Kz1300

[viper]

Who knows about these bikes and what to look for . I've Seen one I'm keen on. It's being sold by the service manager at my Kawasaki dealer. He has rebuilt the top end of the engine and done a complete overhaul of the carbs. Renewed the water pump as well. The bike is in stunning condition and almost original . Runs very sweet

Would appreciate and buying advise as the repair cost of these Godzillas scare me

[Burchy]

How much?

[nightrider]

It sounds like there's nothing to worry about and it's all been done , motorcycle mechanics mag or practical bike mag will have a back issue with a buyers guide on the bike ,,

[PRD]

I think Boomer used to have one. Might be worth sending him a pm.

[Robbieben]

They don't go wrong often, various seals leak over time, all old bikes tend to as seals don't last forever. It's a bike I'd say buy if the price is right and it looks good, expect to have to do some repairs over time purely because of the bikes age. Appreciating classic that will likely only ever go up in value.

If you don't buy it let me know the details of who and wher and I probably will. 

[PaulB]

This brings back happy memories of lusting after one of these when I was young and stupid(er).

I met someone who owned one, who told me that if he ever dropped it, he doubted he could pick it up (i.e. it was bloody heavy). Also, it was completely awesome as long as you only wanted to go in a straight line - but that can probably be said of many bikes of that era.

It never stopped me from wanting one.

Keep us posted if you buy it

Cheers

Paul B.

[Boomer]

Take a test ride as some people struggle with the weight and the effort needed to get it to turn.
They are pretty reliable but remember yer buying a 30+ year old bike so it will need regular maintenance.
I'd have another one without hesitation.

[viper]

Take a test ride as some people struggle with the weight and the effort needed to get it to turn.
They are pretty reliable but remember yer buying a 30+ year old bike so it will need regular maintenance.
I'd have another one without hesitation.

Thanks boomer , was the gearbox noisier on de-acceleration, the current owner says this one is but they all are . Does that sound right, he said something to do with the way the gears are made.
This one has had a top end overhaul, carbs rejjetted with a uk kit . Looks good cosmetically and pretty much original. Being sold by the head mechanic at a Kawasaki main dealer, he did all the work himself

[flatfour]

From distant memory, I believe that the early models suffered from problems with oil starvation to the crank and bearings under certain riding conditions. Again from memory, I think that there was a recall to increase oil capacity and check for engine damage. later models were, I think unaffected.

I have a few classics myself from that era. The Kawasaki sixes generally sell for relatively little money (and are not an easy seller) so don't pay too much for it, the value is much lower than a Honda CBX twin - shock for instance, or (although a different type of machine) any CB750 four - pipe model except perhaps the very last of them.

There are a couple of these K1300's that turn up at the classic meets that I visit regularly in the summer, and the owners seem happy with them!

[O.C.]

Viper, in addition to the info I have left for you on the 1K forum (TYKE)....you may find this site useful ...good luck    

https://www.kz1300.com/     

[doebag]

The bike is in stunning condition and almost original .

Would appreciate and buying advise as the repair cost of these Godzillas scare me

I don't know a lot, but looks like an American import. It has side reflectors of the radiator and by the rear indicators, and appears to have a short rear mudguard. A UK mudguard should extend well below the number plate and have a moulded rear reflector. Also side panels have KZ1300.
Early carburettor US models had a smaller tank, not the one that is in the pictures. No bad reason to change it to a UK tank [bigger fuel capacity], and the later US models may have come with the larger tank but I am not certain.
Sonothing to say 'don't buy' but just observations and maybe worth asking further questions.
There is a good Z1300 club/forum/FB page if you want more help before committing.

[viper]

I don't know a lot, but looks like an American import. It has side reflectors of the radiator and by the rear indicators, and appears to have a short rear mudguard. A UK mudguard should extend well below the number plate and have a moulded rear reflector. Also side panels have KZ1300.
Early carburettor US models had a smaller tank, not the one that is in the pictures. No bad reason to change it to a UK tank [bigger fuel capacity], and the later US models may have come with the larger tank but I am not certain.
Sonothing to say 'don't buy' but just observations and maybe worth asking further questions.
There is a good Z1300 club/forum/FB page if you want more help before committing.

It is an American import from 2000. The carbs have been rejected to accept uk grade fuel.

[O.C.]

It is an American import from 2000. The carbs have been rejected to accept uk grade fuel.

I hope not Viper      

Know what you mean though.......predictive text is sometimes better than the original        

[doebag]

I hope not Viper      

Know what you mean though.......predictive text is sometimes better than the original        

Reminded me of Monty Python
" Nixon's had an arsehole transplant"
"Have you seen the stop press, apparently, the arsehole's rejected him"

[viper]

I hope not Viper      

Know what you mean though.......predictive text is sometimes better than the original        

Haha well spotted