New member, just picked up a 1980 KZ650 F1 Project

Hi there, been riding 25+ years. My first street bike at 19 years old was a dark purple 79 KZ650 SR. I affectionately knick named it "The Hinge" due to the terrible speed wobbles around 100 MPH. I have had several bikes since and have always harkened back to the KZ. Well, I chanced upon a project one and stuck a deal. I dont have any pics yet and dont even have it in my garage yet but will soon. Look forward to gaining knowledge from the folks at this site!

My other current ride is a 2009 Ducati Monster 1100 S. I bought it brand new (first new bike I have ever owned) and have done a TON of mods. I have over 30,000 miles on it and I work from home so those are all FUN miles

Take Care,
Scott

Welcome Scott.
Looking forward to your project.

turns out by the Registration it is a 1980 KZ650 and I believe due to the Engine number it is considered an E1

Dumont wrote: turns out by the Registration it is a 1980 KZ650 and I believe due to the Engine number it is considered an E1

On the KZ650 you cannot tell the bike’s model from the engine number. However, you can very easily tell the model from the VIN that is stamped into the steering neck. Take a look there. If the VIN begins with KZ650E it is an “E” model. If it begins with KZ650D it is a “D” model; etc. To tell the model year, take a look at the chart in the link below. Ed

models.kz650.info/index.htm

Can confirm it is actually a 1980 (K)Z650-F1 in Candy Persimmon Red

Not a lot of us F1 owner's out there.
If I'm right there was only about 7200 sold world wide.

Welcome from East Tennessee!! :woohoo:
TennesseeZ Ed

Welcome Dumont! 1980 is a great year and looks to be you have a limited production type. FYI, if you are truly concerned about high speed wobble and wish to do The Ton on your KZ on occassion. I recommend sorting the chassis set up sooner than later. I had some similiar symptoms when I first acquired mine. From 90 mph on up my KZ would get floaty then exhibit instabilty, wobble. I replaced the front fork springs with new Race Tech units that were stiffer for my added weight. The stock springs are notoriously soft. I also upgraded the rear shocks to new aftermarket units. I can now run my KZ all the way up to redline without any instability issue. You may have had other factors influencing the stability of your bike. I suggest making sure tires/wheels are balanced, wheels are tracking inline, steering head and bearings are good, etc. I would then pick what makes sense to improve on from there. Then...Enjoy!

Welcome aboard. Not sure I've ever seen a red F1. Most of the ones you run into are blue.