Newbie looking to buy a bike....

[ItsMeArjay]

So I got to talking about bikes with my coworker, turns out he's got a 1983 Kawasaki 750 Spectre. He told me his wife bought it for him as an anniversary present, and he's the second owner. He's just trying to get rid of it since it's taking space in his garage. He's asking either between $150-200, has like 15,xxx miles on it. What should I look for in buying it, it's my first bike that I'm looking into buying. It hasn't been started in a while. Any other questions? Thanks in advance guys...

-arjay

[WyldStreak]

Well, I'm no expert, but from just a part it out standpoint, it's worth several times more than the asking price. . .

Older bikes do come with problems, though. If it's been setting for that length of time, you'll be looking at varnish in the fuel lines. Carbs might need redone, fuel lines might need replaced, petcock could be shot. Wiring deteriorates over the years too, may have to replace some wiring. The engine may have issues from setting as well.

First thing I'd do is take some time and look through the postings on this board, several of them talk about someone bringing a bike back to life, and they would be great information, and help you know what to look for. If you're willing to put in some effort, a few dollars, and a couple of busted knuckles, you would probably come out in great shape, with a nicely restored vintage Kaw!

Lots of help on this board, though, and I'm sure others who have gone through this pain will have additional input.

[NCDave]

make sure it runs well. Carbs may be gummed up from sitting so long.

Also check the inside of the tank for rust. it happens from sitting and would need to be sealed.

check forks for any seal leakage.

check for oil leaks.

Check the sproket teeth for wear. it shouldn't be bad with only 15k miles.

[ItsMeArjay]

thanks for the insight guys...I also just remembered one of my friends graduated from MMI down in Orlando, an he's worked on a few kawi's...so most likely I may just bring him along to look at it. I'll most likely pick it up as a project bike. Has anyone on here done any crazy mods on em? Any cool conversions I should look into? I've always been a huge fan of cafe racers and monsters, so maybe I can do a conversion, if possible. Like I said, I'm still new to this whole thing, so feel free to flame me hahaha, just not too bad. and once again, thanks guys, I look forward to gaining a lot of knowledge on my new found passion

[Beans]

Now this is just me, but for $200 I would be all over that. I bought my kz440 for $700 in so-so shape and compared to the other bikes for sale in my area that was a pretty good price. As was posted above, check for anything you can visually, check if the engine turns over, rust, tires, etc. Carbs will probably need to be done, but those are pretty cheap to clean/re-gasket. I think that so long as you go into buying it with the "this is going to be a project" mentality you will be pleasantly surprised (supposing you don't find something seriously wrong with it!). Also, I've seen quite a few Kaw 750 cafe racers on the net so that's definatly a possibility for you. Good luck dude!

[StarGate]

Originally Posted by Beans

Now this is just me, but for $200 I would be all over that. I bought my kz440 for $700 in so-so shape and compared to the other bikes for sale in my area that was a pretty good price. As was posted above, check for anything you can visually, check if the engine turns over, rust, tires, etc. Carbs will probably need to be done, but those are pretty cheap to clean/re-gasket. I think that so long as you go into buying it with the "this is going to be a project" mentality you will be pleasantly surprised (supposing you don't find something seriously wrong with it!). Also, I've seen quite a few Kaw 750 cafe racers on the net so that's definatly a possibility for you. Good luck dude!

+ 1

You didn't say how long it's been sitting since it last ran so it's really hard to even make a guess at what all it might need. As long as the engine is ok (didn't get run it's last 30 miles without oil type thing) and it wasn't in a major wreck with some frame damage, it's a good price for a project bike. Just be aware that when you get it you will probably spend another $500+ just to get it back on the road in good shape again. The bulk of that you could expect to pay for things like tires, battery, brake/fuel/vacuum lines, cables, oil/filters, and possibly a tank liner kit. That is assuming you (and friends) do the work yourself. I've been looking for a 550-750 project bike myself and would like to find one like you have found.

[kawpaul]

I got to agree it is a great price.
Those cheap projects come along quite rare actually .I saw a couple on craigs back in the summer but were grabbed up pretty quick when they had a give away price.

[ItsMeArjay]

I've been looking a little bit into the cafe racers, and I saw one thats a KH750
how much of a difference is the KH from the KZ which is the spectre? please correct me if i'm wrong. which i have a feeling i am haha

[kawpaul]

The KH is the three cylinder two stroke often dubbed the widow maker.
The Spectre would be a four stroke four cylinder more a cruiser style.
Nice looking bike if ya ask me. And I think would make a great cafe platform. http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...;20Spectre.htm

[ItsMeArjay]

I came across this in a search on google http://thekneeslider.com/images/kawasakitriplecafe.jpg
thats the KH750 which I thought looked sick

[herk]

The Spectre is a shaft drive bike - smoooth.
Here's an 82 model.

[quader98]

hello , you should try to put up some pics up so we can see if it's worth the rebuild or the part out . try to get some history on it, other than your buddy's , with only 15 and gararge kept it might be worth the rebuild

[jbsmd]

150 to 200, oh for crying out loud, just buy the dang thing, now you got a boat anchor, go buy a boat. expect to rebuild everything on the bike.I'd be more concerned with all the paper work. You'd hate to put a lot of time and effort into something you can't register or show ownership. Try to get rough estimates for each prob you might see.check for things like NCDAVE mentioned

[zoro]

Yup! Buy it! Check those brake systems,(bleed out the old fluid,replace with fresh DOT-3) If theres fuel left in the tank, dump it, replace fuel lines and install a new in-line fuel filter,etc.etc. Just let us know when you get the bike, its a steal! The Spectre is a cool bike! I think they look pretty tough with Superbike bars, forks raised(front lowered) and a header, they really take on that "Muscle Bike" look! P.S. Welcome to the forum! Keep it "Old School"

[9am53]

man, I got my 550 spectre for 1200 last year and I thought I got a deal! and it had 35000miles on it! pick the thing up!!! as people have said, make sure it turns over and is not seized, check the gas tank for rust and kreem it up, replace the fuel lines and add a fuel filter, check fork seals,CHECK VALVE CLEARANCES, change tires as they crack over time...there is a list of things that need to be taken care of for your safety and for the bike itself, but if you have a wrenching buddy, or are handy yourself it is not hard.

Go into it as a winter project, take your time and get a proper kawi manual, and do the maintenance yourslef, it's really not that bad. It seems more daunting than it really is. I am in the middle of a complete engine rebuild this winter. I have never seen a piston ring or valve stem seal before and I am doing it myself...it's not that bad! I think you will enjoy the spectre as the suspension and shaft drive make for a nice comfy no-grease-up-your-back ride! Good Luck!

[9am53]

did you end up getting it?

[dardoonk]

Originally Posted by 9am53

man, I got my 550 spectre for 1200 last year and I thought I got a deal! and it had 35000miles on it! pick the thing up!!! as people have said, make sure it turns over and is not seized, check the gas tank for rust and kreem it up, replace the fuel lines and add a fuel filter, check fork seals,CHECK VALVE CLEARANCES, change tires as they crack over time...there is a list of things that need to be taken care of for your safety and for the bike itself, but if you have a wrenching buddy, or are handy yourself it is not hard.

Go into it as a winter project, take your time and get a proper kawi manual, and do the maintenance yourslef, it's really not that bad. It seems more daunting than it really is. I am in the middle of a complete engine rebuild this winter. I have never seen a piston ring or valve stem seal before and I am doing it myself...it's not that bad! I think you will enjoy the spectre as the suspension and shaft drive make for a nice comfy no-grease-up-your-back ride! Good Luck!

You live in Kansas, so I'd expect you have few riding days over the next few months. If you have a place to work on it over the winter and it isn't a piece of trash, buy it and spend time thru the winter doing one thing at a time, so you have a safe & reliable bike in a few months.

[zoro]

Originally Posted by 9am53

did you end up getting it?

Yeah, what he said...?

[V2K_CCTX]

+1

[Beans]

I wonder how much it would cost to ship it to BC... I've been looking for a Kaw 750...