Ha! This video confused me at first because lightitup550 has the same bike (but an 81) and before I clicked on it, I thought he was reviewing his own bike. Loved the imitation!
Those were grand bikes in their day and special to own now, like yours. Ever have someone see you doing that and ask just what the heck you're doing!? lol
I was hoping someone would come out and yell at me. No luck. I started noticing cars and bikes when I was 13, which is 1981, so that era is always going to be special to me.
Well I'm glad you took some steps. Crazy people like look for a reason to shoot someone lol. Nice find. I just picked a 80ltd from a bud. But don't know if I can keep once I go to dmv....it might be a few years back fees...any advice
I don't have any hard data on this, but the very fact that these can be found running around after 30+ years, says a lot. Condition and maintenance are key. One could be awesome, but another one could be junk, depending on how they were cared for. Make a point of listening to your 1. gut feeling 2. common sense 3. listen to it running 4. look at some of it's oil 5. do a compression check. If it passes all of these little tests, it's probably a good machine. It is, however, 30+ years old.
I have a 1983 Kz550 Spectre (basically the same bike but mines shaft driven instead of chain) and its been treated fairly rough for a long time. I paid $675 for it a little over a year ago and it seems to be very reliable, and has been a great bike for me! The mufflers were all stopped up and the pipes were cracked just ahead of the mufflers, so I simply cut off the pipes right where they curve to go under the frame and engine. It's really loud but I like it!
ive got the service manual in a pdf if u would like. also check out kzrider.com they have some great info. i couldnt stand those handle bars a switched to the euro style. but ur bike lookes great ride safe
Good Lord you Johnny Rebs - how about drinking some coffee and boost your talking speed up. I had to change the video playback speed up to 1.5 in order to understand you. I've heard of being laid back but you Southerners really take it to an extreme.
I bought a 1981 550 LTD brand new. Loved the bike. However, with two metal hips, I gave up bike riding for Jeep trails.
Nice bike... I see you have a soft spot for the classics..
I was a young teen in 1982. I spent a lot of time daydreaming about cars and bikes... and nothing else ;-)
Great looking bike. Another challenge done well done.
Ha! This video confused me at first because lightitup550 has the same bike (but an 81) and before I clicked on it, I thought he was reviewing his own bike.
Loved the imitation!
I;ll have to check that out.
Those were grand bikes in their day and special to own now, like yours. Ever have someone see you doing that and ask just what the heck you're doing!? lol
I was hoping someone would come out and yell at me. No luck. I started noticing cars and bikes when I was 13, which is 1981, so that era is always going to be special to me.
Máquina
Uhm... What was with the three laps around the bike shouting “Solar Bear?” This behavior is how I know this isn’t in Texas.
Well I'm glad you took some steps. Crazy people like look for a reason to shoot someone lol. Nice find. I just picked a 80ltd from a bud. But don't know if I can keep once I go to dmv....it might be a few years back fees...any advice
I have that same bike. I want to fix it up but I need a manual for it.
Not a lot different from my virago 535, GI. Another one successfully done. Wish my camera mic hadn't packed in, I'd be able to do my number 3!
I wouldn't mind having a virago. I hope you get your audio worked out. Thanks.
did the owner spot you then ?
Nope, no owner :-( so sad, He could have got me some extra credit.
How reliable are these bikes? I might be picking one up.
I don't have any hard data on this, but the very fact that these can be found running around after 30+ years, says a lot. Condition and maintenance are key. One could be awesome, but another one could be junk, depending on how they were cared for. Make a point of listening to your 1. gut feeling 2. common sense 3. listen to it running 4. look at some of it's oil 5. do a compression check. If it passes all of these little tests, it's probably a good machine. It is, however, 30+ years old.
I have a 1983 Kz550 Spectre (basically the same bike but mines shaft driven instead of chain) and its been treated fairly rough for a long time. I paid $675 for it a little over a year ago and it seems to be very reliable, and has been a great bike for me! The mufflers were all stopped up and the pipes were cracked just ahead of the mufflers, so I simply cut off the pipes right where they curve to go under the frame and engine. It's really loud but I like it!
ive got the service manual in a pdf if u would like. also check out kzrider.com they have some great info. i couldnt stand those handle bars a switched to the euro style. but ur bike lookes great ride safe
Wait this is not your bike and you don't know the person....that would get you shot...
dan shark LOL! I did go knock on a couple doors to get permission. I wasn't able to talk to the owner, but I figured I was covered, if he showed up.
I brought the same bike. But realized I want an automatic. Now selling
Good Lord you Johnny Rebs - how about drinking some coffee and boost your talking speed up. I had to change the video playback speed up to 1.5 in order to understand you. I've heard of being laid back but you Southerners really take it to an extreme.