1978 KZ650 C2

I have a 1978 KZ650 C2 in my basement in pieces (almost). This bike was a gift from someone who just wanted it out of their barn. I've stripped the bike down, and only have a frame with wheels and an engine on it. Even the wiring harnesses have been removed from the handle bars. All parts are in well-marked Ziploc bags.

I thought re-building the bike would be fun, but now it seems a bit daunting. I'm mechanical (do all my own work on a 2001 V Star 1100 such a valve adjustments, carb synchs, oil changes, added oil filter re-locater kit, etc.), and definitely have the desire for this project. I suppose what I'm looking for is a few words of encouragement and a jumping-off point. I'm thinking the next step is to build a stand for the frame so I can more easily work on/remove wheels and engine.

Suggestions anyone?

:blink:

Thanks!

Post edited by: drayman86, at: 2007/02/04 17:10

Post edited by: drayman86, at: 2007/02/04 17:14

Post edited by: drayman86, at: 2007/02/08 08:07

Post edited by: drayman86, at: 2007/02/08 20:04

Post edited by: drayman86, at: 2007/02/08 20:04

go for it there are plenty of ppl here
who you can ask if you get stuck.

oh and buy a manual too on e bay 10 buck
well worth it dude.

good luck have fun.

Welcome to KZR,Drayman!
Ya...You can do it,and like Kano says...lots of people and lots of help here.
Get that manual and just start at it.
Check Your wiring harness for any bad sections(cracks or breaks for sure)while You have it all off.
One step at a time...

welcome to z-jungle. im partial to milk crates myself for assembly stand

Thanks kano & Sandy !

Buying a Clymer manual will definitely be in the offing soon.

I'd like to build a stand for the bike while working on it, but searching the Forum for "stand" brings back about a jillion hits.

Anyone know of the location of a plan for constructing such a stand out of lumber?

I wouldn't get too stressed out about a special stand for your bike. If you are doing a complete teardown, you will want to get all the extraneous stuff off, then wheels, forks, swingarm; then tilt the frame and engine on it's side- it's easier to lift the frame off the bike than to wrestle the engine out of the frame. Once you start putting it all back together, milkcrates or cribbing work fine to keep it upright.... I work in my cellar, and occasionally use a nylon ratchet strap from the floor joists to make sure my bike doesn't get knocked over.
You just got to take a deep breath and dive into it! Good luck, and take pictures, we love pictures.

Yes! The bikes are quite simple and parts are available both new and used. Lots of tech support here as mentioned.

drayman86 wrote:

I'd like to build a stand for the bike while working on it, but searching the Forum for "stand" brings back about a jillion hits.

Anyone know of the location of a plan for constructing such a stand out of lumber?

Click this link:
tinyurl.com/3xu8jc

4th from bottom is plans for a 650 stand. Also, while you're in there.....look around. LOTS of stuff in there for a 650.

Ditto the comments re: wiring....check everything, replace ANYTHING questionable.
Lots of folks here to help...post issues as you have them and you'll get answers/comments/ help....good luck with the project!!

Post edited by: ran429, at: 2007/02/18 13:22

Thanks Nevco48; like the idea of tipping bike on its side once a lot of the stuff is off it.

Thanks, too, to all the other responders. I'll see about some pics in within a couple of days to show you all what I've got.

Yes, there are plenty of parts available for this bike!

Thanks again, all!

OK, Nevco48, here's some pics of my 1979 KZ650C Serial #015698:

Here's the bike in the basement. It's coming out in pieces, since I'll NEVER get a fully assembled bike up the stairs.



Post edited by: drayman86, at: 2007/02/05 18:54

Here's a shot of the engine. I got the cam cover off and removed the cams, also removed the head bolts. Can't get the head off, and I don't wanna pound or pry for fear of damage.

This is about half the parts. They're organized into labeled Ziploc bags.