My Honda cb650sc is in the shop and may be toast. I have been offered a pair of Kaw. 750 triples for a good price(their 76s) and am told they are in good shape. Any one have any info or opinions on these bikes. Ease of service, availability of parts etc. Any info appreciated.
Stinkin' fast two strokes, obviously need oil to burn, but if I remember correctly, it isn't pre-mix, it's injected. If the 750's were anything like the 500's, they really don't like to go around corners. Nicknamed the "Widow Makers"
No valves to screw around with so I imagine if you have a basic knowledge of 2strokes, should be pretty easy to work on.
I can still hear my 500's engine notes in my ears... Ring ding ding ding ding ∞
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"Four wheels move the body.
Two wheels move the soul!"
People say I'm stupid and apathetic. I don't know what that means, and I don't care.
Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
They were awesome bikes. They were very hard on ignition components, though. There are distrubutors out there that specialize in these older bikes (MC Distibuting for example, if they are still around.) Check out the Vintage Japanese Bike Club, or the CVMG. The CVMG has a bunch that specailize in the Kawi triples.
If the engines are in good shape (cranks can be easily hurt and expensive to source, exhaust is another thing you don't want to have to find) they are powerful bikes. As mentioned, they handle uniquely, but they go like hell in a straight line.
The Kaw 750 triple is one of the scariest bikes I ever rode. Super quick in a straight line, but a real handful on turns. I think the big problem was frame flex. Overall, a really fun bike.
A good resource for the triple owner/rebuilder is :