my 78 kz650

Well I been working on my kz since about april. I picked it up for $300. The guy I got it from said it only needed the carbs rebuilt, this was not true (I didn't believe him anyway). Once I got into it I realized what a mess it was. the wiring was beyond messed up he had power wires running everwhere but going to nothing. I went through it and have all that worked out now. I am still messing with the insturment lights right now but that will be finished this week, in theory. I love my kz, it's not the first and def. not the last. Let me know what you think. I have done all kinds of cool things I changed the brake lights out with caddy brake lights and even moved the key. I have never liked the key between the handle bars.

Post edited by: kzbilly, at: 2005/10/31 10:56

Post edited by: kzbilly, at: 2005/10/31 10:57

here is another pic

here is another pic

Welcome to the site!

Looks good, and I like the color a lot. It's very understated...

Where's the key now? You mentioned moving it, but didn't say where you put it.

Welcome to KZR Billy. You've done a nice job bringing her back to life. The tail lights look great, and I see you can also join the clubman bars club. There has been some talk on the site about those style of bars lately.

Have fun and ride safely.

Goo looking bike, Billy! Welcome to the site!

I moved the key under the seat, heres a pick. I saw that someone is from sedalia, I live in warrensburg. Maybe we could go for a ride sometime.

Post edited by: kzbilly, at: 2005/10/31 18:33

...and another KZ finds its way back to the road. Nice going, KZbilly! Your ride looks great.

thanks alot guys, it's been alot of hard work. I have learned alot from this venture. I still have alot to do but it's really come far from where it was. Here is a pic of what she looked like before I started.

Welcome to KZR Billy. I like the color, it looks great. The taillites are nice too. Also, the key location is quite innovative. Nice going.
Ride safe,
Les

thanks alot. I was motivated to move the key because my brother had an bad accident with his old bike and the key. Some lady pulled out and he hit her, no choice. He few over her car and the only injury was that the key ripped his leg open. He had to have it worked on like 4 times, bad situation. He is good now, that was like 10 years ago, he still rides.

Anyway I moved the key. There was a peice of plastic that had 2 bolts that held it in place ( I think it was the peice that holds the air box in) I made a pattern and cut a peice of steel, bent it and cup a nice hole in it and wellded a big washer to it with a notch in order to hold the ignition in place when I turn the key. Besides I just can't not be doing something. I think I need another one now that this is almost finished. I have considered putting a newer style front end so I can put a wider tire on her.

Post edited by: kzbilly, at: 2005/10/31 22:06

Post edited by: kzbilly, at: 2005/10/31 22:21