TOPIC:

Try to identify this bike. Found it in my neighbors barn, obviously not running. Said to have carburator issues. No markings to be found. Nothing on under the seat. He thinks it's a 900 but not sure. The owner wants $250. Needs tires, the speedometer housing is broken (dangling from cable), missing the side plates that cover the battery, and has no title. Looking for a starter bike as I haven't rode for 12 years and money is tight.

What is it? Is it worth putting money/time into it? I have seen running bikes in same engine size for $1000-$1500 in the area. Wouldn't even think of giving the $250 but would consider less if it looks possible to get a decent bike out of this. Can take more pictures if needed.

Sorry if this should be posted on another forum but didn't see one that was completely appropriate.

bigdaddyjohn

I've never spent more than 600 (each) for my 550 and 750. they were running and had titles.

the fact that the owner deosn't even know what bike it is tells you how much he cared about it. why was it parked in the first place? how long parked? you are going to spend more than 1000-1500 getting that bike titled, running good, and making it safe for the road.

normally it is the cheap bikes that end up costing more in the long run.

run the VIN which is stamped on the steering stem. type the VIN into www.buykawasaki.com at the top of the webpage, go to owner info

Post edited by: lifeliberty, at: 2006/06/23 15:40

Bigdaddyjohn:

As you face the bike (if it's, in fact, a Kawasaki), on the lower left hand side of the cylinder jugs will be, facing forward, a flattened area with the cc's embossed. As you face the bike, on the left side of the crankcase, below the carbs, will be a flattened surface with the motor VIN stamped. As you face the bike, on the left side of the main steering stem will be either a attached white label with motor vehicle info (including the frame VIN) or if missing, the VIN will be stamped into the frame. You will have to turn the handlebars to the left to read this label. Once you get all this info, you can look up the identification on several sites. Then you can make the call on whether or not the bike is worth your time and money.

pictures,need pictures so we know what kind of bike were talking about.

part it out and buy something that is complete and has a U.S. Vin# so you will not get killed in the field on a nervous scrapper with barn vareity of rabies. haha
take my kz for sale I'll deliver for energy costs.

Get a photo. If not a KAW it might be someone elses dream bike. Dibs if a Vincent! -Duck

where are you located?if youre not interested we always have room here at wiremans home for unwanted zs:whistle:

lack of a title hurts the value, but depending on where you are that might not be a problem. i paid 350 for my 900 not running but you can see what i got for the money in the gallery. 1 pic b4 one after but its transforming severly now so even those pics are several years ago.

I tried to post the pic with the question but it was too big. The post went through without the pic and I ran out of time before work to resize and post. I'll try again.

The bike is stored in the neighbors barn. It wasn't his bike. Friend of the family stored it there and never started to work on it. Not sure about the no title history. He bought it off the dude with the intention of working on it several years ago.

Hopefully the picture will post with this. Thanks for the advice already.

bigdaddyjohn


Post edited by: bigdaddyjohn, at: 2006/06/24 04:57

Post edited by: kzrider, at: 2006/06/24 13:10

pic2

pic3

Hummmm...interesting mixture of parts....has an LTD front end, but the rear wheel is a drum brake...missing a caliper on the front, suggesting the front end/wheel was a bolt-on addition...tail piece is a 1000A1...front fender looks Z1/Z900...I'm guessing a 1976/7 KZ900A4/5...but the VIN (see my earlier post) will tell the true story....a non-runner with no title ought to be really cheap!