[lfddfl89]

I really I can find some help here. Let me begin with some back story. My neighbor died and his wife gave me a Kawasaki that's been trailered since the 90s. It is in great shape aside from the obvious dryrot and rubber decay and dust. It's a dark metallic flake blue and still has air in the tires. I recorded KZT00B518373 from the sticker and frame. What's the value of this bike?? I don't know what year or model this is and I'd really like to restore and ride this bike. Can anyone help me out?? Thanks for your time!!

(Admin merged two threads with same topic) Here is text from other thread:'
So I was recently given a Kawasaki motorcycle. Said motorcycle has been sitting since the late 90s in a nice trailer. The previous owner has since passed and his wife doesn't want it. She knows very little about it. The battery was the issue that parked it from my understanding. From the short look I got at it it looks as you'd expect with dry rotted fuel lines and other rubber parts but the tires are still aired up and it looks pretty cool in my honest opinion. But I don't know what year, model number or anything about this bike to even start to try to restore it. This is the "VIN" although this code or number is only 12 digits instead of 17...KZT00B518373 is stamped on the front left of the frame and on the sticker up there. I also noticed it has kerker written on the exhaust. The lady that I got it from thinks it's a 600cc. Can anybody help me out here??

 

[WFO-KZ]

If you post some pictures, we can help you figure things out,.

 

[martin-csr]

From zedder dot com: KZT00B518373 falls in the range of a 1979 KZ1000-B3 Ltd.

xhttp://www.zedder.com/Info/79%20KZ1000-B3%20LTD.htm
link disabled. delete the x then copy/paste into your browser.

 

[lfddfl89]

Thank you so much I'm going to pick it up later on today I'll post some pictures then.

 

[lfddfl89]

Alright guys here's the bike out in the light for the first time in a long time.

There is 31,220 on the odometer and the front brakes are sticking as I have to push the lever back up after depressing it. Also you can see where it's leaked brake fluid and corroded the paint. Good news is there isn't any gas in it and the valve was in the off position. I'm also a little concerned about the front shocks. The motor kicks over as it should. Is this bike worth anything? I know my way around my truck pretty well so I think I can handle this project. But I'm new to bikes. What do I need to do before trying to start it? Any advice on the direction I should take would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again all!!

 

[WFO-KZ]

Here is what a 1979 KZ1000 LTD looks like. I think the tanks match so unless the tank was swapped, I think this is yours. So, uh, how long do you figure it will be before yours looks like this one? 😁

 

[lfddfl89]

Here is what a 1979 KZ1000 LTD looks like. I think the tanks match so unless the tank was swapped, I think this is yours. So, uh, how long do you figure it will be before yours looks like this one? 😁

View attachment 46229

Wow that thing is mint!! I doubt mine will ever look that good again!! I'm super excited about getting this. Before I got it I didn't think it had the keys or the title but I found both!! Idk if it's something I'm gonna keep tho because I'm 140 lbs and this is a heavy bike. Although I think the brakes are stuck a little I can't really push it up the driveway. I can ride but I've never had anything this big. What do you think mine is worth if I get it running and cleaned up?? Also are the parts expensive for it? Like a carb kit plugs wires, whatever I need to get it right?

 

[WFO-KZ]

Its a great bike to own, but getting it fixed up won't be cheap. Non-runners like yours can be bought for around $500 or sometimes less. It can easily cost you $1500-$2,000 to get yours back on the road by the time you install new tires, new brakes, rebuild carbs and repair all the little things that it likely needs. Price does not include repainting or rechroming, just getting it mechanically and electrically in order.

Do you have the plastic side covers for it? If not, those alone might set you back $300 or more for used ones.

I recently went through this and I was shocked at how quickly the parts added up. I'm not trying to discourage you and will help you every step of the way, as will other members here... but, just wanted to give you a reality check before you dive in.

Don't worry about your weight. Plenty of riders lighter than you have handled bigger bikes. Height is more important than weight, but since this is an LTD, the seat height should be pretty low so even a short rider should be ok. Can you plant both feet on the ground when you sit on it?

Hagerty says a bike like this in good condition is worth around $5,000 and in concours condition around $8,000.
Hope this helps.

 

[lfddfl89]

Awesome that's about what I figured. I rolled it off the trailer backwards and it feels good, I'm pretty sure I can handle it. I don't have the side piece but it may be somewhere next door. The gas tank is loose and has no fuel in it. No battery. Is there some way I can manually release the brakes? Where do I even start to dig in? There is also the screens off the carb too. Is there any chance I could put gas in it and it start? Do I have to have the battery to kick start it? I'm sorry for asking so much but I really appreciate your time. This forum is a gold mine for me you guys are pretty cool!!

 

[WFO-KZ]

I did a quick search on the side covers and it appears as if blank ones are available for your bike at a good price. You would still have to paint, decal and emblem the side covers, but at least they are available. Mine were not available as new and it cost me close to $200 USD to get a beat up old pair.

Your brakes will need to be stripped down and completely rebuilt by the looks of it. So if you remove the calipers the bike should roll more freely.

I would resist the temptation to attempt to start it at this point as you could harm the engine. Engines that have not run in long time, need to be gently woken up. Start by removing all the spark plugs and squirting some Marvel Mystery oil in there and let it sit for a few hours and then try to kick it over. Do not use a lot of force, it should turn fairly easily. If it does turn over with the kick starter then keep oiling it and kicking it to distribute the oil on those very dry and possibly rusted cylinder walls.

If all goes well, then move on to the next step which is to drain the old oil and fill with new oil and install a new filter.
Personally I would send a sample of the old oil to a lab for chem analysis. For $20 you will get a report of what is in your oil which will tell you the overall health of the engine and transmission. If the report comes back with a high bearing metals content, you may wish to reconsider your plans to rebuild this bike. Also, cut the filter apart and examine it for shiny bits of metal.

That should keep you busy, report back here on progress. Have fun and work safely!

 

[lfddfl89]

Ok cool I appreciate the advice. I'm going to tear into it here shortly. Ill keep you guys posted!

 

[stexch01]

You might want to make sure you can get a title (if you plan on riding it on the road). Procedures vary by state. Hopefully, there is a registration showing the former owner. Check with your county courthouse to find out what you need to do.

 

[lfddfl89]

I was able to locate the title. The previous owner passed away but his wife is gonna transfer it over to me whenever she is able to deal with his estate. I took my jump box and some fresh gas and to my surprise I was able to briefly start it. As I figured the carb is gummed up, when I turn the gas on it pours out the bottom of it. I had to take the rear brake pads out to push it to my house. The brakes definitely need some help. Also I noticed that while it was idling pretty decently considering the carb, when I gave it some gas I would hear a loud sort of grinding noise. I think it's from the chain being a little loose. I wanted to see what y'all think? I'm hoping it's not a bearing or something but if it was wouldn't it be making said noise at idle too? I should also add that the chain was clinking when I pushed it home. Thanks guys!!

 

[lfddfl89]

Can anyone provide a link where I can get an affordable rebuild kit for the carbs?

 

[kelbymusselman]

Z1 Enterprises - Specializing in Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Parts, Including New Old Stock & Aftermarket Parts

Z1 Enterprises specializes in quality Motorcycle parts for Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha Classic Japanese motorcycles from the 1970's and 1980's.

www.z1enterprises.com

This page is a great place to get parts from.

 

[martin-csr]

I wouldn't get carburetor kits straight away, especially if not OEM.
Clean & inspect the carburetor first, then decide what to do.
I only replaced the gaskets & rubber bits. 1981 KZ650-CSR w VM24 carburetors.

 

[lfddfl89]

I've got a good leak from the overflow tube at the bottom of the carbs. But I noticed another leak that I can't pin down. Upon inspection you can see what looks like the rubber gasket has been replaced wrong. This is what I'm seeing. Looks like part of the rubber hanging out. My main concern is the noise I'm hearing when it revs up. I'm really thinking and praying it's just the chain. I'd guess if it was a bearing or some catastrophic issue I'd hear it at idle too. If it's the case, a little love for the carb, an oil change and probably a complete new brake system this thing could be ready to rock!! How many miles should I expect to get out of this bike if taken care of? It has 31,000 on it now

 

[lfddfl89]

 

[martin-csr]

The vacuum sensor diaphragm may be old & in need of replacement. Same for the accelerator pump. I don't know if those parts are still available from Kawasaki, but K&L has a pump kit. My pump diaphragm currently needs replacing as it leaks a little fuel when twisting the throttle vigorously.

 

[lfddfl89]

Is that what these are? The far right float and needle we're sticking up but I got them all freed up and clean inside. But these 2 little diaphragms look suspect to me. The triangular one is where my leak was. The other is dryrotted. Where can I just buy these 2 pieces at? And one more thing where's the oil filter and drain plug on this thing??