[corolla]

There is a bike for sale down the street form where I live. It is a 1985 Kawasaki ZX900, with 46,000miles on it and the asking price if $1000. I think the price is a little high, for what it is. I did some shopping around and from the looks of it that would be a reasonable price for an early 90's bike of slightly smaller size. But again I am very new at this I am transforming from import drifter (4 years) to motorcycles.

What are some of the problems that are common in this particular bike? also when I meet with him to look it over what should I look at inparticular? Any help is greatly valued.

I dont know the power range on these bikes, so Im not sure a 900 would be the best bike for a beginner ( I do plan on taking the motorcycle safety course, before I even try riding).

 

[84-NinjaK]

You might try the Kelly Blue Book for price comparison;
It all depends on condition, but $1000 doesn't sound too bad for one of the best all around early Ninja's made ('84 - '86 in the states).
And of course ask around at the local Kawa dealers for their input.
My '84 has about 45,000 miles and it's been great.

 

[1Adam12]

NADA blue book is $1700, but I have seen most of these bike sell for around $2500 in good condition. I paid $2900 for mine, but it was in pristine condition with only 5500 miles on the clock.

If the bike has original body work in the original paint scheme in relatively decent shape that would be steal to get for $1000.00. Would need to see pics and close ups of the bike.

Pay attention to the bottom of the bike - exhaust may have rust from age. Check compression and oil pressure if you have the tools to do so.

The Ninja 900 is not a great starter bike as it has plenty of speed 158 top speed, but with the right rider can be used as such. It puts out about 115 HP at the crank = about 100 or so at the rear tire. The bike is heavy to get up off the ground and weighs in dry at 503 + 8 pounds per gallon of fluid.

You can see more information about the bike at www.gpz900r.org

 

[kyhick1]

You can also go up on ebay and look at similar bikes that are for sale up there....That will give you an idea of what it is worth.

I bought my two Kawis for 800 (550) and 1050 (750) both were in exceptional condition.

Heather

 

[1Adam12]

Common issue is the bike tends to run hot which can be alleviated by doing the following:

1. Have radiator rotted out by a radiator shop and bring it to original factory spec.
2. Use 80/20 mix or watter wetter.
3. Add Muzzy radiator fan
4. Add manual fan switch.

Petcock seals need to be changed so you don't leak fuel - could result in whats called hydraulic lock and you can bend/break your rods.

On some of the bikes the rockers have the chrome flaking on them and need to either be replaced or fixed by a competent shop. Its due to the lack of flow of oil from the oil sump. Later models got a larger oil line down there. Easy fix or you can do a few other mods that are available.

 

[ZRX1100]

Check the gas tank,they rust out,and are no longer available NOS.If you buy the bike,be prepared to spend money on it.I have one,have replaced:gen,water pump,AVDS,seat,tank was redone still getting it painted,tires,batt,plugs,fork seals,all parts on tank, like seals,petcock,cap,cap lock,cap seal,also seatlatch,seat lock mechanism,helmet locks.
The fork seals may or may not be avail NOS,I'm not sure.The AVDS are a must have,I think,but maybe you can find another solution to replacement on them.
This bike used to run great,the tank rusted out and fouled the carbs,and tangling with a bad shop (A dealer!) in NW FLA left it with cooling problems.The tank I sent to a specialty shop in Penn.,that does restos on tanks.
I'm looking at bringing the bike to a shop in Alpharetta,GA.,called TIMS Motorcycles,they do complete restos on old Jap bikes.I'm in too deep now to quit,but my ZRX was a much better deal,and is a much better bike.
Save your money and get something,uh,less old.

 

[kyhick1]

If the bike was kept under cover and away from the weather, you probably won't have to do so much work. all we did on ours was to clean out the tank and the carbs....$1000 for an older bike that is in decent shape and running is not a bad price.

Heather

 

[1Adam12]

Don't worry about the AVDS system. There is a rebuild kit available, however if you ask kawasaki they are going to tell you to buy new ones that are way to expensive.

Some of the colors are available from Kawi on the tanks, but as long as it can hold gas it can be fixed. Holes can be patched and if the tank is in tact you can clean it out by using Yamaha rust remover or Kreem.

 

[ZRX1100]

Yeah,I got to admit,some old bikes are better taken care of.I want the bike I had as a kid,a KZ 750-4,the E1 from '81.They seem to be rare.

 

[kyhick1]

When ever I am looking for a specific motorcycle, I go up on EBay Motors under my EBay and save a search for it...That way when one comes up ebay will automatically notify me when ever one comes up for sale.

Heather

 

[GPzGreg]

Thanks for the search tip Heather.
Greg