Topic: 1976 Kawasaki KZ900

[rocco]

So, winter is coming and I think I need a new project, the 550 went into storage yesterday and today I'm on the computer and I stumble across a 1976 Kawasaki KZ900.
Bike has 13,500 miles and appears to look pretty clean in the photos. Although the engine and such is not currently in the bike and the owner says there is still some assembly needed on the motor and bike. I believe I am capable of finishing the project on my own.
The guy wants $1400 Canadian. So roughly $1050USD.
I believe the KZ900 is supposed to be one of the more sought after 70's bikes. Looking for any insight on whether or not this is a good deal and if I would be able to make a couple grand from a winters work putting it back together. I don't really need the bike, but would be interested in making a couple bucks to fund a future project.
I've noticed that it looks like the exhaust is missing, which might be a big money deal breaker....

Here is the link to the Kijiji Ad for photos (it's in French since I'm in Montreal):

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-moto-sport-promenade/ouest-de-lile-qc/kawasaki-kz-900-1976/1211410434?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Thanks

[Stev-o]

Kaw 900's are fine bikes, however the '76 model is not highly collectable. It was not the Z1, which were only manufactured '73-75, approx 82,000 units.

That said, the bike in the ad looks to be in good condition, but obviously the motor is a big unknown [I never believe a seller]. I dont read French, but that bike restored in not worth $5K, more like US$3K.
Repop 4 into 4 exhausts are available for about US$1250

These are fun projects, here is my '75 that I restored 3 years ago....

[rocco]

Kaw 900's are fine bikes, however the '76 model is not highly collectable. It was not the Z1, which were only manufactured '73-75, approx 82,000 units.

That said, the bike in the ad looks to be in good condition, but obviously the motor is a big unknown [I never believe a seller]. I dont read French, but that bike restored in not worth $5K, more like US$3K.
Repop 4 into 4 exhausts are available for about US$1250

These are fun projects, here is my '75 that I restored 3 years ago....

Hey Stev-o,

Thanks for getting back to me. Basically you've been confirming much of my research from today. That's a sweet Z1 you did. I realize the Z1 are the more valuable (and prettier). But even at $3000 USD, that's $4000 CAD right now, so if I can pick it up for $1400 CAD and have a good project for the winter and have a few grand to play around with, it would be fun. Like you said, it seems to be in good condition, I'm going to take a look at it tomorrow so I'll get to see everything better. I know it looks a lot better than my CB550 did when I got it and I paid $1500 for that haha (rookie mistake, but great learners project). Trying to have a cheaper project this time around.
About the exhausts, this is an LTD model, and from my research, I believe the 4 into 2 are stock on this bike. I looked into it because after hunting down the original 4 into 4 for my 550, I wasn't even going to touch this bike if it was missing the exhaust haha. Too much money in one detail for a bike only worth $3k

[Stev-o]

Kaw 900's are fine bikes, however the '76 model is not highly collectable. It was not the Z1, which were only manufactured '73-75, approx 82,000 units.

That said, the bike in the ad looks to be in good condition, but obviously the motor is a big unknown [I never believe a seller]. I dont read French, but that bike restored in not worth $5K, more like US$3K.
Repop 4 into 4 exhausts are available for about US$1250

These are fun projects, here is my '75 that I restored 3 years ago....

Hey Stev-o,

Thanks for getting back to me. Basically you've been confirming much of my research from today. That's a sweet Z1 you did. I realize the Z1 are the more valuable (and prettier). But even at $3000 USD, that's $4000 CAD right now, so if I can pick it up for $1400 CAD and have a good project for the winter and have a few grand to play around with, it would be fun. Like you said, it seems to be in good condition, I'm going to take a look at it tomorrow so I'll get to see everything better. I know it looks a lot better than my CB550 did when I got it and I paid $1500 for that haha (rookie mistake, but great learners project). Trying to have a cheaper project this time around.
About the exhausts, this is an LTD model, and from my research, I believe the 4 into 2 are stock on this bike. I looked into it because after hunting down the original 4 into 4 for my 550, I wasn't even going to touch this bike if it was missing the exhaust haha. Too much money in one detail for a bike only worth $3k

Oh, it'a an LTD? then disregard the 4 into 4 exhaust info.  There are nice 4 into 1 options like Kerker and Delkavic, just saw this today whlie looking for exhaust foer my Kaw H2.

http://www.delkevic.us/index.php?route=product/category&path=1_8367_8456_8473&categorystring=Motorcycles-Kawasaki-1976-KZ900LTD%20KZ900B%20(1976)

[rocco]

Kaw 900's are fine bikes, however the '76 model is not highly collectable. It was not the Z1, which were only manufactured '73-75, approx 82,000 units.

That said, the bike in the ad looks to be in good condition, but obviously the motor is a big unknown [I never believe a seller]. I dont read French, but that bike restored in not worth $5K, more like US$3K.
Repop 4 into 4 exhausts are available for about US$1250

These are fun projects, here is my '75 that I restored 3 years ago....

Hey Stev-o,

Thanks for getting back to me. Basically you've been confirming much of my research from today. That's a sweet Z1 you did. I realize the Z1 are the more valuable (and prettier). But even at $3000 USD, that's $4000 CAD right now, so if I can pick it up for $1400 CAD and have a good project for the winter and have a few grand to play around with, it would be fun. Like you said, it seems to be in good condition, I'm going to take a look at it tomorrow so I'll get to see everything better. I know it looks a lot better than my CB550 did when I got it and I paid $1500 for that haha (rookie mistake, but great learners project). Trying to have a cheaper project this time around.
About the exhausts, this is an LTD model, and from my research, I believe the 4 into 2 are stock on this bike. I looked into it because after hunting down the original 4 into 4 for my 550, I wasn't even going to touch this bike if it was missing the exhaust haha. Too much money in one detail for a bike only worth $3k

Oh, it'a an LTD? then disregard the 4 into 4 exhaust info.  There are nice 4 into 1 options like Kerker and Delkavic, just saw this today whlie looking for exhaust foer my Kaw H2.

http://www.delkevic.us/index.php?route=product/category&path=1_8367_8456_8473&categorystring=Motorcycles-Kawasaki-1976-KZ900LTD%20KZ900B%20(1976)

Ya those Delkavic are nice for the price. I had looked into those when I was looking into buying a 400F project missing the exhaust. Would go sweet on the kawa. Although I don't mind the  stock 4 into 2 so if it's in good shape, I'll stick with those. So you think 1400 is an alright price for the bike then?

[ekpent]

 A 1976 KZ900 would be a lot better deal then an LTD. Have not done research but I would not want to get too deep into an LTD model. The stepped seat, wheels and rake etc. do not help its value.

[rocco]

 A 1976 KZ900 would be a lot better deal then an LTD. Have not done research but I would not want to get too deep into an LTD model. The stepped seat, wheels and rake etc. do not help its value.

Haha these are all things I've researched. I don't want to get too far. This guy on kijiji seems to think it's the holy grail hahaha

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-street-cruisers-choppers/cornwall-on/1976-kawasaki-kz900-ltd/1024970970?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

[Stev-o]

Never believe a seller!   I'bet a little cash he will not get $10 for that.

Did not know they made a 900 LTD, I had the 1000 LTD model years ago. Was a great nike, put many trouble free miles on her including a 7000 mile cross country trip.

[rocco]

Never believe a seller!   I'bet a little cash he will not get $10 for that.

Did not know they made a 900 LTD, I had the 1000 LTD model years ago. Was a great nike, put many trouble free miles on her including a 7000 mile cross country trip.

They only made it for the one year, then moved up to the 1000. I like where you're going with roadtrip. I need to do one of those soon

[bill440cars]

      I consider myself very fortunate, to have been able to see the "Great Ones" come into production, as I was growing up. Saw the Super Hawk, CB450K0, All of the Honda SOHC Fours
(350-400-500-550-650 & 750) come out, SL350K0, Kawasaki Triples, 900Z1, etc introduced and on the Kawasaki, I never came close to getting a 900Z-1, but did manage to get an '83 GPZ1100, which a lot of them were used for Drag Racing and most were eventually converted over to carburetor, but mine runs great and still has the factory EFI, so far. So, even though I have never had a Z1, I did manage to snag this GPZ and proud of it. What I am trying to say is, sometimes we might not be able to get the exact model, so you should try for the closest one to it and make the best of it. At least, that is the way "I" look at it. 

[Stev-o]

What I am trying to say is, sometimes we might not be able to get the exact model, so you should try for the closest one to it and make the best of it. At least, that is the way "I" look at it. 

On the other hand, don't settle for something you really dont want.  Dont spend the rest of your years saying "I wish i would have..."

My dream bike was the Z1 so I bought one I could afford and spend a year and a half restoring it back to original, like the bike I wanted.

[754]

First year LTD has Morris wheels, and Jardine 4-2 (not sure if its slipons or a full system )

[bill440cars]

On the other hand, don't settle for something you really dont want.  Dont spend the rest of your years saying "I wish i would have..."

My dream bike was the Z1 so I bought one I could afford and spend a year and a half restoring it back to original, like the bike I wanted.

           While I understand where you are coming from, in my case, getting ther GPZ, instead of a Z1, doesn't hurt my feelings at all. I am quite proud to have this GPZ. Still has the EFI and a Really Healthy Ride. And I Like having that Kerker on there as well. 

[mrbreeze]

My 77 LTD came with the mags and 4 to 2 Jardines. I put a Brand new 4 to 1 Kerker on it....$325 installed in 1988. They cost more than twice that nowadays.

[mrbreeze]

Never believe a seller!   I'bet a little cash he will not get $10 for that.

Did not know they made a 900 LTD, I had the 1000 LTD model years ago. Was a great nike, put many trouble free miles on her including a 7000 mile cross country trip.

I don't know Steve. I had a 77 LTD 1000. Not real sure if the 76 was a 900 or 1000. I do know for sure that the 77 1000 was the last year of points ignition.