Newbie

Howdy folks, long-time lurker, firtst time poster....Summer before last, I was helping a buddy clean out the barns on an old farm he bought...The 2nd day, I noticed this old girl behind the house. The reason I didn't spot her the 1st day was that she was tucked up tight behind the kitchen, covered in weeds and had small trees growing up through the wheels....good camoflague, I guess! He doesn't ride, said I could have her! Tracked down the previous owner, got a clear title and historical plates.1978 Kawawsaki 650 with only 20,000 miles on the clock! I have an electrical issue to track down, but I got to ride her to the Great Darke County Fair last Summer, had a blast! almost 500 lbs dry! (No fun to push, DON'T ask how I know!) Originally was "Luminous dark Red", now faded to Orange...too many "Seasons in the sun" I guess!The most recent sticker on the plate was (at that point) 9 yrs old. the things SOME people will do to their bikes! Oh, well....she's MY baby now!

Nice save and welcome to KZR.

welcome.

the backwards side cover had me going for a second there :silly: .

leon

Welcome aboard! Glad to see you brought her back to life. Ed

Nice find!
Do go over every inch of her, check (using a manual) that all is set as it should be, all fluids replaced, tires too.
Have fun, and ride safely.

Welcome to the fun. I have one just like yours. The correct name of the color is luminous burnt red. It should look like the side cover in my avatar.

Thanks ,
Acording to CYCLECHAOS a very informative website there are two colours for my 81 KZ 750 not having see the bike properly in day light I donnt know but that burnt red looks terific,

The other two are CANDY PERSIMMON RED and Luminous Midnight Red ,
Am just making a list of "to do,s "

There was something I read about having to take the RH footpeg of to change the oil filter anyway that cannot be much of a big job

Thanks Keith

Nice scooter, one year older than mine. Welcome

Thanks all! Good catch on the side cover...Just grabbed one for the pic...apparently, I snagged the wrong one, duh!Not sure of original color, aside from being sun faded Red. Sussing out an electrical issue...Rode her to the fair last Summer, had some issues with her shutting down...coast to a stop, pop timing cover, slightly advance or retard timing...lock it down, get back on, ride a few blocks, repeat...think might be heat related...dunno. took it to a "professional" to be timed, hasn't run since...Gonna spring for a new points, condensers, plate assembly from my local dealer...Originals are rusty, cruddy, screws all cammed out. Got lucky and found a NOS master cylinder assembly last year, stops great. Gotta love Rehmerts Kawasaki. best parts person ever...Knows her Kaws! SHO wish I still had my turbo, though....THAT beast would pass anything but a gas station!

Grumpy Ole Artist wrote: Howdy folks, long-time lurker, firtst time poster....Summer before last, I was helping a buddy clean out the barns on an old farm he bought...The 2nd day, I noticed this old girl behind the house. The reason I didn't spot her the 1st day was that she was tucked up tight behind the kitchen, covered in weeds and had small trees growing up through the wheels....good camoflague, I guess! He doesn't ride, said I could have her! Tracked down the previous owner, got a clear title and historical plates.1978 Kawawsaki 650 with only 20,000 miles on the clock! I have an electrical issue to track down, but I got to ride her to the Great Darke County Fair last Summer, had a blast! almost 500 lbs dry! (No fun to push, DON'T ask how I know!) Originally was "Luminous dark Red", now faded to Orange...too many "Seasons in the sun" I guess!The most recent sticker on the plate was (at that point) 9 yrs old. the things SOME people will do to their bikes! Oh, well....she's MY baby now!

I am pretty sure i saw you riding around at the greenville fair. but cant remember for sure if it was you. i was like a block or two behind you. It was me and the lady and i told her i spotted a kaw, but couldnt catch up cuz traffic then you turned, i wanna say right but cant remember excatly.

I am pretty sure i saw you riding around at the greenville fair. but cant remember for sure if it was you. i was like a block or two behind you. It was me and the lady and i told her i spotted a kaw, but couldnt catch up cuz traffic then you turned, i wanna say right but cant remember excatly.

It sure is funny how the old kaws blocks away get your attention.

welcome. my second bike was a 1977 kz650c. I loved the hell out that thing and rode it nearly to death (both its and mine).