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OKC_Kent · 05-13-2008

The 4's run smoother, with quicker get-up-and-go. For sure they have less vibration.

Sure maintenance costs are going to be a bit higher with a four, to the tune of two spark plugs and MAYBE four carb rebuild kits vs. two. But if the bike is a good runner now and maintained, don't worry too much about it. It's easier to synchronize two carbs versus four but it's not a big deal. Twins and fours still have the same amount of tires, cables, filters, light bulbs, oil, etc, to regularly replace.

The KZ 750 Twin would be the last bike I would choose over any of the fours from Kaw, Honda and Suzuki, mainly because valve shims are now getting harder to find.
The Yamaha XS 650's are classics, have a good following and plenty of parts.
I have heard from many friends that Yamaha parts are generally very hard to buy now. (Vintage stuff ) Yamaha did not have the same feelings towards parts like Honda; Mr. Honda wanted to keep his bikes running a long time, so he stocked parts. Honda will have the best supply of old parts over the other Jap makers. Suzuki is next, then Kaw, then Yamaha last.
The exception being the XS 650, because small cottage businesses have taken over parts manufacturing for this model.

05-13-2008	#8 (permalink)
OKC_Kent Can't find time to ride BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 651	The 4's run smoother, with quicker get-up-and-go. For sure they have less vibration. Sure maintenance costs are going to be a bit higher with a four, to the tune of two spark plugs and MAYBE four carb rebuild kits vs. two. But if the bike is a good runner now and maintained, don't worry too much about it. It's easier to synchronize two carbs versus four but it's not a big deal. Twins and fours still have the same amount of tires, cables, filters, light bulbs, oil, etc, to regularly replace. The KZ 750 Twin would be the last bike I would choose over any of the fours from Kaw, Honda and Suzuki, mainly because valve shims are now getting harder to find. The Yamaha XS 650's are classics, have a good following and plenty of parts. I have heard from many friends that Yamaha parts are generally very hard to buy now. (Vintage stuff ) Yamaha did not have the same feelings towards parts like Honda; Mr. Honda wanted to keep his bikes running a long time, so he stocked parts. Honda will have the best supply of old parts over the other Jap makers. Suzuki is next, then Kaw, then Yamaha last. The exception being the XS 650, because small cottage businesses have taken over parts manufacturing for this model. __________________ Kent Oklahoma City, OK '78 KZ 650 B2 '83 KZ 750 LTD F1 Shaft '80 Suzuki GS450 Last edited by OKC_Kent : 05-13-2008 at 04:21 PM.