kz750E compression check w/o starter?

Im going to go look at this bike tomorrow and the owner says it needs a battery and a starter, then goes on to say that is has good compression and spark.They could use a spare battery to check these things but if the starter doesn't work how could they check compression without being able to turn the engine over? I dont believe the 750E had a kickstarter. Its being sold out of a motorcycle shop with a less than stellar reputation, but the price is right. I may buy either way, i just want to be able to call him on his bulls#!t. heres the ad: seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/4365661261.html

could you put it in gear and push the bike to turn the engine over to get compression? that seems like it might work :dry:

whelp i bought it without knowing for $200. needs some lovin

Looks like a pretty good deal for $200. You would more than recoup that if you had to part it out. The exhaust and muffler looks interesting. I dont think the rear shocks are stock either... could be wrong... or the paint
What year is it ? I'm going to guess 82.

Its an 80'. I think the header is from a GPZ750 but the muffler is a joke. someone put it together using exhaust pieces they sell at autozone. Its completely rusted at the connection and fugly as hell. paint is a rattle can job that had gas spilled on it and is peeling up, and the socks are aftermarket. It needs pretty much everything rebuilt, but hey, thats why it was $200. Its gonna go in the back of the garage until i finish my other projects, i just couldn't pass up a good deal. :whistle: