TOPIC:

I was perusing the local want ads a few days ago and came across an ad for this ‘81 KZ440 LTD. 

The guy said it runs and runs well on both cylinders the last time he started it but it had fuel leaking from somewhere around the fuel lines. It’s been sitting for 10 yrs and he’s 83 and said just can’t work on projects anymore. I haven’t seen it yet and would have to jump on our casino boat and go across the lake to even see it.

The question is….is it worth 300 bucks? I’d have to think it is but unfortunately he can’t take any pics of it so I could even see it beforehand. It’s not like I need another project but hell, for 300 bucks?

Yes, It's worth $300. And if cosmediclly nice, a bit more. Worth taking a look.

Yep, what ckahleer said. I would call the guy now and tell him you'll take it, then worry about how it looks when you get there.

I bought one with title for $200 several years ago, and a 50% increase in price seems to be about the norm these days.

Odd man out again, whatever. I say no. Let the little thing die a slow & painful, neglected death and spend the $300 on something for your primary bike... Tires? Exhaust? Chain & sprockets... get the idea?

You forgot battery, fuel lines, plugs, carb gaskets, possible tank rot repair……uh..what else? 

That is the question though. Let it rot or keep another KZ on the road. Let’s take a vote….

If money isn't tight, maybe just buy it and put it in the back of the garage labeled "future project".  Unless you have Attention Deficit and will get distracted at the expense of your current project.  Ask me how I know...

This KZ forum rocks! I haven’t been a member for very long but I’m sure glad I joined up because not only have learned a ton but have enjoyed seeing all your bikes and hearing all your stories. I’ve been on motorcycles since I was 8 yrs old and have never stopped and never will. 300 bucks won’t break my bank so I’m pretty sure I’ll buy this. I’ve already done the “worth” value of this particular bike and it isn’t much but so what. To see it on the road again will to me worth every penny.

slayer61 wrote:

Let the little thing die a slow & painful, neglected death and spend the $300 on something for your primary bike... Tires? Exhaust? Chain & sprockets... get the idea?

This may become his primary bike.

Naw….this is my primary bike

$300 doesn't even buy you a set of premium tires.  An entire bike for $300?  Worth it?  If you have to ask this question, then the answer is no.  

Yeah that’s kind of my point. Again, not having seen the bike yet, if I have to put a grand into it just to get it rideable and looking decent, I don’t think this particular KZ model would sell for much or much more than what I have to put into it.

I’ll probably end up buying it as long as it’s not totally trashed just to get it back on the road. Will post pictures tomorrow when I go see it.

Pretty rough. No airbox, throttle wouldn’t turn, front brake hydraulics no go. Why for the life me would anyone do that with the headlight is beyond me. I couldn’t even see thru the oil sightglass.