Kz750

[RichDesmond]

The biggest issue with the KZ550's is the very strange TK carbs...

I thought that was just the first year...no?

[winfield]

So Ed, did you purchase that KZ750? If so, I missed the report.

[Nessism]

So Ed, did you purchase that KZ750? If so, I missed the report.

Asked for a few more photos so condition could be verified before driving 2 hours to go see the bike, and the owner said no problem, but nothing was received and the ads removed. I assume he sold it to someone more local.

[850 Combat]

How difficult is a starter clutch to do on that family of bikes?

[jeff.saunders]

How difficult is a starter clutch to do on that family of bikes?

Not difficult if you are happy splitting crank cases.... You can leave the top-end on the engine and just pull the lower crankcase off the engine.

[koolaid_kid]

Not difficult if you are happy splitting crank cases.... You can leave the top-end on the engine and just pull the lower crankcase off the engine.

It is not that difficult a task. Remove the engine, turn it upside down, follow the instructions for splitting the cases, do the work, re-assemble. Did it on my GPz (KZ on steroids) to replace the transmission two years ago.

[gmansyz]

Hey, I know someone in Lomita with one. Just like the pics but a chrome Mac header. I think He wanted $1K? I can put you in touch with him if you want.
Laters
Greg

[Nessism]

Hey, I know someone in Lomita with one. Just like the pics but a chrome Mac header. I think He wanted $1K? I can put you in touch with him if you want.
Laters
Greg

Will send you a PM.

[Nessism]

Made a deal with Greg's friend for the bike ($700). It's a silver KZ750 just like the photo above BUT this bike is in much rougher condition. It's been parked outside under a cover for five years. Good news is it's a 10k mile bike and all there, and cheap (for Los Angles anyway). Some people here will gasp at the thought of paying $700 for a rusty non-runner, but in this area it's a fair price.

Will pick it up this weekend baring a change of heart by the seller. His nephew wants the bike so hope he doesn't change his mind.

[azr]

Sure hope you put up a build thread on it Ed.

[gmansyz]

I told him to get a proper cover for it as the one he was using kept moisture underneath. Sorry, it was so badly corroded.
Idea. How about getting a GPZ750 turbo engine and swapping it in??? Put a KZ550 6-speed trans as well. Adjust gearing and maybe swap the '82 GPZ750 bodywork as well??
Okay, I am hoping he doesn't change his mind as well. He was talking about giving it five years ago and that has not happened yet so I keep my fingers crossed for you. Get the stock exhaust too!
Laters
Greg

[Nessism]

I told him to get a proper cover for it as the one he was using kept moisture underneath. Sorry, it was so badly corroded.
Idea. How about getting a GPZ750 turbo engine and swapping it in??? Put a KZ550 6-speed trans as well. Adjust gearing and maybe swap the '82 GPZ750 bodywork as well??
Okay, I am hoping he doesn't change his mind as well. He was talking about giving it five years ago and that has not happened yet so I keep my fingers crossed for you. Get the stock exhaust too!
Laters
Greg

Turbo GPZ750 engine

Not likely.

Will have to get the bike home before deciding whether it's going to be a "runner" project or a restoration. Most likely the former but you never know. If the seller changes his mind he will be saving me a LOT of work so oh well.

A quick check around the web for information demonstrates how good we have it in GS land. Cliff's website and the GSR blows away what's available for the Kawasaki's.

[crackerman]

Had this 78' KZ750 twin. Kind of a dog compared to my Triumph Scrambler. I wasn't going to ride it over the Scrambler so I sold it. Did complete frame up rebuild. I got a second one currently in my shed along with a ton of parts. I'm sure those 4 cylinder ones are a different beast. 1000 and 900 KZ are getting real pricey.



In the shed:

[gmansyz]

Ed
The GPZ turbo is the same engine and actually bolts right in. A serious performance upgrade. Up the boost and you get 160hp.
Well, maybe he will change his mind. But it was a good runner long ago.
Don't know what else to say, there.
G

[Nessism]

Picked up the bike last night. Will post some photos in a little while. Shouldn't take too much to get it back on the road, but need to assess what to do with it overall: turn it into a basic runner, or clean it up properly like.