Kz750

[850 Combat]

So I wonder if the Goldwings made in Ohio and the GPZ1100s and KZ1300s made in Nebraska were legal to own in Japan?

I read an article about it in the 70's. Norton Commando 850s were legal, and big BMWs and Harely Davidsons. As I recall, according to the article, CBX were imported into Japan, and became legal by being imported.

The article was titled "A Taste for Foreign Iron".

[Griffin]

Actually, Japanese customers could own bikes over 750cc, but they had to be imported, not domestic. Odd regulations it seems.

So I wonder if the Goldwings made in Ohio and the GPZ1100s and KZ1300s made in Nebraska were legal to own in Japan?

[850 Combat]

Right. One couldn't own a big displacing more than 750cc in Japan until the early '80s, so many of the 850-1000cc bikes we got here were destroked to displace 749cc.

Big bore, short stroke = fast and high revving engines. Probably lots of fun in the twisties.

Actually, Japanese customers could own bikes over 750cc, but they had to be imported, not domestic. Odd regulations it seems.

[Griffin]

I saw some Japanese Market KZ750s based upon the KZ900 - KZ1000 big block engine.

This was at a motorcycle junk yard in Upland, CA. They had imported a bunch of bikes from Japan. I guess it was difficult to legally keep old iron on the road legally there, and these guys were buying it by the connex.

Right. One couldn't own a big displacing more than 750cc in Japan until the early '80s, so many of the 850-1000cc bikes we got here were destroked to displace 749cc.

Big bore, short stroke = fast and high revving engines. Probably lots of fun in the twisties.

[850 Combat]

I saw some Japanese Market KZ750s based upon the KZ900 - KZ1000 big block engine.

This was at a motorcycle junk yard in Upland, CA. They had imported a bunch of bikes from Japan. I guess it was difficult to legally keep old iron on the road legally there, and these guys were buying it by the connex.

[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.

[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

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:

[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.

[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

[azr]

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

[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.

[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.

[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

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.