New from Iowa, USA - basket case 1978 kz200

Hi everyone, thought I would start off with a photo of the current state of the bike. I just bought a kz200 for $50 w/title, it was an engine on a rolling frame when I brought it home, and 3 milk crates worth of parts. Previous owner took it on trade for some labor he did, and then let it sit for two years and never touched it. I'm new to kz's, but have revived several 70's/80's Suzuki GS series bikes. I plan on doing a very light "resurrection" of this bike, keeping it as close to 100% stock as possible, I think I have 99% of the original parts to make that happen. I'll probably finish up assembly by this weekend, and I have a paint match from the tins to paint the tank on order. I'm sure there will be some stumbles along the way, as there always are in these types of projects, hoping I can get some help if I need it here.

Awesome. I've been looking for one of those for a while to complete my 1-4 cylinder Kawasaki collection. I remember a girl years back at a Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Rally who had a beautiful, lightly modified café version.
Welcome.

ThatGPzGuy wrote: Awesome. I've been looking for one of those for a while to complete my 1-4 cylinder Kawasaki collection. I remember a girl years back at a Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Rally who had a beautiful, lightly modified café version.
Welcome.

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The way I understand it, they only imported these models for '78/'79, which though they are not super desirable, they are considerably harder to find than the larger CC models. I was lucky enough to score a factory repair model along with the bike, its been very valuable so far.

One thing to keep in mind is that Kawasaki bikes use JIS screwdriver bits even though they look like Phillips. See links below for more info. Ed

www.kzrider.com/forum/10-new-members/609...uy-signing-in#791294

www.kzrider.com/forum/10-new-members/609...uy-signing-in#791293

If you want i can upload a service manual for your KZ200.

Nice find! I like small-bore bikes.

Just for grins I did a quick search on eBay Motors --> Parts & Accessories --> Motorcycle Parts for 'kz200' in both titles and descriptions: 23,500 results. :laugh: But the first few pages include factory service manuals and some nice NOS stuff like tank emblems.

650ed wrote: One thing to keep in mind is that Kawasaki bikes use JIS screwdriver bits even though they look like Phillips. See links below for more info. Ed

www.kzrider.com/forum/10-new-members/609...uy-signing-in#791294

www.kzrider.com/forum/10-new-members/609...uy-signing-in#791293

Thanks Ed, I’m aware from my Suzuki rebuilds. Now if only the PO had known, I wouldn’t have to replace 90% of the screws on the bike.

Scirocco wrote: If you want i can upload a service manual for your KZ200.

I actually got the factory service manual (I believe it’s the same one you linked) with the bike. Thank you for the offer though, the manual has already proven useful.