Wassup!

So after years of telling myself that I wanted I motorcycle, and going through girlfriends that were not remotely as supportive as my current girlfriend, I finally did it. I purchased a $700 1978 KZ650 with supposedly 17,xxx miles. It runs, but very poorly, and it smells like a lawnmower and requires a constant choke to remain running. Regardless, I'm still in love. :silly: I have been confused as to whether it is a B1 or B2. It seems to be B1 as the paint must be a Candy Emerald Blue, but kz650info.com states a 1978 would be a B2 but it does not appear to be a Luminous Dark Blue paint scheme. I am thinking it was a 77 model built in 78? Anyway, I am happy this forum exists as I want my bike to one day be a perfectly maintained and roadworthy bike. The first things I am looking to do other than a tune (carb rebuild,oil,filter etc) would be researching my options on what it would take to get some meatier tires on the bike. Not sure of the ramifications on a handling level, but sure as hell looks good! Be easy!

welcome...idle circuits are maybe clogged and thats why the carbs need choke or die...good tires will make a difference too...good p.s.i...welcome

Naaw, FIRST thing you do is get rid of that sissy bar.... please? :woohoo: Welcome to KZR and here is a great small site that will answer all questions about the mighty 650!

Z650

Same bike, the Europeons version dropped the "K", don't know why.

Bluemeanie wrote:

Naaw, FIRST thing you do is get rid of that sissy bar.... please? :woohoo: Welcome to KZR and here is a great small site that will answer all questions about the mighty 650!

Z650

Same bike, the Europeons version dropped the "K", don't know why.

Welcome jayboogz! If you haven't done so already, buy the official kawasaki shop manual (easily found on eBay). And current dogma on why the KZ650 was marketed in western Europe without the 'K' is that WWII German concentration camps were 'KZ' camps...bad associations.

Welcome aboard. What is the serial number on the frame - using that you can positively identify the model. Definitely get a genuine Kawasaki factory service manual, but first let us identify if it's a B1 or B2 so you can get the correct manual - the model DOES matter. Sissy bar must go, other than that it really is a beautiful bike and an absolute STEAL for $700!! Ed

Actually the picture posted is the craigslist posting pic from the seller. The sissy bar didnt even make it off the guy's driveway as I had to remove it to get it loaded in my work van. Never would I plan to put that hideous gurney back on my bike,LOL!

Much better without the sissy bar. It looks like a 1978 B2 to me unless someone has changed a bunch of stuff (including the master cylinder), but check using the serial number to be sure. Also, you should check the engine using it's serial number to make sure it hasn't been swapped somewhere along the line. Ed

Pretty nice original machine. My vote here is keep it stock. Get new tires but go with stock sizes. How are the spokes? Hard to tell in a picture. I like nice spokes as mags are nice but seeing less and less spokes. I think you are looking at the blue and not the emerald paint, at least in the pics on my monitor. Nice bike! GLuck!

Yes, much nicer without the sissy bar. I agree on keeping it original! Looking at Z650's site, it appears to be a '78 B2.