(PICS ADDED!) Hello from a newly minted '79 KZ650 owner!!!

paulie wrote:

A couple questions:

This one's directed at N0NB - I really like the look of your bike!! Are those stock mags? I like those a LOT better than the spokes.. If those are stock, would they fit a '79 KZ650 Custom? Where might a guy find some?

Also, another one more general question. I see that barely any of you have sissy bars. Might anyone be able to point me to potential vendors of sissy bars that fit a 79 KZ650? My girlfriend wont ride without one.

Thank you! Yes, they are stock. In '79 there were three 650 models offered. The KZ650B has spoke wheels. The KZ650C (a.k.a. Custom) has cast wheels as does the KZ650D (a.k.a. SR 650--mine). A look at the VIN on the steering head will reveal which model the bike you're looking at is.

Sissy bars show up on eBay from time-to-time. Occasionally someone will offer one up for sale here. There might still be a few vendors with some in stock for the 650s.

- Nate >>

I just bought my first bike ever, a 1979 KZ650SR last September, and I have loved it the whole time. A few minor problems, but she runs sweet normally. These guys on this site have been great, and I have been able to fix those things with their help. The size seems just right for a first timer...I haven't gotten bored with it yet.

I've attached a pic of mine with a sissy bar/rear rack combo to get a look at. Mine came with it, but I've seen the exact same one on ebay a few different times.



Post edited by: giftofthegods77, at: 2006/03/14 18:28

Well guys, I bought it!!

Blue 1979 KZ650F -- or at least I'm pretty sure the frame sticker said 650F, I may have to double check that. 30k on the clock.

But the bike is immaculate, and seems to run great!

As mentioned, fork seals are the only thing that needs to be done to it to make it rideable. I will probably have the shop give it the old once-over at the same time just to make sure everything else is kosher before I start riding it often, because I will be!

I'm very excited! I'll be up and riding it in about a month, after I get the Class M cert. on my license after the training class.

I was able to hear it run, and though it took a while to get started, it seems like it runs like a champ. After all, it hadn't been started in over a year! No sputtering, no hesitation once it was running though.. Did I mention I'm excited?

From what I understand I will be the 4th owner... The previous two owners, both of whom I talked to, both barely rode it, but put some work and $$ into it.

I snapped some pics, I will post them up tonight! Time to go buy a jacket and helmet!

Cheers,
Paulie

Post edited by: paulie, at: 2006/04/17 10:32

Congrats, Paulie. If it is a KZ650F, then it will be at least a 1980 model. If the build date on the VIN sticker is between 7/79 and 6/80 then it is a 1980 model. The F has spoked wheels (it replaced the B model for the most part in North America).

I've just gotten everything squared away on a 1979 KZ650B3 over this past weekend. I have a thread on it in the chit-chat section.

Speaking of starting, unless the SR has sat for a long time, I can count on it starting on the first kick (I like to kick it when cold, I use the electric once it's warmed up). I just have to be sure to pull the choke on full and not touch the throttle.

- Nate >>

Cool! Thanks for the info N0NB.. I'll have to take a look at it again when I pick it up.

It could be that a former owner replaced the spokes with mags -- but more likely is that my memory is failing me!!

Watch this thread for pics tonite!!

Congrats Paulie.

The F models came with mags as well. Here's a pic of an '80.
.


Post edited by: rstnick, at: 2006/04/17 14:18

thanks rstnick,

WOW! That is exactly what my bike looks like.. Though mine has a different seat now..

But yea, absolutely identical!

So it must be a 1980 then!

OK, pics added to the gallery, and also my Flickr account..

Check them out HERE

paulie wrote:

OK, pics added to the gallery, and also my Flickr account..

Check them out HERE

Nice bike Bro!! Welcome!

paulie wrote:

thanks rstnick,

WOW! That is exactly what my bike looks like.. Though mine has a different seat now..

But yea, absolutely identical!

So it must be a 1980 then!

Saw your pics and it looks very nice. The definitive answer to your model year question is the VIN--it tells all.

- Nate >>