kz-650-1979-first project

hi everybody-ijust bought my first project bike-79 kz 650-its not in too bad shape [i think]my knoledge of engines is minimal-alays loved the kz;s growing up now in 2009 igot one.i think with some help from you guys i can handle it.[maybe a lot of help]engine runs[rough]no front brake lever-needs battery-mufflers beet up-nobaffles-theese are just the items that that i have noticed[needs ignition switch and key]1;st question-what size battery-2nd question-is the ignition switch easy to install?[still waiting for my manual that i bought on ebay]3;rd quewstion-when i take the carbs off to cleen them do you sugest re jetting-i paid 500$-ithink it was a good investment-o yeah 1 more thing-ilike the pod filters-do you reccomend them or is it better to stick with stock filter-thank you every body[you will probably hear alot from me in the next year-thanks again everbody....irish mike

Welcome to KZR, sounds like a good project you've got there. My battery in my 77 650 is a 12N10-3A. The switch is easy to change. Not sure on the rest.

Mark

Welcome to KZR Mike! Don't know where you're located but I went and got a battery at my local Walmart, just look bike up in there little catalog. The ignition is easy to replace, just unscrew little plastic ring around key hole, remove rear cover and remove headlight (ign plugs in there) As far as pods vs stock air box...... well.... that is a whole topic of discussion. I'm not a pod person but many members here run them. It can be a jetting nightmare and a few other fun problems.Here is a little discussion about this from three years ago. There is many more...

I picked up a battery at Walmart last week too in Denver.It was for a '79 kz650sr, $30 and easy to find with their little computer they had at the display.

I put emgo pods on my 81 csr650. I'm going back to the stock air box!!!!Some people have good luck with them. Not me this time!
Good Luck!, Boots

Welcome Mike.

Check the Ignition switch for the key code #. It's usually stamped next to the keyhole. Chance though that '79's had the key code # stamped only on the seat lock. Either way if you can get one made by the # you will have a key that works the seat, ignition and steering lock.

Do post up some pictures of your ride.

DON'T PUT POD FILTERS ON YOUR BIKE. They look cool but are a bitch when syncing the carbs and you can't ride in any moisture because they suck in water. Air boxes on KZ's are worth a bit of money because of this as a lot of people junked them for pods in the 80's but in their age realized what a pain in the ass they really are unless you live in LA they are a waste of time money and energy.