Looking at a bike...

[MattFels]

I have never ridden a motorcycle, I'm taking the MSF course in 10 days and should pass and be licensed soon thereafter. In the meantime I found this deal about fifteen minutes from my house.

1979 KZ650 C

I'm pretty handy, with a repair manual in hand, and the right tools I'm capable of small repairs.

I'm wondering if this sounds like a kosher deal. If that price listed for ignition coils and airbox sounds right. I found a set of coils and spark plug cables on ebay for about 20 bucks, I've had trouble finding stock airboxes online but I suppose I could go with pod style air cleaners from K&N in the meantime.

What do you guys think? Anything I should look for before I buy? I'm going to look at it in a couple days, I didn't make any commitments but it sounds like a sweet deal. I'm just curious. He has a seat and blinkers and everything. I assume it all works, but I don't know.

If I could conceivably buy the bike and get it roadworthy for $1000 bucks total I'd call that a deal. What do you guys think? It'd be my first bike.

Thanks,

Matt

[StarGate]

A non running non rare bike isn't worth $1.00 per cc. You don't even know if the engine is blown, has transmission issues or something like that since it won't run and all you have to go by is his word. On top of that it's still missing parts. It also appears from the pic that it's going to need a new exhaust soon and maybe some handlebars and exhaust aren't so easy to find. He's evidently had at least the full summer and hasn't gotten it running and based on him saying it's a project, I doubt that he even knows if the engine and tranny are good. And don't forget, it's the end of the riding season and the bike sales market is down. I might offer him 250 If I didn't find anything else with a visual inspection, but I'd walk away if he didn't accept that. It's easy to spend 600-700 on a non runner to get it in good shape and thats not counting your time/labor. Thats my opinion, but you know what they say about opinions.

[jbsmd]

Should be able to find something better for that price. Thats too bad, I think you need patience. Not all bikes are worth trying to fix up to ride. Might be best to start off with something that at least runs.

[MattFels]

Is this too much.

1978 KZ1000 - Classic Bike

I called the guy he said it's running a little rough, and the carbs could use cleaning. What do you guys think about a 1000cc bike for a first motorcycle?

Thanks,

Matt

[Vulcan900]

My first bike was a 1978 KZ560. I bought it for $650, had brand new tires, and ran like a scalded dog. I put 2,000 miles on it in like 3 months while learning to ride, $200 in mainenance parts in that time, and then sold it for $650.

[herk]

All it needs is... yeah right.

Brand new battery? - well, woopdeedoo.

The tank is dented. Rusty exhaust. How about the tires? - old & cracked?
What about the carburetors? - who knows? - he probably doesn't. That's a $100 bike. ...

...

....

[Ericthejet]

Pass on the first bike, it has a tach on it from a Honda fro god's sake.
Airbox easy to find, good luck.

Pass on the 1k bike, lots of motorcycle.
In a few weeks we will be flooded with people selling newer bikes or older bike in better condition as winter approaches for some.

Be prepared to shop around and take your time. Read up on what to look for when buying a used bike, lots of info on the net.
BTW, green motorcycles are better.

[MattFels]

Cool,

Thanks a lot guys. Impartial advice is priceless.

I'll be patient.

-Matt

[StarGate]

Originally Posted by Ericthejet

Pass on the 1k bike, lots of motorcycle.
In a few weeks we will be flooded with people selling newer bikes or older bike in better condition as winter approaches for some.

Be prepared to shop around and take your time. Read up on what to look for when buying a used bike, lots of info on the net.

Great advice. You will have more and better bikes to choose from soon and being patient might get you something that you can turn a profit on when you sell it.

[coppertales]

is a bit much for a new rider.......chris3

[ddouble]

Look for a title when buying. No mention of it in that ad.

Agree that reading the ad puts it into the "parts bike, maybe a runner" category.

Dan

[skewterdewd]

Smaller KZs make great first bikes.
The problem with the bigger ones is the constant urge to twist the throttle with unforgiving consequence for errors in judgement.

You can also find deals on older Suzuki GS standards, Honda CBs and nighthawks and Magnas. Be patient and picky. The right bike will find you.

Good luck searching...

[Ole Yeller]

I think that you might find something from the late 80's or early 90's in that price range. The Yami Viragos are good starter bikes, IMHO.

[FaithLove7Hope]

your "first bike" should always be a running bike! It should also be on the smaller size until you get the just of things!

[antiq]

You'll have a better idea what style and size bike you want after you take your MSF course. 400-750cc bikes are a good choice for new riders. More than enough bike to gather all the speeding awards you like. Still light enough to handle pretty easily. Take your time choosing and practicing.