Power expectations for KZ750

I mostly ride with two friends, one has a newer model Triumph 900 triple (can't recall the model name, it's a cruiser style) and the other rides a 1200 Sportster, and I'm just getting smoked by both bikes.

Does that sound about right, or should my 1980 KZ750 be able to keep up? The triumph is really fast, and not many bikes keep up with it, but I figured I'd at least be able to keep pace with the Harley.

I'm running a 4-1 pipe, pods and upjetted three sizes for my mains and secondaries. All else is pretty much stock.

i raced my buddy's 2001 harley sportster down a 1 mile stretch.... we did it down... then back.... when we started from first i got smoked.... i was about 10 lengths behind him... when we started from a rolling start i was right at his rear wheel going 105 (on his speedo cuz mine only goes to 80 ya know) .... granted 105 is readline for me... i dropped off when i was getting the feeling like i was maxing it out....

81 kz750 ltd h2...... i was doin fine.... i would think you could keep up...?? bore it out?? redo your gear ratios??

Sorry fellah, you got no chance!!

I have a Triumph Thunderbird Sport 900 & a Legend TT 900.
Also have 3 x 750 KZ750Ltd's- great bikes but from a different I am afraid.
Handling- No chance!
Braking- No chance!
Power- No chance!
Price- Good chance!

Accept what you have and enjoy it!

Sorry I meant to say bikes are from a different era.
Technology moves on & also yours is a 750cc.

That's pretty much my experience, too. From a stop the Sportster takes off a lot quicker than me, but if I'm around the powerband - 5-6,000 rpms - I can keep up.

I'm thinking I might get a smaller rear sprocket to give it some better off-the-line pickup. Maybe some new carbs?? Anyone have any other ideas for easy, cheap mods that will improve performance?

My buddy's Triumph is really fast, so I didn't really expect to be able to keep pace with him. I can't believe how light his bike is, either. It looks a lot heavier, but probably weighs close to 100lbs less than mine.

Are you windin you bike out to 8500rpm's when you change gears? Max horsepower for KZ are high. Wind it out and feel the surge of power.

The boys are right though...tough when you give up 30 years and 150cc's.

Sort of like Chris Chelios still trying to play in the NHL.

chrispysaki wrote:

... thinking I might get a smaller rear sprocket to give it some better off-the-line pickup....

Larger - not smaller - rear sprocket usually improves off-the-line performance.

Might consider a one tooth smaller front (counter-shaft) sprocket instead of a larger rear sprocket. Usually produces a higher busier cruising rpm.

Good Luck!

Road test shows the 1200 Sportster (stock) runs the 1/4 mile in about 13.40. The KZ750 should be able to beat that if it's running as well as when it was new and given equal driver skill (although after about 30 years it may be running a little tired). The 900 Triumph Trophy will simply drive away from you. It runs (stock) 12.4 1/4 mile and has > 90 HP. The KZ750 has about 75 HP and actually weighs just about the same as a KZ750-4. Ed

YUKABODOS wrote:

Are you windin you bike out to 8500rpm's when you change gears? Max horsepower for KZ are high. Wind it out and feel the surge of power.

The boys are right though...tough when you give up 30 years and 150cc's.

Sort of like Chris Chelios still trying to play in the NHL.

id guess your running out of motor before 8500

I've found the bike redlines much quicker with the pods and jets installed, especially between about 6500 and 9500, and there is a big power boost around 8500. But I started hearing a rattling sound, inside the gear case maybe, as I come toward a stop after laying on it pretty hard in the upper rpms.

Ed—I'm actually running the 750-four. Don't know if that makes any difference.

The triumph i get, but a Sportster, what are they, like mid 13 low 14 bikes. You give up a lot off the line but should kill it on the top end. now there is an aftermarket support for the Sportster that we lack, but still, a KZ750 four should run high 12's stock, maybe a bit slower after 30 years, but should be able to handle a sportster.

could be alot of different things making noise in a 30 year old "high end" engine that was designed to be redlined on a daily basis. if it sounds like its getting louder or changing pitch, ya may want to check it out before you get a conn. rod through the case. have you checked compression on all cyl? has it been rebuilt that you know of?