000 for 79. I'll pay 500-600, He'll lower price sooner or later.
Another guy wants 1800 for good running 82 LTD

$600 is OK...but remember that you are purchasing a non-running motorcycle...and as many of us know, some of these really turn into money pits.

I bought a 79 at the end of the summer last year. It barely ran. I'm slowly starting to tear down the engine for a quick rebuild involving new cylinder block and head. I need to do something for an exhaust too. It had a loud Jardine set up on it I don't like.

I'm just shooting for a runner right now but hope to give more attention in the future.

Love those crossover pipes on it, way way kewl look almost the same as the stock ones on the 79' SR650's SWEET!

I'd say for the condition that $600 is a good deal and would snag it.

Brett

EDIT: corrected fat finger year issue of 1989 to 1979 SR650

I think I understand the risks involved with a non-runner. I've bought dozens of non runners and only been bit once. And that one turned out to be a good deal in the end. Thanks for your concerns. If nothing else I'll put in in gear and try to roll it to make sure I have compression. That is usually my main concern. See if the engine turns over and has compression. We talked and I'll go see it Saturday. Can't seem to get together before then.

Thanks again I have a better feeling about it now. Not being familiar with the kz1000 line I wanted to make sure I wasn't interested in a bike that even running was a piece of junk...LOL

rrsmsw9999 wrote: I love the shaft model. Can't tell what pipes they are, eaither a stock hack job or aftermarket?R

Those pipes look like ZeCross pipes
www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&...nZShYNjV-XAbdiG-S4RQ
Pete

The 1000ST is a great bike, but be advised if you don't already know, most all parts are unique to the model and no longer available. I think the headlight and signals are no big deal and used on other KZ1000s, the grab bar for lifting onto the center stand is missing as they always are, but maybe doesn't matter much. If the airbox is missing, it was unique to the model, or pods will be the only option. Looks like the paint is original and not ruined by repaint. Seat looks original. Hard to tell much for sure by those pictures, but it looks good for the $600.

I miss my cross over tuned exhaust with Jardine straight baffles.
Steve