How did you find your KZ1000?

WGCARBS.com

SIRIUSCONINC.com

z1enterprises.com

[brettbolt]

Hi guys.

I've noticed that many here have KZ1000s. I've been having difficulty locating a good candidate bike for restoration.

I'd be very interested to hear where you guys found yours, what condition it was in, and how much it cost. Thanks.

[wiredgeorge]

What state do you live? There are few "barn finds" in Texas where I live. I used to watch eBay and various message boards where Z/KZ folks hang and now also watch Craigslist which seems to have gone by eBay. You can also by CycleTrader magazine at most gas stations. Folks put bikes in the paper. The KZ750B (twin) I just bought was in the paper for $350 and I ended up buying it for $50. I have a number of bikes that could be called "project bikes" but are totally disassembled. I never buy a bike without a title.

[brettbolt]

What state do you live? There are few "barn finds" in Texas where I live. I used to watch eBay and various message boards where Z/KZ folks hang and now also watch Craigslist which seems to have gone by eBay. You can also by CycleTrader magazine at most gas stations. Folks put bikes in the paper. The KZ750B (twin) I just bought was in the paper for $350 and I ended up buying it for $50. I have a number of bikes that could be called "project bikes" but are totally disassembled. I never buy a bike without a title.

I'm in California -- Sacramento area. I got my 2 Nighthawks for $250 each. One didn't have a title, but I was able to get it titled after taking it to the California Highway patrol for a VIN check and inspection.

Last year I had an opportunity to get a KZ1000 in really bad shape and no title for about $200, but passed it up.

I think there are guys around here that quickly scoop up the KZ1000s.

I'll probably have to put up a 'wanted' ad on craigslist. Thats how I got the Nighthawks.

[RoyBean]

I have been buying KZ's so long that everyne around here knows i want them and gives me a heads up on bikes for sale. Roy

[wiredgeorge]

I have enough parts to build several KZ900s or KZ1000s. You might be better off trying to find a frame with title. I have a couple frames I intend on turning into motorcycles sometime in the future. I have a friend named Brian Connell aka Money99 who sells parts who can sell you a frame or rolling chassis. He is on the east coast but doesn't gouge with shipping.

[chance]

Theres one in stockton calf. for 1200.00 Craigs list  running good shape  his phone # is 209-482-7173

[brettbolt]

Theres one in stockton calf. for 1200.00 Craigs list  running good shape  his phone # is 209-482-7173

I just checked and it appears he raised the price to $1800. 

[branumhawk]

Hi,

I started parting out and buiding bikes after i found one in the trash and sold the parts for 1800 bucks on ebay.  For awhile I ran an add in a local weekly paper stating that I would buy used motorcyles working or not and haul off for free.  Some folks wanted a fortune for trash, and there were a few jewels along the way.  A friend gave me two kaws that were sitting in his yard for ten years, which I am bringing back from the dead right now, its how I found the forum.  Good luck.

branumhawk

[wiredgeorge]

branumhawk, take some pics and put them in the project section as you go through your project! Welcome. Folks like pics... wg

[brettbolt]

Hi,

I started parting out and buiding bikes after i found one in the trash and sold the parts for 1800 bucks on ebay.  For awhile I ran an add in a local weekly paper stating that I would buy used motorcyles working or not and haul off for free. Some folks wanted a fortune for trash, and there were a few jewels along the way.  A friend gave me two kaws that were sitting in his yard for ten years, which I am bringing back from the dead right now, its how I found the forum.  Good luck.

branumhawk

First of all, hello and I'm glad you found this site branumhawk.

I put in a 'wanted' ad for a Honda Nighthawk since I needed parts for one I was restoring. The one I found was too good to be a parts bike so I ended up rebuilding the bike. I now I have 2 Nighthawks.

In response to my 'wanted' ads, I saw the same thing as you -- some folks thought their trash was priceless. But the 2nd Nighthawk I got was a great deal. For $250 I got a bike that just needed carb and brake work, and the seller even included a brand new Sears Die Hard battery.!

I'm hoping to find a KZ1000 gem out there by this spring.

[branumhawk]

Hello again,

Good luck in your search for a 1000.  I will let you know if I come accross one, but being located south of new orleans, sometimes shipping costs can negate a good deal. 

I actually took pictures my csr when I got it, thats a first, so I would have some before and afters.  When I dig them up I will post some pics.  Waiting on some Jardines to come in from ebay right now, 35 bucks, cleaned and rejetted the carbs with 140mains/40pilots, installed some pods.  I used a tank from a 75 750twin and I am unsure at the moment if I am going to recover the seat, not  in good shape, or turn it into a cafe racer style with some clubman bars and cafe style seat.  I saw one set up like this that looked nice, the shift assembley and rear brake assemble(less calipers)  and pegs from gixxer 750 mounted where the rear pegs are at. I cramp up as it is on those crotch rockets at my age and may go more stock, will  just have to see. 

I have a fair supply of these type of parts, so it wont be any additional funds if I do it that way.   I have a complete set of plastic in good shape for a 75 kz750 twin, along with some carbs(unrestored) if anybody is interested in them, just let me know.

Have a good one.

branumhawk

[brettbolt]

...  I have a complete set of plastic in good shape for a 75 kz750 twin, along with some carbs(unrestored) if anybody is interested in them, just let me know.

wiredgeorge said he was restoring a KZ750 twin. Maybe he could use those parts.

...

I'm wondering if I should sell one of my Honda Nighthawks now vs. waiting for spring?  It  might be really hard to sell with winter on its way. But then I'd have room in my garage for a KZ1000 if a good one turns up this fall/winter. Decisions, decisions.

[branumhawk]

Check out this kaw turned cafe racer, I may pattern my project from this bike.  I dont like the swingarm shortened two  inches, but its a cool bike.

[brettbolt]

I think I may have located a decent KZ1000 about 150 miles away. It needs a stator (not starter). Is it worth $800? What do you guys think?

One potential problem is that it doesn't have a license plate. If it doesn't have a certificate of title, I wont buy it.

Here is the craigslist link and the photos.

http://redding.craigslist.org/mcy/1459972550.html

[wiredgeorge]

Brett, The price of decent rebuildable big Kaws seems to be drifting upwards. I personally don't believe ANYTHING I am told about a bike's condition. "Needs a stator" probably means the owner hasn't a clue as to why the battery is discharging and I would be prepared to do some electrical work. It isn't a bad idea to just replace the stator and reg/rec and rewire when you get a project bike anyway. For $800 I would expect not too much rust and a runner. I wouldn't care how well it ran and it probably won't run well if the battery isn't holding a charge but you could check compression. I would rebuild the top end anyway but that is me.