New Member:

I just purchased a 1978 KZ650D-1 (SR) just like the one I bought new in 1978 (and had to sell in 1979). I have wanted another all my life and I found one that isn't too bad with only 14,000 miles. I never had much occasion to repair the new one I had but this one needs a few, mostly cosmetic, things. Looking forward to making friends and getting help and advice in getting my KZ back on the road. Tom Joyce

Tom welcome to the forum. The description of your bike sounded really familiar, turns out I had been watching it on Ebay:laugh: . I just recently bought the twin to your bike right down to the mileage. I believe your bike is a 79 not a 78 and I had emailed the seller that info. The drilled discs and the sidecover emblems as well as the paintjob are the giveaway. The other good thing is the 79's had the 24 mm carbs whereas the 78's I'm told used 22 mm.

You will find a bunch of 650 owners here (the exception being Bad Kaw :laugh: ) and a lot of good info. It will help you to put your location in your signature, chances are good there is someone here close that might be able to lend a hand if needed. Since everyone here loves pics I thought I'd post one of your bike.

Welcome Tom, always enjoy having another "650" on the site! We're here for you. Put your bike and location in your signature line, might be someone who lives close by and can help out! We like pictures too! :woohoo: (never mind, Gringo put one in!)

Post edited by: Bluemeanie, at: 2007/11/07 09:48

Here is a pic of your bike's twin the one I recently picked up.

hello Tom. Welcome back.I too own a 78'KZ with 14,000...No smoke yet :woohoo:

Hi Tom. Welcome to the site and its really great to have yet another KZ650 back on the road... and its red too.

Best of success and yes lets see some before and after photos.

Post edited by: bill_wilcox100, at: 2007/11/07 16:29

Thanks for the reply. Yes, that's the bike. I bought it recently off E-Bay. It was right down in Mudelien, Illinois which is only about 45 minutes south of me. The price was right and I didn't have to pay shipping. The title says it's a 78, and the frame number matches the title Vin. It does say it was built kinda late though - 10/78. I bought one of these new in 78 and it was this same color but I did think something was different about the 650SR side emblems. As far as drilled rotors, my memeory ain't that good. I also had a 79 that I bought used in 86 but it was a deep purple in color. I am having trouble finding what I need to repair the petcock. I got a kit from Z1 but half of it worked and the other half isn't even close to what I have. I contacted them with the problem but they are kinda slow getting back. I could get it tuned and running if I could get that thing fixed. I took the windshield and lunch box off of it and am looking for a rear grab bar so I can get rid of the luggage rack. Thanks again, Tom

Tom with a 10/78 build date that would make it a 79 for sure, the build date on the one I have is 11/78. The deep purple color on the other one you had was the other color choice for that year. Sounds like you are making all the right moves in shucking the accessories, that was the first thing I did on the one I bought. I'm sure Z-1 Ent. will make things right, their customer service is legendary.

Tom, as to your petcock problem you may want to check out this thread kzrider.com/component/option,com_joomlab...mit,20/limitstart,0/

Seems like it might be the answer to your problem and the parts needed were sourced thru Z-1 Ent.

I supose I have a one off transition model, that's why the petcock kit don't fit. I RE-E-Mailed the guy I talked to at Z-1 but think I may just find time to call because they are SO slow replying electronically.

Welcome Tom.

Nice find there with the 650. She's a beauty.

Wow, looks like someone took real good care of her!

Oh, and Welcome to KZR