1974 Kawasaki KZ400 – Original Paint Survivor | Fully Serviced | Stunning Classic

Up for auction is a beautifully preserved 1974 Kawasaki KZ400, an iconic overhead-cam twin and the “little brother” to the legendary Kawasaki KZ900 and Kawasaki KZ1000. As those flagship models continue to skyrocket in value—often bringing $20,000+ (and even $50K+ for early examples at auction)—this KZ400 represents an affordable entry into serious Kawasaki collecting.

If you already own a 900, 1000, or 750, this may be the missing piece in your lineup.

Comprehensive Preservation Service – 41 Hours Invested

PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FOR FULL DETAILS

This is not a neglected survivor—this bike has just undergone a meticulous 41-hour preservation and mechanical service, ensuring it runs as good as it looks:

• Fuel tank cleaned and serviced (clean inside)

• Carburetors fully disassembled, cleaned, and rebuilt

• New intake manifold gaskets

• Points set and ignition dialed in

• Engine oil & filter replaced

• Compression tested at 150 PSI (perfect spec!)

• New NGK spark plugs

• New OE-style grips & mirror

• New vent hoses installed

• Full Performance Dual Exhaust (Sounds Amazing!)

Brake System – Fully Rebuilt

• Front caliper rebuilt

• Master cylinder rebuilt

• New Motul high-temp brake fluid

• Rear brake system serviced

Suspension & Front End

• Forks rebuilt with new seals & oil

• Fork lowers professionally sanded & polished (3-stage process)

• Fork uppers in excellent condition—no pitting

Cosmetic Condition – Exceptional Survivor

This KZ400 retains its original factory paint, beautifully cleaned and buffed to a deep, smooth gloss.

• Tank: original paint, excellent condition (one small, repairable ding)

• Seat: original and mint

• Side covers: original and clean

• Chrome: Excellent

• Frame rails, swingarm, and stands repainted

Show-Quality Rotisserie detailing completed

• Front & rear hubs vapor honed to like-new condition

• Engine covers polished to a chrome-like finish

• Brake backing plate and aluminum components polished

• Entire bike treated to a rotisserie-level detail

This is the kind of detailing that separates a rider from a collector-grade machine.

Performance & Ride

• Runs strong, smooth, and responsive

• Custom dual exhaust system gives it a deep, classic rumble

• Lightweight, nimble, and easy to ride

• 50+ MPG fuel efficiency

Tires (IRC Grand Marquis):

• Front: ~80% tread

• Rear: ~70% tread

Chain has been replaced; sprockets are in excellent condition.

Condition Summary

• 52-year-old motorcycle that has stood the test of time

• No crash damage or frame issues

• Clean engine cases and undercarriage

• Original components preserved wherever possible
  

• Transmission Shifts Excellent But Occasionally

• May Miss 3rd to 4th gear if not shifted Fully and Firmly

• Mechanically sorted and ready to ride or display

Why Buy From Us?

At Kaplan Cycles, we don’t just sell motorcycles—we preserve history and deliver confidence.

• ✔ 40+ years in the motorcycle industry

• ✔ Museum-quality restorations & preservation builds

• ✔ Transparent condition reports and walkaround videos

• ✔ Nationwide shipping assistance

• ✔ We stand behind every bike we sell

Our mission is simple: deliver a machine you can be proud to own, ride, and display.

Final Thoughts

This 1974 Kawasaki KZ400 is:

• A true survivor

• A turn-key classic

• A smart investment in a rising market

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting into vintage Japanese bikes, this is a rare opportunity to own a beautifully preserved piece of Kawasaki history.

Bid with confidence. Ride with pride. 

God Bless America.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.