KZ650 SR -- Money Pit or Diamond in the Rough?

Just went and looked at an old KZ650D1 that is clearly in need of work. It appears to be low mileage, but has obviouslly been sitting outside for a number of years. Everything made of steel has surface rust and the clear coat on all the engine covers is oxidized.

I had one of these bikes years ago and regret ever selling it. I'd like to buy and restore it, but several aspects of its mechanical condition concern me.

The owner could not get it started., According to him, it ran a few months ago when he parked it, He also admits the fuel in it is very old and that the carbs need rebuilding.. Although it will turn over with the electric start, if will not start. When I try to kick start it, the start lever kicks through its arc just fine -- but there is no compression resistance. I'm thinking that it either has no compression at all or the starter clutch has failed.

With only 6k miles, I'm tempted to take a chance but the possiblity of a bad starter clutch or worse (No compression) concerns me.

Is this thing worth taking a chance on? I hate to see the bike parted out, but don't want to sink 3 to 5 grand in it just to make it mechanically sound. He's asking 800 for it and I sense that because it won't start, 500 is a more appropriate price - given the riskiness of buying something that neglected..

Your thoughts?

Buy it. Offer $400 to take it off the seller's hands. At least the engine turns over, so it's not seized.

You can buy it, take a look at it, and then decide what you want to do. If you don't buy it you won't have that choice.

If it turns out to be unsalvageable, you can part it out then. OTOH if you can get it running you might be able to ride it even if it is ugly.

At the price point you mention it seems like a minimal risk. Adjust the valves, rebuild the carbs, clean the tank and new gas, battery, and I'll bet you a beer it fires off.

I'd get it at $4-500. If it'll run you can get pieces for it as you RIDE. :woohoo:
Steve

Starter clutch is only for the electric start, if kick start in neutral yields no compression there are hig problems. If only 6000 miles that is not likely. I always wonder how a motorcycle made nearly 40yrs ago has 6000 miles? Seems a lot of them do. I bought my first KZ650 July 1978 and had 6000 miles before Christmas 1978. They are a good motorcycle, but carb service is commonly needed, if it still has points ignition, that was a terrible system, oil leaks from all the orings are a huge and constant battle. I love the old 650s, but even though I have ridden well over 200,000 miles on KZ650s I would recommend a newer motorcycle if you are going to really rack up the miles, or a KZ1000 for less oil leak problems. If it has original red paint from 1978 it's probably not a bad deal, if repaint, right there you know it has been wrecked and or abused. If repaint, not worth considering, if original? Possible, but work will be needed now and commonly afterwards.

If you've never done a restore, you probably ought to pass on it, especially if you want to ride.
He says the fuel is old old old, so it's hard to believe he started it a few months ago. maybe he meant years.

I saw this one in person. no thanks.. KZ650

I wonder about the oil leak problems RonKZ650 mentions. Maybe they happen after really high mileage? My KZ650-C1 has 60,000+ miles and doesn't have oil leaks. It has never had the head pulled or any other work performed other than routine maintenance. It still uses points, and I change them about every 8,000 - 10,000 miles as part of routine maintenance. They work fine for me, but I guess if I was riding 10,000 miles or more per year I might get tired of changing them. Ed

Thanks to all who've weighed in.

Sellerr just bought the bike in July. He overpaid ($1k) IMO. Has a current registration -- so I am reasonably confident it was recently a running, riding motorcycle.

Bike is bone stock, with original red paint (faded) and all there EXCEPT the side covers. Seat has been re=covered in a very amateurish way. Will need to be replaced. Stator cover (right side) will need replacement as it has road rash and repair. No other signs of abuse or damage other than surface rust all over.

I have restored old cars -- but this would be my first bike restoration. Would not be doing any kind of long-distance riding...

Keep looking a complete non runner 650 is not is not worth more than 500. Keep looking you will find better. R

No matter what shape a 35 year-old motorcycle is in...it will be a money pit and you will generally not realize from a sale what you will have in it. For some of us (including me) that is OK

Buying a bike on spec is always a crap shoot. :whistle:
Steve