[KZ-KRAZY]

Hi All,

Hoping someone can give me some idea of what I might reasonably offer for a KZ400 (1978 I believe, though I need to verify year.)

The bike has not been started for 5 years, over which time it has been stored outside (Canada), covered with a bike hood.

The current owner siphoned out the gas instead of filling tank with stabilizer.

I'm pretty sure they didn't know to run off end gas via the petcock to drain the carb. This means the bike may need a carb rebuild and possibly a gas tank relining, if inside of gas tank has been compomised by inappopriate storage technique.

All input as to what amount of USD represents a reasonable offer for this bike are greatly appeciated.

Also, input on whether parts for KZ400's are relatively readily available for any necessary rebuilds? (I did notice this forum has an extensive KZ parts sourcing thread, just hoping to gain a little insight into how accessible parts actually are when and if needed.)

Thanks in advance to all who respond.

Have a great day!

 

[WFO-KZ]

IMHO the bike is worth less than $500 CDN. The lower the price the better because to bring it back to life won't be cheap and parts are scarce. Is it belt drive? Belts are NLA. You will need new tires due to age and hardening of rubber.

Inspect the tank with a flashlight as there is probably rust inside. Carbs will for sure need a cleaning and probably a rebuild. Make sure the engine is not seized from sitting in storage or because it was put into storage after it seized.

If the engine is seized it is a $200 bike (at best) again in my humble opinion. Others may disagree.

Having said all that, I have seen some incredibly nice restorations of KZ400's so it is apparently possible with enough time and money.

 

[martin-csr]

Agreed. hee. I'd like to get my hands on a KZ400, but it would have to be cheap >> it takes time & money and a 400 isn't going to be worth much afterwards unless you do a full-on restoration. There are exceptions but I wouldn't base a purchase on those exceptions. I estimated the costs for redoing a 750-4 & it adds up quick just to get it road worthy. and that didn't include making it pretty.

 

[WFO-KZ]

I spent $2,000 CDN bringing a 1984 1100 back to life and then the crankshaft went. C'est la vie.
Point being, I was shocked at how quickly little bits and pieces added up to 2 grand.