KZ 750 LTD 4 Cylinder, Basic Questions

[Gibson2687]

Hello all,

I'm sure something like this has popped up before, but I've been searching through old posts and FAQ's and haven't found anything, so I apologize for any redundancy.

I am looking for a late '70s early '80s bike along the lines of a Yamaha XS, Honda CB, and Kawi KZ. I want something in the 650cc+ range. It's going to be the first bike I own myself, although I'm not entirely new to motorcycling.

I found a local KZ 750 LTD, 4 cylinder (1980). The bike has great mileage and seems to have been maintained regularly.

My concerns are about it being a 4 cylinder. Are these bikes with the 4 cylinder motors more difficult to maintain and/or more prone to issues than a twin or triple? My logic was more carbs, more parts...more problems. But I wanted to get some experienced input.

The bike seems to be a good find, but I don't want to wind up in over my head. I have some mechanical knowledge and maintain all of my cars, but it seems scary to think about working on a 4 cylinder bike when compared to a simple twin.

Any and all input is greatly appreciated!

[antiq]

They're tough old horses. I love mine.

[Gibson2687]

Thanks for the input. Do you know of any issues specific to the 4 cylinder that aren't present in the twin?

[antiq]

Can't really think of any disadvantage of the four over the twin. But I haven't had the opportunity to experience the twin. You are now in the right forum for any help you'd need for either bike. Welcome.

[Gibson2687]

I appreciate it. I'm just trying to make an educated decision and avoid any unnecessary future headaches.

[antiq]

I'm sure others will be along soon with more insight and opinions. It's always best to make an informed decision.

[A2rider]

They are rock solid if you take care of them. Some people prefer a 4 over a twin.

[OKC_Kent]

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.

[Gibson2687]

Thanks for the info guys!

What are a few things I would want to look for right away when inspecting this bike? I am bringing a friend who is a more experienced rider to give a second opinion, but he rides a Sportster, so he's not there for specific advice...just another pair of eyes and whatnot.

The bike has <6,000 miles on it, original. Oil changes every 1k miles according to the owner. It's a bill of sale bike that is registered here in GA, but I still don't feel exactly comfortable buying a bike without a Title..even though it's not required.

Once again, I appreciate all of the input.

[bubbafunk31]

Check for oil leaks under the bike
feel the exhaust (in front of motor) BE CAREFULL MAY BE HOT!! before you start the bike if they are hot then he has prerun the bike to hide any cold start issues. And if he says that someone was there just a little bit ago test driving it (BULLS#&T) wait till the bike is cold then start it.
Check the throttle response it should be crisp and fast make sure nothing is broken around the throttle area/hand grip.

feel the brakerotors if they feel like an old Elvis record that's not good you can also see how the brake pads are.

check all the lights, horn, starter etc. and make sure all electrical stuff works.

open the gas tank and look inside make sure there is no rust on the inside of the tank. Smell around the carbs shouldn't have a strong smell of gas.
Check for fuel leaks and make sure all the Vacum lines are in good condition.

Listen when the bike is at an idle. (the bike should be idling at about 1000rpm)
any higher and he may be hiding primary chain noise or cam chain noise.
motor and bike should sound smooth other then the nice ticky ticky from the valves. That's a good thing. Bike should accelerate smoothly and hold speed and not lunge, Hunt, surge, sputter, backfire or spit!


Run the bike through all the gears (it should shift smooth) make sure it doesn't jump out of gear.
when you grab the front break it should stop smooth and not have any vibration.
FIRST AND FORMOST!!
write down a check list
and go through it!
If this person tries to rush you or says "I gotta leave in 15 minutes" WALK AWAY!! he's trying to get you to buy a piece of junk.

those are just some things I would check but didn't on my first bike.

[Gibson2687]

Many thanks.

I already told the owner that I want the bike to be cold when I arrive to inspect, so hopefully that will be the case.

I am very grateful for the warm welcome and help you guys are offering here!

[Wstar425]

I've had both the 4 cylinder LTD and 2 cylinder KZ750. NO comparison for performance. Actually, I've had two different 4 cylinders now that I think about it, no problems with either one. There was some kind of recall on the 2 cyl back in 76? Someting about a wire shorting out and putting current through the main bearings but the dealer took care of it.

I agree with what was said earlier, I wouldn't have a 2 cyl KZ unless I wanted it for a collection, not to ride.

They are good engines, if it has been taken care of, with that low of miles you should be good to go for a long time. They do get up and go so be careful as you said you are just learning.

[Gibson2687]

Thanks for the input.

I narrowed down the bikes I'm looking at to under 850cc. My days of going fast are behind me, but I'm no stranger to the temptation of being in something fast. I'm looking for reliable, entertaining transportation and hopefully a new hobby! Taking my '72 Pantera on longer trips isn't cheap anymore...

[antiq]

The 750 four will definitely scoot. Don't let the speedometer fool you.

[StarGate]

I remember the first Pantera I saw as a young boy. Always have liked the looks of those cars.

Just a couple of things to add to the very good list bubbafunk gave you. Check the brake lines and tires for signs of dry rot or cracks. Look in the "behind" areas of the bike like the back side of the exhaust for bad rust. Look at the sight glass on the front master cylinder make sure it's not full of gunk. Look at the areas of the wiring harness that you can see like under the seat and side covers, make sure it's not butchered up.

[Gibson2687]

My plan is to write down everything that I get from here and bring a flashlight, some gloves and the friend for a second opinion.

I'm guessing it's still important to compress the front fork and check for oil leaking from the seals up there?

I'll bring along a digital camera, and if I find anything fishy I'll take a pic and post it up to the thread. My biggest enemy is excitement

[Kawa 1982]

Welcome to the forum. Here are a couple of on line checklists that you may find useful.

Motorcycle Review Guide - Great Tips for Selecting the Best Bike

http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/bes..._checklist.xls

Do not be concerned about not getting a title in Georgia. I think the law states that bikes manufactured prior to 1986 can be registered with a bill of sale. That is all that is required. Make sure you verify that the current registration has the exact VIN number of the bike. The VIN number is stamped into the frame below the triple tree and behind the headlight. Also make sure the bill of sale lists the bike by manufacturer, year, model, and VIN number. I did not verify the current registration with what was on the bike. It slowed the registration process but was not hard to correct.

I have a 1982 KZ1100 A2. I have no regrets about getting a four banger. I thought it was fast until with the help of elr658 I got the valves set correctly. When I twist the handle we are off in a hurry.

Where are you located in GA?

Good luck.

[Gibson2687]

I am in Athens/Marietta but currently in Athens. The bike is in Tucker, about an hour away.

Thanks for the links, very helpful!

[Andy the gringo]

That sounds like a really nice find. 6000 miles on one of those bikes is nothing, just barely broken in. That same basic engine was produced by Kawasaki from 1977 up until 2003. Lots of stuff will interchange from year to year and there is a good supply of aftermarket stuff as well. Best of luck in your purchase.

[vinnye]

Those motors are real solid!
If you change the oil and filters regularly and keep the cam chain tensioner adjusted properly it wil run forever.
The 4 is a flier - you will be impressed at the get up and go if you are heavy on the twist grip.

Would not go near the twin - just my opinion !