Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

I'm currently trying to buy an older model road bike to restore to a cafe racer style. At the moment I am looking at a '79 Z400 and a '80 Z500, both in good nick for their ages. Does anyone know much about these bikes, are they reliable, worthwhile bikes for what I am after. I want something thats enjoyable to ride and straight forward to restore. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks, Jim

Mate if they're on equal footing re. condition and number of Kilometres I'd go the Z500, if only for the extra cubic centimetres and the year less wear-and-tear.



Also check out: http://www.classicbikeforum.com/forum5/2734-1.html

You're going to be behind the eight-ball performance wise anyway, may as well maximise what you've got. FWIW I think the Z500 puts out the same amount of HP (or at the very most just slightly more) as the Ninja 250/GPX250/ZZR250 .

Good luck with it, be sure to post some pics. Might end doing the same myself.

Mick

Hi Jimbo, thats a better choice than the 200 any day, but because of the age you will find most will be a bit clapped out but that comes with the territory.
As far as restoration goes do not spend big bucks as the reurn on sale will be quite low ... say compared to a Z900 which is a classic
Parts availibility is also a concern eg I waited 2 1/2 months for a front master cylinder kit for my Z500

Go the 500. The 400 is pretty boring. I own the big bore version- Z440. Z500s get up and go heaps better. More comfy, handle better. I also have a big bore version of the Z500- GT550 and she is a pearler.

Yep - the 500 is the one to get. Much better bike all round. Easy to ride, and they actually go OK if you wring their necks....plus, with a good 4-1, they even sound a bit like a kwakka9 !!

Go the 500. I have 1 sitting in the shed and its the best little half litre bike. Goes hard and handles well to for a 79 model bike.

Is yours up for grabs Rod?

robracer wrote:Is yours up for grabs Rod?

Yes it is. Talked to the misses and we are ready to upgrade.
Pm me for details.

All my Z500 race bike stuff will be up for grabs in the new year, the almost roller 4 engines 2 sets of forks 3 sets of carbs etc

go the z500 it was my first and u always remember your first

JetPilot wrote:

robracer wrote:Is yours up for grabs Rod?

Yes it is. Talked to the misses and we are ready to upgrade.
Pm me for details.

ooo bike shopping!!!!!!

if only i needed a second bike...