New Rider - New User - New (To Me) Bike

[E36 Phantom]

Hey All,

Just picked up an 82 KZ750 Spectre. Got it the same day I got my CA M1 permit. Thought I'd introduce myself and my bike.

Me: BMW car guy. 98 540i. That's the 4.4L V-8 with 6-spd manual. Amazing car. Simply amazing. Student @ UCSD (2nd year). Previous cages were a 94 BMW 325is 5spd stick, pretty highly modified, and my first car was a 91 Toyota Supra; Turbo, Targa, 5spd stick - That's all the important stuff. New to riding, need to take the MSF course ASAP.

Bike: 11,400 miles. Great condition. Idles purrrrfectly, starts *right* up. Tank paint in perfect condition except where gas had been spilled. 2 tiny dings on left side tank. The areas where it says "Spectre 750" have faded. One large and one tiny rip in seat . Rt rear turn signal also slightly damaged from a drop. Left mirror and speedo are being partly held on w/ electrical tape, likely from the same fall as the tank dings.

Get this: I paid $575 for it. I was thrilled. It looks awesome and classic, was in great condition, and a low price. Granted, I don't know what it should be "worth", but it was worth it to me. Anyway, on to the important part: PICS!





My girls together:


Pardon the poor photo quality - lousy cell camera.

More threads will follow soon with some of the small issues I've got. For now, just wanted to intro myself.

-Chad

[jbsmd]

Welcome aboard. One thing about getting a bike that needs work is, it makes you feel good when you get something fixed on it. Pic's aren't that bad. At least you posted some.

[airforce1]

Chad,
warning warning warning!!!
The police are on their way to your '40 to arrest you for stealing that Kawasaki!
If you are a good wheelman the Beemer might get you out in time, but we know who you are!

Actually, congrats on your new adventure.
Looks like pocket change to fix it up and make it a really nice classic.
Best wishes for enjoying it and enjoying this forum!

[elr658]

Used mechanical parts are really easy to get. Colormatched stock parts aren't.
Welcome and you got a SCREAMING deal on the bike.

I lust after a 740i 5 speed myself. Something about a REALLY fast living room appeals to me. I know MAYBE 1% of them in the US are sticks.

[antiq]

Congrats on finding such a SUPER deal! I'd jump on a deal like that in a heartbeat. Welcome!

[E36 Phantom]

Thanks guys!

Elr, I've been checking eBay and C/L a lot for those side panels that are faded.....you're right. Damn near impossible to find them in better condition than the ones I've already got.

Also, about the 740i, that's almost what I'd love. This may be more than you ever wanted to know, but:
-All US 740s were 5 speed (autos) originally - there are 1 or 2 people I know of who've done the Auto -> Manual swap.
-The 740 uses the same 4.4L V-8 that's in the 540
-So, the 6 speed from the 540i will bolt right up with some minor work
-That car would be amazing with the 6 spd.

My dad has a 740iL (my uncle and I converted him to BMWs..bwahahah). With the stock 16" wheels, the cornering isn't great but it soaks up bumps beautifully. Also, I have a little road near my house I use to "test" cars when I get them (I've put each of my previous cars and my dad's cars over this road). I was SHOCKED how quick I could push the 7 over that road. The 7 weighs about a ton more than my old E36 (the 3 series) and nearly a thousand lbs more than my 5, and it still felt very composed and competent. I'd highly, highly recommend it.

[McBiker]

The bike looks in good shape. just a little repair on the seat.