1982 KZ440 for my first bike??

[83 chif]

My friend's dad has an 82 KZ440 that he will give to me for a few hundred beans. It runs and drives fine. It will be my first bike and I plan on tooling around with it and cruising around town for a few months, but in the future, maybe next fall, I want to do a cross country ride. Is this a good first bike? Did these particular bikes have any gremlins? It has a belt drive, is that going to be trouble? It has 21,000 miles on it too. I'm about 160lbs, with a 6 speed and a 440 will I be okay on the highway? The price is right, but I just want some insight. thanks!

 

[Red Herring]

Should be fine. They were good bikes. A belt drive is nice because you don't need to clean and lube it all the time, like a chain.

 

[Straightjacket]

Those were cool bikes! Belt makes it even better.Go through it , get the carbs syncd,change the fluids,incl brake,check the brakes,and ride the hell out of it. The 440 will be a great first bike,only downside is it will be a little under powered for two up.

 

[gladly]

I had one, it was dead reliable, and the belt drive is nice

a bit small for extended highway use, IMHO. and I was 130/5'11 at the time

get it

 

[83 chif]

hmm

the only thing holding me back is that he turned it into a bobber with big bars, red wheels and white wall tires. it isn't the look I am going for and i would change it but i'm not so sure he would appreciate that.

I have found other kz's for aound 500 bucks, but they usually need brakes and a battery and carb tuning. how do i know if i'm buying a basket case motorcycle? i've had jeeps before and they have all let me down big time, i don't want a bike that is going to do the same. what are things to look for? should i just buy one that is already running for my first bike, or can a fixer upper end up being a reliable bike? i'm looking to spend less than 800 beans so either way its not going to be in the best shape.

 

[Straightjacket]

If your lookin for a cheep starter bike,you gotta have the basics or it gets expensive. Take a jumper pack with you when you check it out,and a spark plug wrench.When you check for spark you know the starter system works,make sure you get spark,and if you can chek for compression.Most bike carbs will require a good cleanout,but not so much for parts.Check the tank for rust! Tanks are pricey.Check the chain and sprockets for wear,tires,and brakes you'll most likely want to replace anyway.

 

[gettocruiser]

i had one of those when i was 17. it was great, not fast enough to get into real trouble but enough power to get you there, a comfortable ride.with 20... km's it should run for a long time.
kawi's of that era were unbeatable in my opinion.
as stated belt drive is super low maintainence...
if you are worried about the condition do a comp. test. it is probably the only thing that matters.
almost impossible to start without an air filter.
good luck,
eric