Hello from Oskaloosa, Iowa

Hey everybody. I just moved into a house and lo and behold the old owner had a 1977 kz650 that he left in there and wound up selling to me. I also have a 1986 Honda VFR700F that is not is the best of condition.
The KZ has 16000 miles on it and I just got it back from thhe shop where they went through everything. It seams to be running very well.
My question is basically how well I can trust this bike. I have been using it as a commuter bike to work (15 miles), but could I take a long cruise (at 70mph average) on it or even tour on it and feel safe about it getting me back home. Thanks for the input!

Chris
Oskaloosa, IA
1977 KZ650C

Post edited by: cheezy14u, at: 2006/04/12 17:52

WELCOME,
Riding a new to you bike long distances is up to you.
How long did it sit on the old tires? are they cracked?

if the shop says its good to go and didnt say anything about it warning wise, i would hit the highways asap.

but only after i got new rubber on it to make my mind at ease.

Welcome!! I had a 650 long ago if every thing checked out then go for it! knoxville Iowa here!!

Say hi to Chief Mahaska for me... I was born in the county hospital in Osky, grew up west of New Sharon. And hey Knoxville, my uncle ran the Ford garage there (long gone) for years.

As long as the bike has been thoroughly checked out (tires, brakes, forks, bearings) I'd trust it. You may want to change out the sprockets if that hasn't been done for more pleasant highway RPMs.

Post edited by: lowbuck, at: 2006/04/12 22:03

Welcome aboard, Chris.

While by today's standards a 650 is a "small" bike, in 1977 it was considered a fairly large machine--definitely somewhere in the upper end of "middle weight" or the low end of "super bike". A lot of people toured long distances on 300 to 500cc bikes, so a 650 is definitely capable of taking you coast-to-coast.

As you ride it you'll get an idea of its character, how it handles, etc. Checking the tires over carefully, as already suggested, is crucial.

There are windshields and fairings available along with luggage racks and bags to help you quickly add storage for a long ride. A set of case guards with a set of "highway pegs" added will allow you to stretch your legs on a long ride.

Another thing I'd recommend, since you probably don't have a fuel guage or low level light, is to take some rides to get an idea of your fuel mileage. then use your trip odometer to guide you on when you need to fill up again. I know that my SR 650 with its smaller "coffin" tank will go around 100 to 125 miles before I need to reach for the petcock and switch to reserve. I think the standard 650 tank is larger so you might be able to go farther between fills.

Enjoy!

- Nate >>

Welcome!
Man the "Gods" were smiling on you.
Got "new dwellings" and a "new" Bike!

Hey, Knoxville!!! We need to cruise sometime!