Topic: KZ1000 Talk Me Out of It

[chewbacca5000]

I am thinking of trading my 1976 CB750 for a KZ1000 don't worry I have other 750s.  My reason is that I want a bike with lots of HP and am hoping that this might get me there quickly and for not alot of coin.  The cost to build a 750 engine to 90 HP is big money.


I have never done dual cam and don't want to get stuck with this thing if a teardown is required.  O yeah it comes with and extra engine and goodies too!  Looking for some pros and cons.

Thanks!

[kpier883]

Ok, here goes:
1.  Missing exhaust system
2.  Missing spark plug #4, what about others?
3.  Missing right driver foot peg
4.  Appears to be missing carb boots that go between the carbs and box.  Is the airbox present?

Now, let me say that I have ridden an '82 KZ1000 for many miles and in fact that was my first bike.  I like them.  But I would be very cautious about that one.  Toilet paper stuffed in the spark plug holes and exhaust ports may not be the best way to keep water out of the engine, ha ha!.  Seriously, anyone that leaves a bike sitting without a plug in the spark plug holes probably has done other unexpected and potentially disastrous things to the bike.  If it is under a shed that helps, but who knows if it was only recently pushed there. 

Check for any and all missing or damaged parts and consider the replacement cost.  Don't get emotional and approach it with the expectation of having to to rebuild the engine.  Is the other engine known to be good?

You could be looking at quite a bit of money to get your 90 hp back unless you know something about the bike's condition firsthand.

Best of luck!

[chewbacca5000]

A plug out would be a deal breaker, but it looks like the plug cap is just off. He has all the parts just not on it.  Currently he has too many projects and wants to unload this one.  The other engine is an unknown.  He has all the parts carbs, exhaust etc..  2 extra tanks and side covers too. 

What kind of compression should I get on this thing?  Maybe I can turn it over and get a quick compression test?  I am very familiar with the cb750 stock engine and basic rebuilding, but no zero about dual cam.

What kind of power did your bike produce?  Was it anywhere near 90?

[thrutheframe]

Don't do it.  I am a huge KZ100 fan but this one looks like a land mine of issues.  Your CB750 will hold its value alot longer.  If you want a more powerful bike save your money up and buy a solid KZ1000 or KZ900.

[Stev-o]

I had a KZ1000 and it was a great bike.  Thru has a valid point, does not appear to be an even trade unless yours is in sad shape. Pics?

[Really?]

I would take it, dunno what you are trading. I've taken a 750 with a whole lot less on it.

[chewbacca5000]

Thanks guys!  If I want a KZ1000 I will hold out for a runner.  A pic and a short video can be found here My 1976 CB750 with New Mac Exhaust  I tried trading for 72 with low miles a non runner, but the guy never responded.  Offered cash, 42 in flat and the bike not even an email.  Saw this and thought how hard can it be, but it is probably a land mine.

I like my 76 and it has some untapped power if I can find a clutch strong enough.  I put lots of work into getting it to shift smoother than any bike I have ever had.  Maybe I will do a Barnett and find out what this bike has got.

If one of you guys is interested the ad is here http://syracuse.craigslist.org/mcy/2970281017.html.

[dhall57]

Your K6 sounds good! What is paint scheme on the tank? Never had a Kaw of any type, but a friend in the mid 70's had a KZ900 and it was just stupid fast and almost scary for its day and time. This was the bike that knocked the CB750 off the throne as the king of the hill. I think your right about the KZ1000 pushing about 90HP off the show room floor. Not sure how old you are, but remember the TV show CHIPS they rode KZ1000"s. The Kaw would for sure be a step up in power and speed dept. Me myself I'm just partial to the sohc4 CB750, there plenty fast for me As for the KZ1000 pictured, I'm not sure if I would jump off that bridge or not. The DOHC engines are a different animal than the fairly simple SOHC.

[kpier883]

I never had mine on a dyno.  It was rated at 92 hp so I'd guess75 rwhp.  It would run out to redline in top gear pretty quickly.  That was a bit under 130 mph based on the speedo. 

[grcamna2]

I think the KZ1000 is worth looking into..,and if it comes with all those other parts it may be well worth consideration.

[750K]

If the price is right and things look good all around I'd consider it. Compression should be somewhere between 130-160 psi, according to my factory kz1000 manual. I'm just working on getting a 78 Kz1000 back on the road, compression was 150-155 across all 4. Just fired it up, sounds #$%*ing badass! Can't wait till its roadworthy, keep looking if this ones not the one!

[Terry in Australia]

Fcuking hell mate, why are you even thinking about it, go get that big Kawasaki, they're a great bike, and (over here at least) worth heaps more than CB750's. (except K0's of course) Cheers, Terry.

[Xnavylfr]

KZ, well if it were my choice I'd trade but I just like the older KZs for the monster power they had available at the throttle. I had a 78' KZ1000 bored to 1075 and running at 80mph you only had to crack the throttle and you were over the TON mark. Mine was advertized with 96HP and with bore job I had about 105HP.

The BAD, yes the internals are a BIG difference from the SOHC. The valves are adjusted with shims some were SOB= shim on bottom of bucket and most were SOT= shim on top. All of your drag racers use the SOB , because it has less of a chance of floating a shim out of position at HI-RPM=BAD NEWS.
Took me a couple of tries and a couple of bent valves to LEARN the process of shimming the valves.If both engines are NOT siezed TRADE!!!

Xnavylfr(CHUCK