Topic: Need help on bike's value. Kawasaki Triple

[GroovieGhoulie]

Found a crusty old Kwacker triple at the local bike shop when I dropped off a buddy today.  It's a KH500 and it's all there, except crusty and covered in snot.  Doesn't run but the guy said it has "sh*tloads of compression" and thinks if the carbs are gone through it should start.

I've wanted a two-stroke for a while and got to thinking about it as a ratbike project.  He was given it and said that while he wasn't thinking of selling it, "everything is negotiable".

He wants me to make him an offer, but I don't wanna overpay (if I decide to do it) and I don't wanna insult him. 

What are the going rate for these old oil burners and how are parts availability?  Should I do it, or run away?

Since pictures are worth a thousand words, here are some crappy cell-phone pics:











What do you guys think?

[Stu400]

Didnt they do a 750 version that was way too quick for its own good, had 2 steering dampers

go for it, better to restore it than let someone break it for spares. bank on an engine rebuild 

[mlinder]

Didnt they do a 750 version that was way too quick for its own good, had 2 steering dampers

go for it, better to restore it than let someone break it for spares. bank on an engine rebuild 

Called the 'Kid Killer'.

Yeah, I dunno the going price, but if it seems reasonable, it probably is. I'd love one, too.

[grumburg]

Better figure on a total motor rebuild. Spell E X P E N S I V E.

[GroovieGhoulie]

Better figure on a total motor rebuild. Spell E X P E N S I V E.

Are they really expensive?  The heads on our Hondas damn near have more parts than the entire Kwacker engine.

[Stu400]

Dont forget its a 2 smoke, will wear out its engine every 5000 miles, you must do it. i'm jealous

[grumburg]

Speaking of kid killers, see ebay item 330092124284, $13k and 2 hrs to go!

[Stu400]

to qoute "It was rarely ridden because I didn't want it to get scratched or dirty, "

do you think it was because it scared him silly?

[grumburg]

Had a friend that used to build drag bikes out of 750s. Bought trashed ones by the dozen for parts. Rode his daily rider once. Was like having three chain saws between your legs.. with the chainbar still attached.

[medic09]

Had a friend that used to build drag bikes out of 750s. Bought trashed ones by the dozen for parts. Rode his daily rider once. Was like having three chain saws between your legs.. with the chainbar still attached.

 

[RRRToolSolutions]

Some of your replies crack me up. This is a 53 horsepower bike, it weighs in at 450+ wet and handles better than any other Kawasaki I've ever ridden. It is not considered fast by anyone. The frame is the first since 1969 that did not need a steering damper. It's got bracing and rake/trail changes that vastly improved it's manerisms. Too bad it was dropped in it's first and only year - 1976. Basically the same engine and bodywork as the previous H1's of the 1973-75 era, the KH500 name was given to it as were all Kawasakis in 1976. The Z1 became the KZ900 and the H1 and S3 became the KH400 and KH500 (Kawasaki Highway) designations.

This bike looks like it's all there. It should be a fairly easy restore or fixer. Motor work is cheap - I own 6 of them and have rebuilt/restored 9 in total. They do not need rebuilding every 5,000 miles. I know several that have 20,000 + on the original rings. This bike fully restored would be worth $3,500 tops. You can easily spend $6,000 getting it close. As with most bikes, you can get upside down in a hurry. I've got a CB750 that is 500% over invested and more coming. Good parts are out there, but they bring premium prices. You can get Honda CB750 parts for a 1/3 of what the H1 will cost you. The H2's will be 5 times as much - especially the more rare 1975 C MachIV's.

They are good bikes - the best of the Kawasaki 2 strokes in my opinion for comfort, balance, and reliability. Mine is one of my favorites.

Good luck and let us know how you do. Oh, $500 tops. You can get running examples of this bike for $1,000~1,200 if you wait. It's the parts, paint, and chrome that will eat you later.

Regards,
Gordon

[RRRToolSolutions]

On the rebuilds and parts - I know from experience -

[mrbreeze]

Some of your replies crack me up. This is a 53 horsepower bike, it weighs in at 450+ wet and handles better than any other Kawasaki I've ever ridden. It is not considered fast by anyone. The frame is the first since 1969 that did not need a steering damper. It's got bracing and rake/trail changes that vastly improved it's manerisms. Too bad it was dropped in it's first and only year - 1976. Basically the same engine and bodywork as the previous H1's of the 1973-75 era, the KH500 name was given to it as were all Kawasakis in 1976. The Z1 became the KZ900 and the H1 and S3 became the KH400 and KH500 (Kawasaki Highway) designations.

This bike looks like it's all there. It should be a fairly easy restore or fixer. Motor work is cheap - I own 6 of them and have rebuilt/restored 9 in total. They do not need rebuilding every 5,000 miles. I know several that have 20,000 + on the original rings. This bike fully restored would be worth $3,500 tops. You can easily spend $6,000 getting it close. As with most bikes, you can get upside down in a hurry. I've got a CB750 that is 500% over invested and more coming. Good parts are out there, but they bring premium prices. You can get Honda CB750 parts for a 1/3 of what the H1 will cost you. The H2's will be 5 times as much - especially the more rare 1975 C MachIV's.

They are good bikes - the best of the Kawasaki 2 strokes in my opinion for comfort, balance, and reliability. Mine is one of my favorites.

Good luck and let us know how you do. Oh, $500 tops. You can get running examples of this bike for $1,000~1,200 if you wait. It's the parts, paint, and chrome that will eat you later.

Regards,
Gordon

I agree with Gordon as far as $500 being a fair price. The engine doesn't run so you really don't know what your getting (its like rolling the dice). I would maybe print up a copy of this post and then you can show the seller what Gordon is getting at about the price of getting this bike road worthy. It would be nice if a guy knew for sure it just needed carb work and thats all. You just don't know for sure till its running.Being that the bike is complete,I think $500 is reasonable.

[aptech77]

Yes.........GG...........Yes

[mrbreeze]

I'd like to graft the front fender on that to my 750.....good looking piece.

[bryanj]

If its been sat outside for years the crank mains have an over 75% chance of being toast and they are real expensive to have done

[chung]

Sorry, I didn't read a single reply. Those bikes have a fierce reputation and COMMAND big bucks these days. If it's all there (with papers).... I'd offer him a thousand american then cover your eyes and duck if he thinks it too low. With compression and no papers a couple hundred. You won't loose money

Oh yea, turns corners like a 1947 Buick with no shocks and a rear flat. I hate Um but........ they do make great noise. BUY IT NOW, I bet you can get at least $1500 on egay if you write a good ad.

I did see one post;  5k rebuilds are no biggie, they do tend to eat the center piston. But it's just like changing spark plugs in a Honda only $40 more for each hole. LOL