Optimistic sellers

**Laava** · 2nd June 2018, 22:08

Lol at the questions!
https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/mot...d8930faaad2a6b

**HenryDorsetCase** · 3rd June 2018, 00:27

Originally Posted by AllanB

Weird advertising - no starting problems with this one. Do they have a rep for starting issues? Unlikely on a modern EFI ride from Japan.

They are kick start only and while it is straightforward, it does take some learning.

The problem is when they get going, they move at only a glacial pace - you're more likely to be overtaken by global warming (and everything else on the road including a fat bitch in an ageing Ford Falcon). A great bike that needs more horsepowers.

**jasonu** · 3rd June 2018, 04:10

Originally Posted by F5 Dave

and listening to Mudshovel
Geez life can be cool.

Mate did you try streaming 929online?

**jasonu** · 3rd June 2018, 04:14

Originally Posted by Laava

Lol at the questions!
https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/mot...d8930faaad2a6b

Ask him what color powerband and if the left side kerfuffler valve has been reconditioned.

**YellowDog** · 7th June 2018, 21:12

So I have potentially been offered this fully restored and in pristine condition KWAKA Z900 A4 for around $9,000 (he might want a bit more). It's a client's that I have know for years and he now needs to free up some cash. He has owned it for close to 18 years and I estimate that he has spent a lot more than $9k on it. I have ridden it and she runs pretty sweetly. 1977 brakes don't quite have the same feel as modern ones, but she feels well planted and corners well. The engine sound is quite beautiful, with no hint of the modern 'sewing machine' whine that you get on new bikes. I really like it, but have no idea as to the right sort of value.

Does anyone know this bike well, from a riding/fault/reliability perspective?

**AllanB** · 7th June 2018, 21:24

The last of the 900's before the 1000 then.

My gut says for a clean one that's good buying. But I may be wrong!

**YellowDog** · 7th June 2018, 21:54

Originally Posted by AllanB

The last of the 900's before the 1000 then.

My gut says for a clean one that's good buying. But I may be wrong!

Yes Allan, I was thinking it should have been the 1000 motor. It's very nice indeed. If it is worth around $10-12K then I would buy it, but if someone says it's worth $20k, I'll tell him to advertise it. I like the guy and don't want to rip him off.

**Grumph** · 8th June 2018, 14:11

It's a dilemma. If he needs the cash urgent, buy it now. In theory it probably is worth a bit more but his urgent need can overcome that.

If it was rougher, someone like Croz would buy it for 1-2 thou less and ask 30 plus once restored..

The twin discs are a good upgrade - but if they're not up to modern standards, the M/C is the wrong size. For std calipers twinned, use a 14mm bore M/C.
Soft organic pads are needed too. I've got customers racing on that combo.

**Paul in NZ** · 8th June 2018, 14:32

Originally Posted by YellowDog

So I have potentially been offered this fully restored and in pristine condition KWAKA Z900 A4 for around $9,000 (he might want a bit more). It's a client's that I have know for years and he now needs to free up some cash. He has owned it for close to 18 years and I estimate that he has spent a lot more than $9k on it. I have ridden it and she runs pretty sweetly. 1977 brakes don't quite have the same feel as modern ones, but she feels well planted and corners well. The engine sound is quite beautiful, with no hint of the modern 'sewing machine' whine that you get on new bikes. I really like it, but have no idea as to the right sort of value.

Does anyone know this bike well, from a riding/fault/reliability perspective?

At 9K and in that condition... Just buy it... Not shit - I'd give you $9K for it in a blink. Stonking bike for 9K and it will get attention everywhere you go. Poor bugger selling it must be gutted... I mean 9K? WTF else would you get for that? A 10yr old 1st generation Bonnie... Gleep...

Classic Bike did a big piece on Z900's a while back. Yeah its NOT a Z1 but it feels like one and its one you can actually use.

**jellywrestler** · 8th June 2018, 16:25

Originally Posted by YellowDog

So I have potentially been offered this fully restored and in pristine condition KWAKA Z900 A4 for around $9,000 (he might want a bit more). It's a client's that I have know for years and he now needs to free up some cash. He has owned it for close to 18 years and I estimate that he has spent a lot more than $9k on it. I have ridden it and she runs pretty sweetly. 1977 brakes don't quite have the same feel as modern ones, but she feels well planted and corners well. The engine sound is quite beautiful, with no hint of the modern 'sewing machine' whine that you get on new bikes. I really like it, but have no idea as to the right sort of value.

Does anyone know this bike well, from a riding/fault/reliability perspective?

quite simply the cost savings on rego add a lot of value to bikes of this era, people can afford to register them all year round so don't suffer from the opportunities to ride but their bikes on hold.

**Honest Andy** · 8th June 2018, 17:18

I think that old bikes are often overpriced just because they're "classic". Old bikes have all the inherent problems of any old machinery, and should be priced accordingly. Parts become harder to find and more expensive, and less people are around who know about a particular models quirks. Because of that often a classic bike ends up sitting in the garage for extended periods because the owner doesn't want to put too many miles on it. I reckon that's a bit of a shame.
Still, that looks like a really nice machine. And if that's the going price then grab it and enjoy it

**HenryDorsetCase** · 8th June 2018, 17:46

Originally Posted by YellowDog

So I have potentially been offered this fully restored and in pristine condition KWAKA Z900 A4 for around $9,000 (he might want a bit more). It's a client's that I have know for years and he now needs to free up some cash. He has owned it for close to 18 years and I estimate that he has spent a lot more than $9k on it. I have ridden it and she runs pretty sweetly. 1977 brakes don't quite have the same feel as modern ones, but she feels well planted and corners well. The engine sound is quite beautiful, with no hint of the modern 'sewing machine' whine that you get on new bikes. I really like it, but have no idea as to the right sort of value.

Does anyone know this bike well, from a riding/fault/reliability perspective?

buy it or I want it.

**Voltaire** · 8th June 2018, 20:50

Originally Posted by Honest Andy

I think that old bikes are often overpriced just because they're "classic". Old bikes have all the inherent problems of any old machinery, and should be priced accordingly. Parts become harder to find and more expensive, and less people are around who know about a particular models quirks. Because of that often a classic bike ends up sitting in the garage for extended periods because the owner doesn't want to put too many miles on it. I reckon that's a bit of a shame.
Still, that looks like a really nice machine. And if that's the going price then grab it and enjoy it

They generally only sell for what people are prepared to pay.
If I was in the market for a 70's 4 cylinder kwaka I'd say that one is a bargain.
Depends on the "Classic" I can get most parts for a Norton Commando or 70's BMW in days. Learning how old vehicles work is part of the fun, however once they become 'collectable ' and not used as much parts will dry up and no one will bother making them for a reasonable cost.
Check out VW Kombi pricing if you think bikes are expensive.