blown headgasket on a 1981 Kz750

I was told about a 1981 Kz750 LTD for sale tonight that the owner only wants $400 for it but could get it cheaper probably. I was told that he rode it all summer and then towards fall, it died. I talked to the guy and he said that he thinks it is a blown head gasket. I'm not too worried about passing it up but if I could get it for a little money, what the heck.

What would be the signs that it would be a head gasket? I'm sure to look at the head and see if there is anything seeping there.

What would you guys do?

if it were me, i d go look at it....it should still run albeit crappy even with a bad head gasket.....if you can get it running, listen for funky noises.....even if it wont run, cranking the engine should give you an idea if its total junk and the guy is just b s"n you ........just my .02....keith

Externals of course be the most obvious, Then a leakdown dowm the count w/plugs out. neither of course would preclude the possibility of head damage. valves,pistons if one/more were probs. If you already have 1, $400 bucks is cheep for spares. consider, the opt to play w/paint schemes, wheels w/ tires ready to go, clean carbs to plop in, a engine to freshen up at youre' leasure.electric's to swap....... uh sorry,G

if the motor will listen for the sounds of birds chirpping any time ive blown a head gasket thats the closest thing it sounds like. if you have a compression gauge take it with you and a 13/16's plug socket a ratchet and short extention if you dont have a gauge take the tools and pull each plug and stick your finger in the hole and crank it over to see if they have compression. if it doesnt walk away. because it's blown something else up.

I already have my 78 Kz650 and 01 Zx9r and a little dual sport , so I really don't need another bike. I've been looking for a KZ1000 or 900 but can't ever find one when I have money.

I think I'll pass this time.

If you should change your mind,and go look at the bike,for sure try to get it running,BUT...let it run for a little while.Let the engine get good and warm before you make any calls.
Make sure all of the engine components are hot and have expanded,to make any accurate calls.

Also...make sure the engine wasn't just running before you got there.It's best to start the engine after it's been sitting for a day,so you can hear any sounds that may be a sign of something worse to come.

Make sure YOU are the one that starts it from cold,and you get to run it to hot.