TOPIC:

Hey yall like the title says I’m a noob. Not just to the forum but to motorcycles as well. I’ve been a jeep guy my whole life so I’m not new to diagnosing engines, suspensions, transmissions, etc. I may have questions at times that seem ultra basic but there’s a lot different between what I’m used to and what I’m getting into and sometimes it’s hard to wrap my brain around. Additionally, I got this bike to learn to ride on.  I may want to sell it in a year or so and would like to keep its curb appeal to an easy sell level. I may never sell it. It looks fantastic to me but I need to put money into it so changes have to be made. 

About the bike:
1978 KZ650 B
engine, transmission, brakes, ignition and wheels all appear stock. 
PO chopped the frame and didn’t weld in the hoop that’s typical 
regulator has been removed but not replaced 
seat is aftermarket and annoying to remove 
all lights were included and damaged


initially I was told it just needed the battery to be charged and it’ll start but I actually had to realign and clean up the points. 

I do have a couple of questions that I’d love to source opinions from yall on. 
1. The front brake feels like trash. I was thinking about replacing and upgrading in the process. Is there a recommended upgrade for the whole system? 
2. I like to camp and go up into the mountains. I was thinking about adding saddle bags, sissy bar bag, or panniers to it just so I don’t have to ride a few hours with a heavy bag on my back. Has anyone added a system to one of these with the frame chop? If so, I would love to see a picture. 
3. I mentioned the idea of the tall sissy bar to a couple of friends and their reaction was not that positive. More like I was speaking blasphemy to the devout. Is it that weird an idea?
4. I initially thought this was being done in the cafe racer style. Is that accurate or does it fit something else?

Looking at that MC I would say yeas you do have brake issues. I would just rebuild the Caliper, replace that master cylinder and purchase new brake lines as the bike is 40 + yeas old. Not Sure what you mean that the regulator has been removed and not replaced. Does it run? Sounds like it's your first bike. Bottom line is, get it road worthy which includes not only the brakes but tires, ignition-charging system, suspension, engine tune (valve and cam chain adjustment, carb adjustment). Do you have a manual? if not get one and start reading. Most shops wont work on that old of a bike. Dont worry about a sissybar quite yet let alone camping. Get some miles under your belt. You may want to move up to a larger bike to Handle the camping part in the future. 

Welcome to the site. and take your time and be safe

 

Welcome.  We were all noobs once - the members here are always willing to share their knowhow and experience.
Factory Kawasaki manual is best - if you can't find one to buy, you can access it here on KZR under the articles section.

Welcome from the UK

Definitely rebuild the brakes, front and rear. You might be surprised how well they can work. Factory parts are best. You can order what is still available through your local Kawasaki dealer, or through companies like Partzilla. I have also had really good luck with Brakecrafters.

The shoes on the rear brake need to be replaced no matter how good they look. The friction material is bonded to the backing plates, and the bonding agent will deteriorate over time, whether the bike is ridden or not. An unexpected lockup can ruin a beautiful afternoon.

+1 to everything that has been said so far. With regards what "style" it is - that is a matter of opinion that drives much debate, is it cafe/brat/tracker/restomod etc. IMHO it is what ever you want it to be, just about everything that has the rear fender removed is advertised as a "cafe racer" but being an Englishman of a certain age I remember the original cafe bikes like Triton's etc and very few resemble that pure cafe style (I exclude thatgpzguy's Yamaha from this statement as it's on the money as is Kelly's Honda)

That was the point of the build, make it look like it was built in the 70's.
Thanks

Welcome.
Sissy bars are a bit old school, and you don't see them much anymore.
Unless you are a member of the Japanese Bosozoku.