Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

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Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

27 Aug 2014 08:14
#645356
A friend of my Dad has a 74 KZ900 that he is not in a hurry to sell. He bought the bike in the 80's. The original 2 into 4 is hanging in the rafters. The fenders are in fantastic shape, all blinkers are there. Here is were I am a bit cloudy. It has mags not spokes, step style seat and is missing the air box, no original paint, no tank badges. He may be able to find the badges and airbox but I doubt it. The numbers on the frame prove it is a 74 the numbers on the engine are true also. 14,660 miles on the clock. Would $1,200-1,400 be to expensive? I really just want to restore it and sell it.
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project

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  • KZJOE900
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Re: Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

27 Aug 2014 08:34 - 27 Aug 2014 08:35
#645363
Without seeing picture of it and its condition it is hard to judge. But $1200 is reasonable if all it needs is to have any maintenance done and a paint job. Badges are about the easiest part to come by since a large range models and years use the same badges. If the 2 in 4 pipes are in good condition, they are worth about a $1000+ on their own. The mags could be period correct Morris mags which are worth a log of money. I prefer spokes on that bike myself. As far as the seat, many people switched to the LTD seats back in the day. When I bought my 74 back in the early 80's it came with a LTD seat. Don't know why they would do that. The bike sounds like a good candidate for an original restore and is a desirable year which can be worth a lot if you keep it stock. So... are you planning on bobbing it, LOL.

Wait, don't you mean 4 to 4 pipes?
Current project 76 KZ900 (This was a Vetter model)
76 KZ900
81 XJ550H SECA (Current Project)
82 XJ550R SECA
Past:
86 FJ1200
74 Z1900
72 CB450
Last edit: 27 Aug 2014 08:35 by KZJOE900.
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Re: Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

27 Aug 2014 09:13 - 27 Aug 2014 09:14
#645364
If you could get it for US$1200-$1400 (and the fellow didn't park it because he trashed the motor), then you'd be a lucky man. Remember, it does cost a fair amount to resurrect a Z1A...2 into 4?...or 4 into 2 pipes? If you meant 4 into 2 pipes, then they also will have to be replaced if doing a restoration. So, if a restoration is planned...and you also need pipes, and you get it for US$1200...then doing the math, I come up with about US$5000 (painted body set, pipes, seat, wheels, misc. hardware, etc,). There will be additional unforseen costs :) The closer you can get the motorcycle to original condition, the higher the resale value will be.
Michael
Victoria, Texas

1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A
Last edit: 27 Aug 2014 09:14 by Mcdroid. Reason: clarity
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Re: Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

27 Aug 2014 15:28
#645405
Thanks guys, the bike ran. He didn't care for the warble on the front end around 90mph. This guy has a ton of unfinished projects and the bike is just sitting. He has the original pipes for the bike, they are in mint condition. He has a 4 into 1 on it now with pods. It will definitely need a refresh build. I'm concerned about the air box as they are hard to find and not cheap. Aside frome that it's a great candidate for a proper restore. I really just want to buy it restore it and sell it. I figure it will cost me 2k to restore plus the purchase price. If I can't get 5-6K when it's done it may not be a good idea.

I don't want this bike to end up cut to pieces or parted out. It deserves a good home.
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project

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Re: Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

27 Aug 2014 15:31
#645406
KZJOE900 wrote: Without seeing picture of it and its condition it is hard to judge. But $1200 is reasonable if all it needs is to have any maintenance done and a paint job. Badges are about the easiest part to come by since a large range models and years use the same badges. If the 2 in 4 pipes are in good condition, they are worth about a $1000+ on their own. The mags could be period correct Morris mags which are worth a log of money. I prefer spokes on that bike myself. As far as the seat, many people switched to the LTD seats back in the day. When I bought my 74 back in the early 80's it came with a LTD seat. Don't know why they would do that. The bike sounds like a good candidate for an original restore and is a desirable year which can be worth a lot if you keep it stock. So... are you planning on bobbing it, LOL.

Wait, don't you mean 4 to 4 pipes?

Yes 4 into 4, and NO CUTTING! It's actually part of the deal. He wants it to go to a home where it will be restored.
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project

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Re: Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

27 Aug 2014 15:43
#645407
Offer 1k and see where it goes?

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Re: Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

27 Aug 2014 16:23
#645411
I believe this would be a Z-1 900 and not a KZ900 which the Z-1 is a better bike in terms of resale value.
1984 750 Turbo

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Re: Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

27 Aug 2014 19:43
#645429
DFIGPZ wrote: I believe this would be a Z-1 900 and not a KZ900 which the Z-1 is a better bike in terms of resale value.

Frame VIN: Z1F-369XX (left out the last 2 #s for security)
Engine VIN Z1E 0370XX
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project

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Re: Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

28 Aug 2014 01:11
#645449
You will not restore that bike for 2k Just buy it and flip it the way it is
www.kzzone.com/ cavanaughracing.com/kzdata.html www.mtceng.com/index.php/us-dealers/44-f...-performance-orlando
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Re: Re:Re: Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

28 Aug 2014 02:39
#645451
Sounds like a solid buy to me, but you should take a reallistic inventory of what needs spent up front. I mean, as Peter alluded to, j think a 74 with mint 4-4 pipes should pull more than 2, even if it was a basket case.

Things to think about
-$ of paint job
-does the head need gone over
- how much engine is coming apart to fix leaks, etc.
-tires/wheels
-you could go on for quite some time.
Mine:
04 Honda rebel 250(wifes)
04 GSXR 750(bolt on galore)
98 CBR 600F3(filter, pipe, adjustable cam sprokets, dyno tune)
76 KZ900A (LTD gauge pods, crash bars, LTD(style)pipes, dyna coils and ignition,headwork and mild port cleanup by cavanaugh racing, K&N filter pods, heck I dunno.
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Re: Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

28 Aug 2014 08:54
#645485
Thanks for keeping me grounded guys, I'm sure I will buy the bike just not sure how much I will do to it.
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project

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Re: Need help on a decision to buy a 74 KZ900

28 Aug 2014 08:55
#645487
Need pictures and more clarification. I'll buy it! for that price! Get it now! True Z1A matching Frame ,Title and engine case is worth $1,500! Those 3 pieces! And is the exhaust system 4 into 4? If I think 4 into 2, as you say, they're aftermarkets or Jardine LTD's LTD mags? Morris with a rear disc? Drum brake rear? Lesters! Big money for lesters
This Guy did the period mods back in the early days. He mudded over the gas tank badges to paint custom, LTD seat for holeshots! are the fenders full size or smaller LTD?
A couple of pics will tell the whole story! And a clear title!! Can't sell or export without a title if your going to re-sell!
Do you ebay? You could sell some parts for $ to buy parts for restore!
But if you can get it Buy It Now! This is a No Brainer!!!!!
Livin in "CheektaVegas, NY
Went thru 25 of these in 40 yrs.
I SOLD OUT! THE KAW BARN IS EMPTY.
More room for The Old Girl, Harley 75 FLH Electra Glide,
Old faithful! Points ign. Bendix Orig. carb.
Starts everytime!

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