Opportunity, or money pit? KZ1300...

OK, so a friend is selling his 1979 KZ1300, and I'm a sucker for old bikes.

I've been thinking of buying a dualsport this spring, but, well, truth be told, if it's interesting or unique, I'll be happy with it for a while.

So, I know the bike will need some attention to the exhaust.

Given it's a six cylinder, I'm guessing a replacement exhaust won't be cheap...

But, bottom line, if someone is looking for a decent street bike for everyday riding and commuting (70/30 highway/city), are the KZ1300's a reasonable choice?

Still waiting on a reply about mileage, brakes, tires, etc. from him. I expect the wear items will need replacing, but it's that exhaust that worries me. parts for my jeeps could get scary expensive in a hurry, and I suspect older bike parts are the same...

Please help get me pointed in the right direction. I'm after a comfortable, reliable daily driver. Don't mind doing the usual maintenance items every year, but if that motor requires valve adjustments every 300 feet, I'll skip it...

Thanks.

Sportsguy! Welcome to KZR...might I recommend you log onto the following site www.kz1300.com/ The owner really knows his business and will readily answer any of your questions...keep your inquiries focused on 1300's...he has a bunch of links on his site that suggest he is eccentric, at the least.

Post edited by: Mcdroid, at: 2007/01/03 15:15

Thanks Michael - his site was how I found this site...LOL

I'll drop him an e-mail as the one page I'm on is, ummm, long and filled with parts and prices...which was what scared me about the exhausts...

Thanks for the tip.

Don't know anything about the 1300s. I've got a 1200 - a Voyager, but that's a 4-cylinder motor. I've been riding out-of-production bikes for so long that I'm just accustomed to the problems getting parts. eBay can be a good resource.
My 1200 has 65,000 miles on it and is in very good mechanical shape. The motor is tight and powerful. If Kaw did the same quality work on the 1300, then it should be a fast, dependable cruiser. Wonder how much that bike weighs? Must be all of 800 lbs.

As to the title of this thread sometimes they are not exclusive. Many things I have loved have picked my pockets clean or reduced my brain cells to....well never mind those....just decide if it is worth it to you whether it turns out easy or hard or cheap or expensive. I have flipped a coin to decid...er ...nope can't tell that one either!.....:woohoo: :pinch:

My only real advice is once you do decide (skip it or fix her)...hold to it. That is good for the soul! Second thoughts breeds bigger numbers.
Good luck with your choice!

Post edited by: ambergrismooon, at: 2007/01/03 18:13

I have the specs to the 1300 right here:
Engine: water cooled 1286cc tranverse 6 cylindr 4 stroke
Power rating: 120hp @ 8000rpm
Valves: Twin overhead cams
Fuel system: 6 36mm carburetors
Transmission: 5 speed shaft drive
skip suspension and brakes, same as other bikes.
Wheels:110/90-18 front; 130/90-17 rear
Weight:652lb (that answers your question Ltd)
Maximum speed: 140mph

I have specs for certain bikes on these motorcycle cards I got for christmas from my girlfriend

Hey Sport,
I've got two 1300's and I like em pretty much. The KZ1300 is the last of the biggest is best line of motorcycles, and it is too frikking big! I'm six foot two and just tall enough to ride it. Check my avatar!

The 1300 Voyagers are a bit of a different matter. They have a sway back frame that allows regular folks enjoy a phenomenal engine.

As for KZ1300.com. I'm not very impressed. It's described as a club but run as a business.

KZCSI

One more time Sport,
DG performance has the exhaust systems for around $500.00. It's a six into one that fairly well howls!

KZCSI

Now thats a howl I would love to hear!