Need your opinion - 1980 KZ750 Twin or 2005 Ninja 250?

Ok, let me explain.

I have the 1980 KZ750 right now, have put about $1200 total into it.
Runs pretty good, good power, a bit rough around the edges though -
needs new headlight, rear brake sensor, oil change, brake service, etc.
I am thinking about getting a newer bike primarily for better
reliability and less bulk.

Just poking around on the Internet, it will probably take between $1500
- $1700 to get my bike smooth around the edges. Do you think I'm better
off keeping my bike and fixing it up, or dumping it in favor of a $3000
Ninja?

btw, how much do you think I could sell it for?

 

At this point, you'd be lucky to get $1200 out of it. Any more money you
put into the bike is never going to return.

But who cares? It's a motorcycle, not a mutual fund.

Spend the $3000 on a *used* Ninja 500.

Not enough to be worth the effort. Keep the KZ to tinker with. Use the
EX500 to ride to pick up parts for the KZ.

 

Well, here's the dilemma - I dont have the money to have both. Do you
think it would cost me less in the end to get a newer bike?

Parts for the KZ750 cost quite a bit...

 

I'd recommend the newer bike just 'cause you can spend more time riding and
less time wrenching.

 

Masospaghetti may have written:

If you like the KZ, keep it. If you would like a little ninja get
one. (Get one of the used, low millage ones.) Don't try to justify your
decision with a dollar ammount.

Motorcycles are machines that convert money into fun. There is no
getting away from that. When I ride I think about the fun I am
having. The last things I think about are resale value, or how much I
saved in maintanance costs.

Personally I would fix up the KZ750. It is a nicer looking bike then
either of the small ninjas.

 

I'm the only person on the planet likely to want to buy it. And I'd only
pay 800 bucks, delivery included.

 

That depends, is it the twin or inline four?

I would say the fours have a bit better resale, as the twins appeal to a
certain buyer and the fours have a much better reputation for reliability.
On the other hand, the bike in question will have to be in very good
condition to fetch $1200 although this varies depending on where in the
country a person might be.

For most people, a KZ vintage bike is worth about a dollar per cc and the
price goes up depending on the condition. To KZ nuts like myself, we can
get a bit more carried away.

I can't offer any advice on the newer bikes as I've not owned/ridden any.

- Nate >>

 

It's the Twin...its a little disheartening to hear that they dont hold
up as well as the fours. I wish it were the four...

I bought the thing as "mint condition" for $1250 on eBay. Turned out it
needed a lot of work, somehow I only could $350 back even though I
disputed it and won.

 

The engine and transmission are reliable enough, but the electric starter
doesn't hold up very well. On the other hand, you will get better fuel
mileage with the twin than the four. If it's running well, ride it like
you stole it!

- Nate >>