Newbie wants to restore 78 KZ650

I live north of Bolton, at Hwy 10 and Old Church Road. Musselman's lake is within 40 minutes. Drop by and see the bike.

Great picture of the frame on the dining table.:laugh:

Based on the paintjob and the drilled disc brakes I'd be inclined to say that is a 79 model not a 78. Looks to be mostly all there the left exhaust looks a little rough and the seat needs a new cover but overall it looks like it can be brought back without too much trouble. The starting investment you have is in your favor. I've got a 77 650 C-1 that I got last year in similar condition, after much elbow grease she is close to being a trailer queen. I'm gonna try and get some pics maybe this week so you can see what is possible. I'd have to say go for it.

What's this SR model you guys are talking about and what's "unique" about this model? On the manufacturer's sticker on the frame behing the headlamp, it says KZ650D-010913, manufactured in 8/78.

Just did some quick research and answered my own question. I'm impressed that kzwolfsr was able to tell me what the bike is just from the picture. Of course you are correct. My frame number is KZ650D-010913. Manufactured in August 78 but is a 1979 model. I'll have to change my signature. Here's the Wikepedia info:

1979 Z650-D2 (SR)
Starting Frame Number: KZ650D-010601
Rumour was that the SR stood for 'STATESIDE REPLICA' and this was what Kawasaki thought a replica should be!. It was basically a C3 with slightly 'chopper' styling. Chrome plating was used on the headlamp shell, clock lowers and chain guard. The rear tailpiece was dropped in place of a painted rear fender. The front exhaust downpipes were crossed over and the mufflers were made a bit shorter. Only one colour was offered in the UK, midnight blue which was really a purple colour although other countries got a red version as well. The rear wheel was now a small but fat 16-inch item for that all-important custom look. In America there was also a D1 in 1978 and an E model, which were very similar but did not have as much equipment, having only one disc at the front and a drum rear brake.

Definitely an early '79 SR 650. The only thing I can tell is that somewhere along the line it appears the crossed headers on it were replaced with straight headers from a KZ650B or C model.

As for "restoration", that can imply a lot of things. It looks to me as though all you're really looking at is cleaning and polishing what you have as well as replacing the bits that are worn. Unless the paint is in terrible condition, you're better off leaving it as is since color matching will be near impossible since the paint codes aren't available.

A lot of us have survivors that bear some nicks and dings as scars of a life well lived. We clean and polish them and enjoy the ride.

The '78 SR had dual front disk brakes, but the rotors weren't drilled. Other than the addition of VM24SS carbs for '79 and the addition of Midnight Blue to the color selection and logo changes the '78 and '79 models were virtually identical.

The Wikipedia entry morphs from the D1 to the E model without being too clear.

Post edited by: N0NB, at: 2007/06/10 09:39

donlee-Several of us have identical models, Nate AKA NONB and me. As for kzwolfsr spotting it, has has an SR too. The SR has a different style tank, no tail piece aka "ducks butt". The fenders instead of being chrome are the same color as the tank and side covers-which it appears you are missing. The 79 sidecovers say "SR 650"
Of course you could click on the one in my signature I guess too.

Heres a pic of mine

here again

I am not sure if this is your first restore, but take pictures of everything, it will help when putting back together, and label every thing in baggies.

Post edited by: zmaniscalco, at: 2007/06/11 14:12

Hi:
I have restoreed my 1978 KZ650B to get it back to stock status. Just about everything is available for these bikes. I have bought new carb parts on e-bay from a place in Cambridge, been given parts locally and a bunch of stuff from e-bay. I am now just one mirror away from stock and a great running bike. I get compliments every time I ride it.
You can expect to do a lot of carb cleaning. The stator and rectifiers are know to be troublesome.
KZrider are great help all the time.

I also own a CB500 4 that will be my next project.