To KZ or not to KZ?

Back in the late 70-80's the road was lousy with these things. Now they're getting scarce. Nothing but HD's and cruisers. I never was a conformist. I always went my own way. As it turns out after Bossie sitting under a mesquite tree for 15 years, I have a classic that no one else seems to have. She stands out in a crowd. I picked up a 84 550 LTD shaft last year and sold it. That was a mistake.





If your answer is yes, PLS post pics of your bike here. If not don't bother. I've seen the rest, KZ's are the best.


Steve

I agree Steve,

When I bought my KZ 650 as a project bike from a forum member, I was just looking for something to work on. I didn't realize until it was finished years later and I was riding around on it that there was nothing else on the road like it. I am still surprised at the number of people that come up and ask me about it... a lowly little kz650. Funny too how many people talk about the KZ or XS or CB, they had and wish they hadn't sold it.



I find it so funny that the UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle) is the "unique" bike on the road and all the "Custom" V-twins are all the same... if they didn't have the manufacturer on the gas tank I probably couldn't tell them apart.

Very nice. Your 1300 belongs here too. :woohoo:
I like the other transverse inline multi cylinder bikes too but I've always been partial to the Kaw's. When I was wrenching I was called the Kaw guy. The dealers would send the 10 year and older bikes to me. My neighbor is planning a Butler building on his property and will let me have a corner in it to work on these bikes. 5 years ago he said Bossie would never run again. When he saw her come to life, he gave me his bikes to get running too. He wants a Hog but I think I'm changing his mind. :whistle:
Like our Sheriff says, winning hearts and minds one person at a time.
Steve

I have had a fair number of bikes, on-raod, off-road, sport, touring, commuters, etc. from most of the major makers. I have owned KZ's from one cylinder to six and enjoyed every one of them. I just like the way Kawasaki put their bikes together in the 70's and 80's. Only BMW did better in my opinion.

My kz250 sold to a retired guy who wanted to start riding again after 30 years. Also BOTM in June 2008!



My kz440, also no longer with me



And My last project, '81 KZ1300.

Now that's what I'm talking about.
Steve

The one that started it all for me. I always loved these bikes and when I got back into street bikes after 20 yrs of MX, I looked for a 1982 GPz750. I've had it for 9 years.

Fell in love with the KZ400s and looked for a while. Found this one for $200 locally. It was missing the tank, headlight, keys and airbox but is now a pretty reliable low mileage runabout.

My latest KZ is my cop bike. Really enjoying this one. Took it on a long mtn. ride last week and it was a joy to ride. scared myself a few times scraping the floorboards though!