New KZ 650 owner

Hi everyone. I've been lurking here for a while and have to say this place is a nice resource to have available.

I'm new to riding and picked up a 78 KZ650 SR a while back, as sort of a project. It wasn't running and had a few issues and they've been mostly taken care of. I've learned a bunch about motorcycles and am glad to have a project that I can actually look forward to working on.

The bike has 14,800 miles on it when I got it, and was a 2 previous owner bike as far as I can see. Neither rode it much apparently, and it looks to have sat for a good part of it's life, and even had some vintage 80s tires on it when I got it. Wisconsin is rough on anything made out of metal though so it has some rust to take care of.

Then:


Now:


Work done:

• Carbs taken off and cleaned, bench synced
• Gas tank cleaned of rust via electrolysis and muriatic acid
• New vacuum petcock installed (compatible bolt pattern Suzuki part)
• New set of Shinko 712 tires installed
• Mufflers patched with stainless steel (availability of these SR crossover pipes pretty much doesn't exist!)
• Coil wire power mod
• New coils, plugs, points, and condenser
• Timing advance cleaned and lubricated
• Slip Streamer Spitefire windshield installed
• LED gauge lights installed
• Brake fluid flushed
• Cam chain tension adjusted
• Crash guards installed
• Kick stand angle fixed - no more wicked lean
• minor wiring repairs
• Lots of elbow grease into cleaning up the chrome and aluminum, with plenty more to go!
• More that I can't remember!

Work to be done:

• New chain and sprockets to be installed
• New headlight, I'm thinking a nice bright halogen
• Check valve clearances
• sync carbs with manometer
• more cleaning and polishing and rust removal
• Debating on getting the Dynatek electronic ignition.... This was my introduction to points and mechanical advance, and it was kicking my butt for a while, I think I have it figured out now though :laugh:

Welcome aboard! Wow, you've done a lot already and the bike looks nice. Here's a link for a direct replacement 7" halogen headlight. I've been using these for years and have been pleased.

www.summitracing.com/parts/WAG-H6024/

Also, here's a link to some info that may be helpful in maintaining your bike. Ed

kzrider.com/forum/10-new-members/589649-...r-savannah-ga#594587