85 zx600 ninja

[chuck hahn]

I can grab one up thats been setting years due to a bad starter clutch. He has all the gaskets and rebuild kit but just isnt ever gonna dig in and fix it,. Its the blue paint. Its all there 100% and the paint is a 8 out of 10.....its not all beat up though.

Question is is it worth the 500 bucks he wants? It would for sure be a project that in the end will be sold. Im not into a flip for profit deal just would like to get what i put in out of it. That being said (since i have no knowledge of the following of this bike) what would you guys say a running and ridable vintage ninja is worth? I was told the early ones are what everyone is interested in. Any truth to that?

[RichDesmond]

A think the GPZ 550s are a lot more "collectible" than the early Ninja 600s are. Not sure this one would be worth bothering with.

[GS1150Pilot]

I had one and liked it. That year is good looking-though not nearly as potent as the next version (only a little more than a year later), but it is a great looking bike, handles well, and should be somewhat collectible due to its status as the very first Ninja 600.

[chuck hahn]

So 85 was first year for ninjas?? didnt know that.

[GS1150Pilot]

So 85 was first year for ninjas?? didnt know that.

For the 600, yep.

[Nessism]

Why not flip for profit? You have the skills and work ethic so why not. Save the profit for your next project.

I would think that it would be worth an easy $1500 in running condition, maybe more. I'd do it assuming it has lowish mileage and doesn't need tons of extras.

[Maddevill]

WARNING
I used to work in the industry as a tech although not for Kawasaki. But I do know from experience that virtually EVERY Kawasaki 4 stroke from the 85-86 era had bad intake valves. Hard facing was too thin. The valves sink into the seats. I've had to do top ends on Ninja 250, Ninja 600, Ninja 1000 ,KLR650 from the era. I spent many hours on the phone to Kawasaki arguing about getting some kind of reimbursement. Kawasaki simply could not admit the extent of the problem because it would have cost millions. So, although I really like those old 600s, be fully prepared to do a complete head job with at least, New valves.

Mad

[chuck hahn]

He mentioned something about having to have the top end gone through at one point. If i decide to grab it ill probe for more info on that topic..thanks.

[GS1150Pilot]

WARNING
I used to work in the industry as a tech although not for Kawasaki. But I do know from experience that virtually EVERY Kawasaki 4 stroke from the 85-86 era had bad intake valves. Hard facing was too thin. The valves sink into the seats. I've had to do top ends on Ninja 250, Ninja 600, Ninja 1000 ,KLR650 from the era. I spent many hours on the phone to Kawasaki arguing about getting some kind of reimbursement. Kawasaki simply could not admit the extent of the problem because it would have cost millions. So, although I really like those old 600s, be fully prepared to do a complete head job with at least, New valves.

Mad

Definitely seen that happen with Ninja 900s and KLR 650s, but I haven't known anyone who had similar issues with the Ninja 600.

[chuck hahn]

From what i can find it seems i can do the starter clutch just like i did it on my 83 KZ750 L3. remove clutch and basket, drop oil pan, and remove secondary shaft. Starter clutch "SHOULD" drop out the bottom. Any input on this guys?

[Nessism]

Why do you have to remove the clutch basket?

[chuck hahn]

To get to the right side bearing retainer plate screws, Those and the oil pump screws. I got a way to lean the bike almost to a 45 angle and just reach in and jump clutch off the primary chain.

EDIT... I would be removing it anyways because yu know those steals and fibers are fused together and need pried apart.

[GregT]

From what i can find it seems i can do the starter clutch just like i did it on my 83 KZ750 L3. remove clutch and basket, drop oil pan, and remove secondary shaft. Starter clutch "SHOULD" drop out the bottom. Any input on this guys?

From memory they're the same layout. But I'd count it as a bench job. IMO too much potential to lose a spacer or a roller from the secondary shaft bearings.
But hey, if you've done it once....

[chuck hahn]

Yeah i did the KZ a few months ago. Ended up that one of the plungers that goes over the spring stuck in the hole causing the clutch to fail. Whole deal only took an hour and a half.

[Buffalo Bill]

Chuck I think those are due for a huge jump in collectablity, and vintage race popularity.
I've been riding my 87 CBR600 for 2 years and love it.