What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

  • 1981KZ550
  • 1981KZ550's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 11
  • Thanks: 1

What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

04 Aug 2023 13:10
#887947
I'm selling my 1981 KZ550, it has very low miles, like less than 2K, but does not run well. Probably needs tank sealed and carbs cleaned and synced.  When its running, its a sweet ride with lots of pep, but I'm tired of pulling the carbs off every year and cleaning them and dealing with idling issues. The seat is a little rough, tires are pretty much new, and overall looks good (except for inside the fuel tank).

Any suggestions as to what would be a reasonable asking price?  Thanks!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Nessism
  • Nessism's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 7539
  • Thanks: 2901

Re: What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

04 Aug 2023 15:13
#887949
How about some photos and a location?  

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • martin_csr
  • martin_csr's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 8019
  • Thanks: 1645

Re: What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

05 Aug 2023 06:57
#887969
Non-runner w no pics. maybe $500.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Nessism

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 1981KZ550
  • 1981KZ550's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 11
  • Thanks: 1

Re: What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

05 Aug 2023 12:19
#887979
The following user(s) said Thank You: ThatGPzGuy

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 1981KZ550
  • 1981KZ550's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 11
  • Thanks: 1

Re: What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

05 Aug 2023 12:20
#887980
Blacksburg, Virginia....I added some photos to the post.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 1981KZ550
  • 1981KZ550's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 11
  • Thanks: 1

Re: What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

27 Aug 2023 13:46
#888749
So its running, actually idles decent, but a little hesitant when giving it some throttle.

I added pictures and location, maybe someone has some more thoughts on a reasonable asking price. Thanks!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Nerdy
  • Nerdy's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 1043
  • Thanks: 403

Re: What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

27 Aug 2023 18:30
#888765
The low mileage is great, but I wish there weren't so much black spray paint.

Does the bike have a clean title in your name and in your state? That can make a real difference.
1979 KZ400 Gifted to a couple of nephews
1967 Yamaha YCS1 Bonanza
1980 KZ440B
1981 Yamaha XT250H
1981 KZ440 LTD project bike
1981 GPz550
2013 Yamaha FZ6R

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • ckahleer
  • ckahleer's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 441
  • Thanks: 142

Re: What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

27 Aug 2023 19:08
#888767
I'm seeing it as a beater bike. Maybe something for a new rider to learn on, and not having to worry about dropping it a few times. $700.00.
I fix up older needy bikes. But yours looks a little too needy to get it running right and looking nice. For someone like me, somewhere between free and $200.
94 KE100
82 KZ305
85 VF1100c

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • martin_csr
  • martin_csr's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 8019
  • Thanks: 1645

Re: What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

28 Aug 2023 06:41
#888783
I would list it for $1995 then see what kind of offers you get. It's a vintage motorcycle that runs, so you might be able to get someone to pay $1000 or more. you never know sometimes.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Nessism
  • Nessism's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 7539
  • Thanks: 2901

Re: What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

28 Aug 2023 12:23
#888795
With all due respect, that's one of the roughest 1,400 mile bikes I've laid eyes on.  It must have spent several decades parked outside in the weather...or someone changed the speedo, and it has a LOT more mileage than first thought.  

I think you will be fortunate to get $700 for it.  I'm the sort of guy that loves to find low mileage original bikes for restoration projects, but this one has too many red flags; rattle can paint, crappy seat cover job, etc.  It looks like a decent project bike for someone, but it will need a LOT of money to get into decent condition.
The following user(s) said Thank You: slayer61

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • hardrockminer
  • hardrockminer's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 2996
  • Thanks: 1094

Re: What should I ask for my 81 KZ550?

28 Aug 2023 19:58 - 28 Aug 2023 20:02
#888807
My wife rode one for a couple of years.  We bought it for $1,000 in about the same shape as yours and re-did everything.  Paint, seat, chain, sprockets, tires, brakes,  exhaust, etc etc.  Sold it a coupld of years later for $2,000.  I never liked those TK carbs.  The choke flaps have a tendency to come loose and get drawn into the engine.  I really liked the 6 speed tranny and how quiet the bike was on the highway.  Great gas mileage and lots of power at 58 hp.

I agree with Nessism that the bike has seen many more miles than the speedo shows.  It may need engine work.  Hard to say without actually seeing the bike.  Maybe $1,000 if you find someone interested in a winter project.

This what the bike looked like after we were finished.   Keep in mind that it was a girlie bike.



 
I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
Last edit: 28 Aug 2023 20:02 by hardrockminer.
The following user(s) said Thank You: howardhb

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum