Side cover interchangeability

Got a question for the more knowldegeable folks here.

I recently picked up a blue 1979 KZ650B3 that has a broken RH side cover (looks like someone took a spill on this bike at one point, because the headlight bracket is bent as well). The side cover was duct-taped in place when I bought the bike. I'm currently riding the bike daily without it.

Anyway, on to my question: Bikebandit has a blue side cover available for the KZ650-B2/B2A (but not for the B3). Does anyone know if this part would fit and if the paint color would match?

Post edited by: Idaho_Spud, at: 2005/10/16 04:21

I think that the right side covers are "more" interchangeable than the left. Not sure about paint codes... wonder what buykawasaki.com has to say.

Buykawasaki.com lists red, green, and ebony side covers for the B3. Is it possible that your bike was repainted? Are you sure it's a B3?

I thought that the B, C and maybe D models had the same side covers, but I think GargantuChet may be right about the Right side one. As the B models do not have the rear master cylinder as the C and D do, there may be a difference in the lower edge. The '77 and '78 side covers have a recess for the side cover emblems where the '79 and later side covers are flat with no recess. Post a picture of yours if you can so they can be compared.

Here's a pic of my '78 C models:

The B1-3 and C1-3 are the exact same shape and mount for both the left and right and all interchange. The -3 had different emblems. The D model SR covers will also fit but are a different shape with different SR emblems. In other words any 1977-79 KZ650 cover will plug in, but paint will not match. I don't think the blue 1978 KZ650B2 and 1979 B3 are the same, although I really can't remember seeing blue B3s. No difference in the disc brake vs drum models on the covers other than the color.

Kewl guys and thanks for all the help. The paint on this bike is faded enough that a new side cover will stand out like a sore thumb - even if it's the correct color, LOL.

It looks identical to the one in the photo, so I probably have a C model. The engine says B and the frame says C, so I guess it's a C then? Anyway, I just want to make sure that whatever I get, it sorta matches in color and definitely matches in fit!

Thanks again for the help and chet thanks for the other link

Mark

Glad for any help I provided. I've been keeping an eye out for side covers for my '78 SR, so I've been through the parts listings a few times recently.

G'luck!

Frame says C then it's a C. You should have Mag wheels and disc brakes front and back as well. My engine # is a B # as well. I think they all are.