77 kz650

[Guest]

Hey guys.

Just picked up this beauty yesterday. It?s my first Kawasaki....15k miles. All original. Paint and gauges are immaculate. She?s pretty zippy too

i was hoping someone could steer me to a KZ forum with similarities to this one. Looking for a Good Kawi Community and tons of knowledge

thanks for the space
AndrewR

 

[Nessism]

KZ Rider is a good forum. The traffic level is about 20% of here though.

Edit: I take it back, KZ Rider forum traffic is about 10% of here. There have been 9 posts there all day.

 

[chuck hahn]

Does the stator cover have 3 allen head bolts showing through it? Take a pic of the left side

 

[Nessism]

It should have the field coil type stator (3 screws showing on the cover.)

 

[chuck hahn]

If its a first year bike. Far as i know all the others had stators internally mounted...no screws showing.

 

[Rob S.]

Those bikes were very popular back in the day. I believe their ad read, "Right out of the box, it'll beat any 750 in the world."

When my Z1 lost it's badges, people would frequently mistake her for a 650. Always gave me a thrill to correct them. "That's a 903, son. No brag, just fact."

 

[Nessism]

The 650 begat the 750 after a bore out, which got a turbo for the much acclaimed 750 turbo which ran into the 10's at the drag strip, and then the 750 Zephyr, and finally the ZR-7 which made it into the early 2000's. That's an incredibly long linage for an engine first launched in 1977. Bullet proof, and with great drivability and economy. Kawasaki nailed it with that design.

P1030216 by nessism, on Flickr

 

[Rob S.]

Kawasaki nailed it...

They certainly did. Ask any old timer (except Harley guys), and they'll tell you that Kawasaki was the bike to own in the '70's and '80's.

 

[Guest]

I?ll def sign up for KZrider forum!!thanks

i would usually tear off the big ear mirrors and get different bars. but the fact that it?s all original I?m fighting the urge too.
we will see.......ha

its even got the original Kawi tool bag and owners manual with wiring diagram. And the blinkers buzz when they?re on (cool but kind of annoying)

here?s a shot of the left side. Look like three Allen bold to me

thabks for the input guys

 

[Guest]

Also I?m looking for tire recommendations. I have metzeler sportec on my Suzy, which I love. But cannot seem to find tires 4.00x18 and 3.25x19 anywhere on the inter web. What are y?all rolling on??

I see the Michelin battlax and the Avon?s are forum faves

Might want a old look with new technology handling abilities.

anyone go with the Shinzo 270s??

thanks again for the space
AndrewR

 

[Grimly]

Also I’m looking for tire recommendations. I have metzeler sportec on my Suzy, which I love. But cannot seem to find tires 4.00x18 and 3.25x19 anywhere on the inter web. What are y’all rolling on??

Try 110/90-18 or 120/90-18 for the rear and 100/90-19 for the front.

 

[Guest]

Might actually be a 3.50x19 on the front

can’t remember at the moment

thanks @Grimly

 

[Guest]

Looks like I can get a set of shinko 230s for around $160 shipped. Seems to be a good deal

 

[Nessism]

Looks like I can get a set of shinko 230s for around $160 shipped. Seems to be a good deal

These guys are a good tire source. Free shipping. Pretty sure you can beat that $160 price.

And for what it's worth, lots of positive feedback on the cheaper 712 Shinko.

https://www.americanmototire.com/

 

[Guest]

Thanks @nessism. Got a price match from j&p cycles !!
$136

 

[zuluwiz]

Rob S. said:
Those bikes were very popular back in the day. I believe their ad read, "Right out of the box, it'll beat any 750 in the world."

I remember those ads, back in the day. It was true too, until Suzuki released the GS750 a few months later. Kawasaki stopped running those ads then. Still, the KZ650 was highly respected.

 

[Guest]

Does the stator cover have 3 allen head bolts showing through it? Take a pic of the left side

@chuck Hahn. Why?d you ask about the stator cover in particular??

 

[chuck hahn]

First year bikes...some with build dates in 1976...was the only year with three allen head bolts going through the cover to bolt in the field coil. Was wondering if it was a true first year bike and if it had a first year engine as well. For basic ID purposes.

 

[Guest]

First year bikes...some with build dates in 1976...was the only year with three allen head bolts going through the cover to bolt in the field coil. Was wondering if it was a true first year bike and if it had a first year engine as well. For basic ID purposes.

Very cool.

as I said earlier I?m reluctant to change anything on the bike from original. Even though I very much would like to go drag or clubman bars and bar end Mirrors . And a 4-1 exhaust. I might still do it and keep the original bars/mirrors/controls intact and swap out with reproduction controls and the other goodies I want. Will be a bit pricier that way. Ha

the bike runs great I only get a bit of a faint pulsing headlight at a stop/revs at idle. Is this due to the early ignition system. Would a new set of points n condenser fix it or would I have to switch to electronic ignition (dyna) setup.
or am I reading to much I into it and it?s just how the KZ will behave??

thanks for your time guys
AndrewR

 

[chuck hahn]

heres a couple threads on my KZ. Was built july 76. It started as a project to be auctioned off for charity but i ended up buying it from Frank and finishing it.

https://www.thegsresources.com/_for...stin-moto-fest-auction-bike&highlight=KZ650B1

https://www.thegsresources.com/_for...tion-bike-)-part-2&highlight=moto+fest+part+2