1978 KZ 650 (not mine)

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  • winfield
    • Feb 2026

    #1

    1978 KZ 650 (not mine)

    Says price is "firm." This is the KZ650 C2



    here's the text:

    I purchased this Kawasaki KZ650 2 years ago and have worked to restore it a bit. The carbs were completely reassembled when I first got the bike and it has run well ever since with regular tune-ups. I love this bike and ride it regularly, but would like to invest in something new. I purchased it at 24,300 miles in July of 2012 and it now has 28,000 miles.

    KBB on this model in excellent condition is $1500; considering the time and money I've put into it and the condition of the bike I am asking $1400 firm. Serious inquiries only.

    The first picture is from July of 2012 when I bought the bike, the others are from May 24, 2014.


    Make sure the starter is A1. Didn't someone say you have to split the cases to get to it on these?
  • Rob S.
    Forum Guru
    Past Site Supporter
    • Dec 2013
    • 9412
    • New York City

    #2
    Doesn't he know that KBB means nothing?

    I'm guessing he might get a grand for it.
    1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red

    2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.

    Comment

    • winfield

      #3
      What pipes are those? They have to be aftermarket.

      Comment

      • Nessism
        Forum LongTimer
        GSResource Superstar
        Past Site Supporter
        Super Site Supporter
        • Mar 2006
        • 35793
        • Torrance, CA

        #4
        If you like it and it runs well, the price is reasonable. You have to remove the cams to adjust the valves on that bike, so there is a good chance it needs to be done. No biggie, just say'n.
        Ed

        To measure is to know.

        Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

        Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

        Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

        KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

        Comment

        • Griffin
          Forum LongTimer
          Past Site Supporter
          • Sep 2003
          • 14205
          • Danville, IN

          #5
          Originally posted by Rob S.
          Doesn't he know that KBB means nothing?

          I'm guessing he might get a grand for it.
          A KZ is generally worth 50%-200% more than a comparable GS, depending upon the model.

          If it runs well, he'll get $1,400 for it. No problem.
          GS450E GS650E GS700ES GS1000E GS1000G GS1100G GS1100E
          KZ550A KZ700A GPZ750
          CB400T CB900F
          XJ750R

          Comment

          • Nessism
            Forum LongTimer
            GSResource Superstar
            Past Site Supporter
            Super Site Supporter
            • Mar 2006
            • 35793
            • Torrance, CA

            #6
            Originally posted by Griffin
            A KZ is generally worth 50%-200% more than a comparable GS, depending upon the model.

            If it runs well, he'll get $1,400 for it. No problem.
            It's mostly the large KZ's that pull down the big money. Smaller bikes like the 550/650/750's are just slightly more expensive than a GS. Kawasaki parts are more expensive than Suzuki parts, so that may be part of the reason.
            Ed

            To measure is to know.

            Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

            Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

            Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

            KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

            Comment

            • Griffin
              Forum LongTimer
              Past Site Supporter
              • Sep 2003
              • 14205
              • Danville, IN

              #7
              Originally posted by Nessism
              It's mostly the large KZ's that pull down the big money. Smaller bikes like the 550/650/750's are just slightly more expensive than a GS. Kawasaki parts are more expensive than Suzuki parts, so that may be part of the reason.

              Not around here. GS550s in decent shape are usually in the $700-$1100 range, KZ550s go for $1200-$1800. KZ750s regularly fetch $1800 or more, GS750s around $1200, maybe $1500 if it is primo.
              GS450E GS650E GS700ES GS1000E GS1000G GS1100G GS1100E
              KZ550A KZ700A GPZ750
              CB400T CB900F
              XJ750R

              Comment

              • wymple
                Forum Sage
                Past Site Supporter
                • Apr 2014
                • 1893
                • SE Iowa

                #8
                Supply and demand. KZ's bring a little more because there are far fewer left. I see far more GS's than KZ stuff no matter where I go. I guess Suzuki must have built a better bike.

                Comment

                • winfield

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Griffin
                  A KZ is generally worth 50%-200% more than a comparable GS, depending upon the model.

                  If it runs well, he'll get $1,400 for it. No problem.
                  +1 If I had the extra cash I'd consider it. Then I'd at least go look at it. Then I'd have to have it . Best not go down that road right now.

                  Comment

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