After a few days looking around, am airing on the side of a Kwak for teenage nostalgia, but nothing concrete yet.
From memory only but were all UK spec Z1's L or M reg? Surely a K reg would be a US import with date aging plate fitted. Buy one for £25k and in 10 years it could be the same value - buy a RG500 for £10k and it could double or more in 10 years - as I said earlier, if both are equal in your eyes, get the RG
The original Z1 and not Z1A or Z1B came to UK in early 73, but a few were bought over direct from the US in 72, hence there were a few K plate ones, I've also been told a very few UK bikes exist on a K as the L reg didn't come till Sept and a few bikes were here before the plate change. I've only seen 2 or 3 but they are bikes from 72 and not age related plated. Am still undecided but do like both the Zed and the gamma, also keen on the triple 2 stroke Kwaks as once owned a KH myself. Will decide and sort before spring I hope.
I remember reading only a few were on L plates and some were on M and knew people with both. But possible some US ones made it over in time to be K's, not so with the UK bikes I don't think as plate changes were 1st August. The motorcycle in question was, of course, the Kawasaki Z1, which went on sale in America in 1972 and The UK in ’73. Source 'Classic Bikes Magazine'
I was in NZ in November and took my friends 1100 for a spin....immaculate and unmolested. It was a great ride even now, and looks way ahead of its time.
I am struggling to comprehend that you fellas are talking 10k plus about 40 yr old bikes like it's good value. :anguished:
A point to consider is also the dynamic capability of the bike you end up getting.I have a z900 a4 probably the least desirable of the bunch but the latest one that tried to address the handling braking deficiencies of the earlie bikes.It is still light years (understandably) behind modern tech in every department.This has to be at the forefront of my mind when I ride it .You may have already sussed this just worth bearing in mind. That being said I would still not advise against a zed from that era,I ended up restoring the bike I missed out on in my youth and love it but I don't expect too much from it when ridden. What will be safe though is your investment .If you buy right your money will at least be retained IMHO
Spread the lot...there are a lot of 250 2 strokers for 5k or slightly less I would buy. RGV250 Aprilia RS250 NSR250 TZR250 KR1 Could ride 1 every year rotating them and still have 5k left for servicing. Although this would have been a good choice 4-7 years ago..prices have already gone up. Or buy 3 modern classics, that will raise in value. Early or second generation Fireblade, R1, 999S. Either way as any form of investment there is a certain amount of risk involved. Just my 2 pennies worth of wisdom
I agree fully with buying a few but I don't have the room sadly. I don't mind if they raise or drop in price, just as long as its not throwing it all away, if something increases or decreases a bit, or stays level ish, not overly fussed. If I buy a 70s/80s Jap or Italian, the money is fairly safe even if there is no great increase. However, will definitely take on board some of your ideas, and will let you know what I end up with. Cheers for now.
Modern classic Honda SP1 Honda SP2 ducati 916 (sp1,2,3) 98 R1 (white red seat) you may have missed the boat on a rg500 10k minimum atm if you can find one for that. the best value for money now is a rd350 ypvs but they are going up every 6 months, get something like a N1 only 500 made you will pay about 4500 to 6000 for a minter. I am going to be putting one on the bay shortly, it needs restoring but the engine is rebuilt. or look at buying in Germany for a rd I have bought at least 10 in the last year or two. also consider rgv tzr 3ma tzr 3xv rgv aprilia rs Mk or even better Mk2 I am lucky enough to own a few two strokes and two diesels
I guess it's all relative eh, on the face of it, yes $$$$ is alot for an old thumper, but after polishing, riding and looking at it for a while, hopefully get $$$$ back when the time comes. Ya can't take it with ya bradders!!
just sold a marsbar 250lc german import and really nice unrestored bike, got £3300 for it, paid £2600 12 months ago and spent about £70 on bits during the year.
yeah I agree, but the way the market is going they are something you can use and have fun and and at least get your money back or even make a few quid, I have two RG500's both owned for around two years by me, I can sell them for 10k each tomorrow easily, they were both near £7000 when I had them, you buy a new R1 or a 20k ducati and you will lose 3 grand as soon as the wheel hits the road from the showroom, of course markets can change, and the arse can fall out of them, but as long as there is someone close to 50 having a mid life crisis (I am one of them) the market will stay strong.
