77 KZ650B - Stator Questions

Hey all,

I just got my first motorcycle (77 KZ650B). It's definitely a project. The previous owner said he was warming it up one morning when he noticed wires melting. It hasn't started since (about 15 years). I got the project to learn more about motorcycles and to have some fun rebuilding one.

I pulled the stator out to check it. The Clymer manual says that the resistance between the 3 yellow pins within the connector should be between 0.4-0.6ohms. Any higher or no ready indicates a short and the stator must be replaced. My readings were 1.1-1.3ohms. 

1. Stators for the 77 seem to be a little difficult to come by. Can one refurbish (rewind) the stator? If so, anyone have any experience?
2. I have been thinking about putting a Dyna S electric ignition in, but I have read on the forums that the electric pull is too great for the original stator and regulator/rectifier. If I decide to ditch the points and go to a dyna s with 3 ohm coils, what would you recommend for a "new" stator and regulator/rectifier?

That problem with the Dyna S does not apply to the 1977 Kz650.  It's on the 78 and 79, and even then it's relatively rare.

The 1977 charge system, when working properly, is probably the most powerful of the 650 systems.  But it's also a bit more complicated and expensive to repair/replace compared to the later years.

An alternator shop might be able to rewind the stator if you're lucky.  I always wonder if they get the specs right.

wrote:

That problem with the Dyna S does not apply to the 1977 Kz650.  It's on the 78 and 79, and even then it's relatively rare.

The 1977 charge system, when working properly, is probably the most powerful of the 650 systems.  But it's also a bit more complicated and expensive to repair/replace compared to the later years.

An alternator shop might be able to rewind the stator if you're lucky.  I always wonder if they get the specs right.

Good to know! Thanks. 

The original rectifier was replaced with a rectifier/regulator from a 83 GPZ750, so I'm thinking about grabbing the combo unit (VRREM-KZ) Oregon Motorcycle Parts. 

Now I'm a little bit confused.  The gpz750 reg/rec is not compatible with a 1977 Kz650 charging system.  Using it could damage that system.

Are you sure you have a 1977 model?  Is it possible it's a 1978 model built in 1977?

The best and easiest way to tell is to look at the alternator cover.  Are there three screws in a triangle pattern on it?  If so, then it's truly a 1977 model.  If not then it is 1978 or later, regardless of what the paperwork says.

Also as a side note, it appears you have 1977 Kz750 listed in your signature. Do you also own a 750 twin in addition to the 650?

Complete model designations for the Kz line usually have a digit after the model letter designation. A 1977 Kz650 would be either a Kz650B1 or Kz650C1 (alloy wheels and 3 disc brakes).    A 1977 750 twin would be a Kz750B2, I think.  

Yes, I have a 77 KZ650B. I checked the vin. It's got the three screws in the triangle pattern.
Thanks for catching my signature..it was a typo. I don't own a 750, just the Kz650B1 (Front disc brake, rear drum brake).

The previous owner replaced the original rectifier with one from a GPZ750, which I assume is what caused the meltdown on the bike 15 years ago. 

Ah yes, that would cause a meltdown.