In all seriousness though, has anybody who's owned a KZ twin had any issues with theirs? Anything prone to failure? Any preventative maintenance recommendations?

This acquisition would complete my garage in that all of the "big four" would be represented. (Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha & Kawasaki)

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
PHPaul, I figured it would be prone to vibrating a bit. Do you think it will be pretty torquey? It's certainly not a powerhouse engine.

After my recent adventure riding a R1 I have discovered riding a fast bike fast is fun but riding a slow bike fast is also very fun.


Georgrair, my wife HATES motorcycles. It might sound odd but I find motos more interesting than women. Especially the classics.

Sorry just getting back to this thread.

A big bore vertical twin makes a lot of torque down low. Think Harley. The torque tends to be pretty linear up to 5000 or so. You won't get the high end rush you do on a crotch rocket. You'll find yourself short-shifting a lot just because you don't need to wind the piss out of it and it sounds so good just donking along.

As far as maintenance, all in all they're pretty bullet proof. Just keep the oil changed and keep an eye on valve clearances.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
**NSFW** **NSFW** **NSFW**

Possibly NSFW

I appreciate the input on dent removal but I found a better method.




Link to original video: https://youtu.be/8eUd9sUlD7c

Will a fleshy pink one work as well?

Great bike!

Now, you need to update the suspension so the bike can keep up with the motor in these modern times.

Check out WORKS for dual rate Street Trackers for the rear and RaceTech for proper springs and emulators for the front end.
New tires and modern material brake pads - you're golden.

My husband's bike is an '83 KZ550. Great little bike, solid motor.

A good solid UJM.

Posted by PHPaul,

quote:

A big bore vertical twin makes a lot of torque down low. Think Harley. The torque tends to be pretty linear up to 5000 or so. You won't get the high end rush you do on a crotch rocket. You'll find yourself short-shifting a lot just because you don't need to wind the piss out of it and it sounds so good just donking along.

As far as maintenance, all in all they're pretty bullet proof. Just keep the oil changed and keep an eye on valve clearances.

This is good info! I'm looking for a reliable classic with comfy ergos to explore the back roads and neighborhoods outside Winston Salem. My SV650S is currently the best bike I have for such a task and it's ergos are not ideal. Both my R1 and CB-1 tend to get hot and don't like riding around slower than 35 mph.

There are a TON of winding country roads near my house and I think this KZ 750 would be the perfect bike to explore those roads.

Are air/oil cooled twins happy so long as they are getting some airflow? I want something comfy that I can go exploring on and not have to worry about it running hot because I am riding at 25-35 mph.

Since this bike needs new tires I'm seriously considering knobbies and making it into a mild Scrambler for light Offroad fun.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Are air/oil cooled twins happy so long as they are getting some airflow? I want something comfy that I can go exploring on and not have to worry about it running hot because I am riding at 25-35 mph.

Since this bike needs new tires I'm seriously considering knobbies and making it into a mild Scrambler for light Offroad fun.

At those speeds you'll be fine.

With the available suspension travel plus the weight, it'll be a VERY mild Scrambler indeed.

My 1977 KZ650. It was a fun and very reliable bike. This was taken in 1978.

Posted by PHPaul,

quote:

With the available suspension travel plus the weight, it'll be a VERY mild Scrambler indeed.

From the specs I'm seeing this KZ twin weighs about the same as Triumph's Scrambler. With a few suspension mods maybe a fork swap it could be the perfect bike for country rides. It would be neat to pick up a Triumph Scrambler exhaust and make that fit.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Posted by PHPaul,

quote:

With the available suspension travel plus the weight, it'll be a VERY mild Scrambler indeed.

From the specs I'm seeing this KZ twin weighs about the same as Triumph's Scrambler. With a few suspension mods maybe a fork swap it could be the perfect bike for country rides. It would be neat to pick up a Triumph Scrambler exhaust and make that fit.

Well, that's good then. Altho I suspect I'd find the Trumpet more than a bit porky on the fire roads.

Also occurred to me to recommend an "adventure" tire:



rather than a full knobby. Better for mixed riding and you're not likely to want to take the bike in places where a full knobby would be necessary. Not more than once, anyway...

I tried to stay out of this thread. But we go from track GSXR's to vintage. There is nothing better on public roads for riding pleasure than the SV you already have. What needs fixing? Its about the best all around motorcycle made.
I own and love vintage stuff, but it simply is not in the same category of all around competence as anything modern. And anything modern can be both improved and reliable.
So HUH?

What needs fixing? The ergos....and the fact that there is no Kawasaki in the garage. I can't exactly modify the Suzuki and take it on a trail either. I mean I could but it would be silly. The SV is either going to be sold and replaced next year with a GSXR or made into a track bike. I really don't ride it much anymore but I hate to sell it.

Triumph Scramblers are going for about 4-6k. I bet I can make this KZ into something similar for less than 3k if that.