1979 Kawasaki KZ650

[LGPP]

So I've been trying to sell my Bronco and a guy offered me to trade a restored 1979 KZ650.

I've been wanting to get into bikes and this would be a quick way to get in. Although I must say I've never driven a motorcycle before. But I don't plan on going fast or anything. I do however like vintage bikes much more than the newer stuff that's put out.

What do you guys think? Worth a trade?

[MFolks]

How many miles on the 650? Good or rough shape? Last ran?Been dropped?

[LGPP]

Originally Posted by MFolks

How many miles on the 650? Good or rough shape? Last ran?Been dropped?

15K on the bike is what he said. Looks like it's in good shape. Guy said he restored it.

Don't know about last ran or if it's been dropped.

[StarGate]

Well, it's not "restored" but that doesn't mean he hasn't done a lot of work getting it in good shape. He has converted the seat to a cafe style (not very comfortable for long rides) and the paint is definitely not original design or color. Other than that, it's hard to tell much about it from that picture. What sort of $ value do you think your bronco is worth?

[LGPP]

Well my Bronco is a 1989 with the 351 v8 in it. Rebuilt motor with less than 40k miles on it. It's in good running condition but cosmetically it could use some work. I'm asking 2500.

[StarGate]

Well you will have to make the call on that because you're the only one that knows the "real" value of your bronco. I mean I understand what we "ask" for things when we sell them but we also know pretty much what we would accept. The bike isn't worth anything near 2500.

[LGPP]

Originally Posted by StarGate

Well you will have to make the call on that because you're the only one that knows the "real" value of your bronco. I mean I understand what we "ask" for things when we sell them but we also know pretty much what we would accept. The bike isn't worth anything near 2500.

What would you say the bike is worth in money terms?

[steell]

Location makes a difference.
Being a Ford guy that's been looking for another old Ford pickup or Bronco I can tell you that locally you'd probably get $1500 out of your Bronco, and the bike would bring maybe $800. Locations vary so yours may be different.

[herk]

Less than $1k... maybe $500-800 assuming it runs. If it doesn't run, $500 or less. But that's just me - I wouldn't pay a lot for a KZ650 unless it was running & in super condition. Any time & effort he put into the bike isn't worth much, unfortunately.

When placing a value on something, whether it's a car, motorcycle or TV, I ask myself what would it be worth after I buy it.

[StarGate]

Don't forget that the time of year drives the price market on bikes also. It wouldn't be unusual to find a 650 in pretty good shape and running for 500-700 at this time of year. Of course if he waits till spring to sell it the price could go up a few hundred. The recent gas price surge saw the price of bikes take a healthy jump this past summer as well as the amount of motorcycle sales, but that has all returned to normal for the most part now.

[LGPP]

He sent some better pictures. Here we go.





One is a repeat but in a higher resolution.

[StarGate]

The camera will hide a lot of the small rust but I still see quite a bit on the fender and in the headlight/forks area and the header pipe. That and the rattle can paint would make me think there is a lot of rust that is hidden by the paint he's put on the other areas. The bars have been changed out for a different style and he didn't bother to get throttle cables the correct length so the clutch cable is probably wrong also. I would rate overall physical condition as poor.

[LGPP]

Seems like there is a consensus that this bike isn't worth it. Thanks fellas.

[kawpaul]

I would say 600 top. And that would be if it had a jim dandy engine.

[zoro]

Yup that bike needs alot of work! That guys done a cosmetic cover up! The bike and at least a grand for the bronco! A member just got one for $150 bucks on another thread! Be patient, bikes are going to be flooding craigs list and ebay for the next few weeks!

[StarGate]

Originally Posted by kawpaul

I would say 600 top. And that would be if it had a jim dandy engine.

Personally, I wouldn't pay over 300-400 because I'd have to replace the seat/tail and bars on top of everything else. I'm not a cafe style fan although I've seen some really nice looking cafe bikes. If I wanted to ride in the fetal position I'd just get a crotch rocket.

[steell]

Personally, I'd charge him at least $50 to haul it away.

But there are already eight bikes here and I don't want to give up any more room.

[kawpaul]

Originally Posted by StarGate

Personally, I wouldn't pay over 300-400 because I'd have to replace the seat/tail and bars on top of everything else. I'm not a cafe style fan although I've seen some really nice looking cafe bikes. If I wanted to ride in the fetal position I'd just get a crotch rocket.

I was giving my highest estimate for the OP. I would not buy it myself. I seen a lot better for less. I am like you, it is not suited for my tastes.

That has got to be awkward, low bars cut seat and no rear-sets.