TOPIC:

My son-inlaw texted me that he has a chance at a 1976 kz400 with 12000 miles all original but for mac exhaust for $400. Stored for 20+ yrs, no rust. Everything is included, airbox, side covers and carbs just not pictured. What do you think? Thanks

If the motor kicks over smoothly and feels to have compression, and there is a title, $400 is ok for now. This time of year prices are higher. Late fall, that bike would be more like $250.

[quote="moneypit" post=805140 . . . no rust. . . .[/quote]

Thinking I'd pass.
Good Fortune!

Split the difference and offer 350
No brake fluid to worry about, 2 tires , 2 carbs to rebuild, grease, oil, filters and some gas, that should be it.
maybe back brake pads
Nice simple project IMO

I would offer less . See if he will let you do a compression test on it . Also all those dangling wires kind of make you go hmmm.. Whats up with that ? By the time you do brakes ,tires , carbs you will have a few bucks into it plus all you labor on a bike thats not worth a lot .

My two cents .

Looks like a fun project though .

He seems to think he can get it for 300. Guy has to many projects, so its for sale. Seems thats what they all say. Son in law says it has compression. Dont know the numbers, I believe he just kicked it over. I'm 175 miles from him, so i wont see it. My guess is son in law is looking to flip it. He does that alot Any ideas what it would be worth finished as in together and running? Thanks
PS there is a clean title as well.

moneypit wrote: My son-inlaw texted me that he has a chance at a 1976 kz400 with 12000 miles all original but for mac exhaust for $400. Stored for 20+ yrs, no rust. Everything is included, airbox, side covers and carbs just not pictured. What do you think? Thanks

I don't know who told you that bike is "all original" but it is not even close to being original. In addition to the exhaust that you mentioned the paint, the seat, etc. also are not original. Plus it has the drum front brake, which may be original but indicates that the bike was the least expensive model when new. Below is what the 1976 KZ400 with front drum looked like when all original. I would offer a lower price and see what the seller says. Ed

Yes like Ed said , the drum indicates the "S" (Special) model. It would have had a 2-into-1 right side exhaust.

The puzzling thing is that the S model did not come with a tach, so did someone change the wheel or did someone change the gauge cluster.

The S model would have had no electric starter (but still has a starter cover) and a smaller battery and battery box.