Kawasaki F3 Bushwacker - Any good?

userid605

Hi I've been looking for a cheap older bike to ride around at school and am looking at a Kawasaki F3 bushwacker that runs and looks good. But I have no experience with the bike and can't find much about it other than general specs. If anyone can tell me anything about it I'd appreciate it thanks.

KirkN · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 5:32 pm Post subject:

Well, it's one in a whole family of Kawasaki 2-stroke rotary valve singles. 90, 100, 125, 175, 250, 350. I don't remember, off the top of my head, what size the F3 is.

I happen to like 'em. I've owned 3 in that series over the years: a G5 100, a 125 and an F7 175. As far as I'm concerned, it'll fill your mission just fine.

They have a magneto ignition that I've found to be dead-nuts reliable! Never had a fouled plug!!

The rotary valve design gives 'em pretty good torque, but they're not really screamers.

Being 2-strokes, they're not particularly fuel efficient, though. Not like the vintage Honda 4-stroke singles.

If the bike your looking for is in good enough shape and a good enough deal (not super overpriced or anything) - runs, goes, stops and all that, I'd go for it in no time.

Good luck with it.

Kirk

userid605 · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 7:30 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the reply - its a 175cc
Could you give me a ball park estimate of price I should consider for it? Cosmetically looks great just little things you can't avoid and it runs good. Any other comments on the bike to from anyone else would be appreciated

KirkN · Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 6:16 am Post subject:

Well, I did a bit more digging, and they're older than I thought. Sez they were only made two or three years. Looks like more of a street scrambler style than the dual-sport style of the later F7 175.

That all seems to indicate to me it'd be worth a little more than the dirt-style bikes.

Either way, in fairly good condition, bordering on minor collectible status, with clear paperwork, I'd expect to pay between $1000 and $2000 around here. Could go lower, say $750 if buyer isn't thinking he owns a piece of gold. Could go higher, depending on how 'collectible' they really are. And I'm afraid I don't have a good handle on that part.

Good luck with it, if you get it.

Kirk

userid605 · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:14 pm Post subject:

It actually is dual purpose bike. But it looks great and runs good. Does have just the normal wear though. What would be a good price for it? I don't want to offer to low or pay to much
here's a picture

KirkN · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 4:03 pm Post subject:

Well, if it has a valid title in his name...

I'd start at $500 and see what he says. Does he have an asking price? He must have an idea of what he wants or thinks its worth.

userid605 · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 2:49 pm Post subject:

He has another offer for $750 so I was going to give him 800 - it only has 3,100 miles on it and I can't find anything comparable around here (UT) for that price. It runs good its only problem is that it idles a little too low so you have to give it a little gas at lights but I assume a little carb adjustment would fix this or do you think I would have to open them up to clean? Either way wouldn't be to big of a problem I redid the carbs on a 73 suzuki gt185 so can't be too much difference. Any input? Anyways thanks for all the help already.

userid605 · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:03 pm Post subject:

oop nevermind someone offered him over 1k for a little more than i have on hand to spend in one place at the moment - but I would like an old dual purpose bike like that if you know of a good place to find bike auctions/sales let me know.

NebraskaBW175 · Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 1:47 pm Post subject:

I bought mine this summer for $400.

Pretty good condition. Had to rebuild a wheel because of missing spokes.

I love it.

You're right, you can't squat for information about them. That's why I joined up here.