Another Diehard kz fan/owner

Hello all.

My name is Terry. I found this forum while Google'ing and thought I would check it out. I have read through some of the Engine threads and I like what I see.

I am the long time current of 2 kz650 bikes both Blue. my first one is a 1980 with factory mag rims and a few upgrades. I added a Vance and Hines Header and a Dyna Electronic Ignition system with Accel matching coils.

I have had this bike since around 1990-1992. I bought it with low miles and the price of $500.00 in very stock shape with only 10,000 miles and its been a great bike.

I will admit this bike has seen more time at 10-grand than it has idle...but still has low miles. I havent had it out in 3-4 years as it needs fork seals and I would like a new clutch. I repainted the bike 15 years ago 80 Quazar Blue and thats its current color. Bike runs fine but need a better dial in on the carbs...something I might need more info on..

When I added the ignition and coils it became hungry and wanted more fuel...I stepped up the jetting in the carbs from the factory 104 jets to 122.5 in increments of 2. ( so I have tried 106, 108, 110, 112.5, 115, 118, 120 and 122.5)

the local bike shop says the jets are way to big but the bike loves them and each time it felt like it got faster. might just be me but it sure feels means for a 650... I think if I changed the idle jets and maybe adjusted the rod height I could use less jet...

My late uncle has a 82 kz750 and we used to race and he could never catch me...I attribute that mostly to me being lighter...he had a header too and coils and jets...

My other bike is a 79 kz650 as well also in Blue but it has a Bell left hand Header and cams but only I think one size over stock. It has 110 jets in the carbs and feel like it wants more but still has the factory coils and points...someday to be changed.

It also has spoked rims but other than that they are mostly Identical. I bought this bike off a friend who had it in storage for 700.00 and it runs well too...

I just dont like the spoke rims and wish i could find mags for it. That and I wish I could upgrade both bikes to dual disk on the front wheel...sure feels funny when you need to clamp down on the brakes.

These bikes are my babies but I have grown very used to them and I would like to someday fine a kz900 or kz1000 and build a much faster bike...

thought of getting a kz900 engine and put it in one of the kz650 frames but then again newer bikes are much quicker

only other info I have is that one bike is a kz-650 E1 and the other is a kz-650 F1

I'll try to get some pics in the future....

Welcome, What is your question about the 650?

no questions yet just listing what I have and done...

currently reading on the carbs as I didnt adjust the rods long ago...I think I lifted them all the way up...

even with the 122.5 jets the plugs are light tan

Welcome Terry.
Good to have you here.
Do post up some pictures of your rides.
Love to see them.
This site and the 650info forum (link in my signature) will have all the info and help to keep your 650s running great for years to come.

Pics or the whole story is bogus...j/k...about the bogus part, not the pics.

The '79 SR650 had mags. That's the one in my pic . It also has the dual disc fronts. The rear mag on these bikes is one inch shorter. Mine is a PITA because I believe the standard stand is installed (as opposed to the SR center stand) and it's nearly impossible to put the center stand down without riding it up on a piece of wood first. I have only one friend with the muscle and stature that can do it, and even he can't believe how difficult it is on this bike. The rear tire is high enough to slide a 2x4 under it without touching the tire.