TOPIC:

I am looking at by my first bike and I was looking a 1980 kz750 ltd. I was wanting to know how they handle and whether or not this would be a good bike for someone just starting out? Any advice is helpful.
Thanks.

Is the motorcycle in good running condition with new battery & good or new tires?

Do you already know how to ride a motorcycle?


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Martin_Csr it is in good running condition and tires have about a season left on them. I have rode motorcycles before but not street bikes.

I rode a 750 LTD twin for about ten years. When properly cared for , I think the handling is very beginner friendly. It is stable, predictable, nad has no bad habits to surprise you. Keep in mind that it is a cruiser, not a sport bike. If you push it too hard in the twisties, you will discover some frame and suspension flex. That is a sign that you are near it's limits. However, you will need to be near to dragging hard parts to get there. More rational speed will reward you with stable handling.
If you get it, be sure to get a copy of the factory service manual and tend to ALL the routine maintenance, as much of it has probably been neglected.
The factory shocks and fork springs (if still present) are likely shot. I replaced mine with units from Progressive Suspension. I found the fork springs to be a great upgrade, but the shocks were a bit too stiff for my taste. If I were to do it again, I would look at Ikon or Hagon for shocks.

By collins221: Martin_Csr it is in good running condition and tires have about a season left on them. I have rode motorcycles before but not street bikes.

Is this a Twin or a 750-4. .... The usual advice is to get a small motorcycle to start on, but since you already know how to ride, then you can probably handle a 750-4. The stock buckhorn-style handlebars on the KZ750-H Ltd are terrible as they jam your elbows into your sides, but maybe the bars have been changed already. ???


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Martin_csr it is a 750-4.

My 650-CSR came with the same buckhorn handlebars as the 750H >> narrow with a lot of pullback & kind of high >> those were the worst. If it has the stock bars, then you'll probably want to swap them out. I originally installed Flanders BMW Med Tall Street bars which were a vast improvement. I've now installed Emgo Euro bars. The 650-CSR has the same frame as the 750H & shares a number of parts with the Ltd.

....1981 KZ650-CSR w Euro bars & KZ1000J long stem mirrors.

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martin_csr wrote: My 650-CSR came with the same buckhorn handlebars as the 750H >> narrow with a lot of pullback & kind of high >> those were the worst. If it has the stock bars, then you'll probably want to swap them out. I originally installed Flanders BMW Med Tall Street bars which were a vast improvement. I've now installed Emgo Euro bars. The 650-CSR has the same frame as the 750H & shares a number of parts with the Ltd.

When using the buckhorn while riding very slowly perhaps in circles in a parking lot they can sometimes cause your elbows to get crowded. There's no turning the handle bars when riding like it was meant to be ridden even at legal speed limits. If you're on the interstate turning handle bars here there are minimum speed limits. You'll get a ticket for not going fast enough.

Here is the bike in question.

I can't tell what bars are on the bike, but I'd guess those are not stock. The stock handlebars are about 26" wide, which is very narrow. My Euro bars are ~ 31" wide.

Olajoe, the Ltd-type bars were the worst: I hated them & that's all that matters to me. I don't care about whether or not it matters on the highway or at speed. City driving with those was the pits & I didn't like having my elbows jammed into my ribs, no matter how fast I was going. Some guys like buckhorns & ape hangers: I don't.

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martin_csr wrote: I can't tell what bars are on the bike, but I'd guess those are not stock. The stock handlebars are about 26" wide, which is very narrow. My Euro bars are ~ 31" wide.

Olajoe, the Ltd-type bars were the worst: I hated them & that's all that matters to me. I don't care about whether or not it matters on the highway or at speed. City driving with those was the pits & I didn't like having my elbows jammed into my ribs, no matter how fast I was going. Some guys like buckhorns & ape hangers: I don't.
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Hi martin_csr. I was under the impression that you were saying the bars are Thank you for clearing that up.