KZR's Bikes of the Month for 2024

New member in NZ with a KZ650B1 1976.

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29 Dec 2024 18:03 #907285 by kimchella
New member in NZ with a KZ650B1 1976. was created by kimchella
Hi Guys, I joined a while ago, but only recently came on with a post showing my newly chromed exhaust.
After recently buying a KZ650B1 from California in July this year, have decided to do a gentle restoration as this bike is a very early model in great condition, frame number 225, and engine 177. Coming from California, it has no rust, so I am working through it and bringing it back to as original as possible. The original exhaust was solid, but someone had polished it with something very rough!! so had it re-chromed. I am currently getting the nuts/bolts and washers re-plated, as there was nothing wrong with them other than losing their shine. I have replaced all cables and brake hoses with genuine parts, repainted the tank and panels the original Emerald candy green, and the original pin stripe colours are hand painted before having the clear coats. Finally found both exhaust heat shields, as they were missing, which look great on. It had several original owner registration cards under the seat showing one owner for a few years. 
Does anyone know if the original 1976/7 sealed beam headlight is handed, pointing left/right for different markets? There is no indication on the glass, so assuming it can be adjusted to point the correct way?
Looking forward to getting more photos up when things start to come together, and getting it out on the road. 
Many thanks,
Rich.

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30 Dec 2024 01:21 - 30 Dec 2024 01:53 #907290 by Wookie58
Replied by Wookie58 on topic New member in NZ with a KZ650B1 1976.
I doubt it will be suitable if it is US spec - All headlamps (to the best of my knowledge) with the exception of some modern LED/Xenon lamps, are handed - the "high point" on dip beam must be curb side. To be certain you can shine it against a wall and compare to the below

Last edit: 30 Dec 2024 01:53 by Wookie58.
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30 Dec 2024 18:17 #907328 by rstnick
Replied by rstnick on topic New member in NZ with a KZ650B1 1976.
Welcome Rich.
Sounds like you've found a nice 650!
Post up some pictures when you can.


Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s (aka GPz750)
1978 KZ1000 project
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31 Dec 2024 17:54 #907371 by kimchella
Replied by kimchella on topic New member in NZ with a KZ650B1 1976.
Here is today’s photo trialing the tank to make sure the fuel cock doesn’t leak.
Happy new year everyone.
Rich.

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01 Jan 2025 06:47 #907393 by Joe S
Replied by Joe S on topic New member in NZ with a KZ650B1 1976.
Bike looks fantastic. Love the green!

1982 KZ550 LTD

Verona, Ontario, Canada
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01 Jan 2025 07:38 #907398 by asphalt900
Replied by asphalt900 on topic New member in NZ with a KZ650B1 1976.
Used to roust-up a bunch of Kawasaki parts for the NZ CAMS Racing club, has been years ago. Had a Friend Kiwi Pete, talked to him occasionally on the phone. Hard to understand because of the different dialect but we had fun!!  
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