Hello From Miami Florida

How's it going everyone ? Thanks for the add. Hoping to learn a few things on here as I build my first cafe racer out of my 1982 KZ650 CSR. Not my first bike but definitely my first in depth build.
Little bit about myself, I'm a machinist and have always been a car enthusiast. So wrenching and building cars has always been a passion. 

Question I do have is, What aftermarket gas tank, other model KZ, or any make/model bike tank could I swap to give it that cafe racer look ?
I am aware the brackets will need to be modified and to be honest I'm looking for the least amount of work.

On to the photos. First 4 photos is how I bought it and last photo is how it currently sits as I wait on parts.

Welcome from the UK

MannyF wrote:

What aftermarket gas tank, other model KZ, or any make/model bike tank could I swap to give it that cafe racer look ?
 

Welcome in!

I’m nit exactly sure what your definition of “cafe racer look” means for a gas tank.  Long?  Knee dents,  etc?  Maybe put a pic of what you’re trying to imitate?

Later, Doug

Welcome,

Looks to me like a '81-82 CSR model (H1-H2) 1983's have different engine covers. They have a unique frame, seat, and gas tank.

Not sure if any other KZ model tanks would fit, some use different front posts and rear locators.

If you need more info most of it is on this web site :

www.jarlef.no/Kawasaki/Series/Z/650/z650sr.htm

Scroll down to the bottom for CSR.

Most of the best KZ650 Cafe builds are done starting with B models, as they were the lightest with the wire wheels and the bigger gas tank (easy to hammer knee dents)

So the tank I’m looking for is something that sits a little bit lower and has a bit of a slant cut where the seat meets. B1/B2 KZ tank or like the photos I provided. 

StreetfighterKz post=927131 userid=102

MannyF wrote:

What aftermarket gas tank, other model KZ, or any make/model bike tank could I swap to give it that cafe racer look ?



 

Welcome in!

I’m nit exactly sure what your definition of “cafe racer look” means for a gas tank.  Long?  Knee dents,  etc?  Maybe put a pic of what you’re trying to imitate?

Later, Doug
 

It is a 82 CSR H2. I’m fine with re fabricating the mounts. Thank you for the link. I’ll definitely check it out.  wrote:

Welcome,

Looks to me like a '81-82 CSR model (H1-H2) 1983's have different engine covers. They have a unique frame, seat, and gas tank.

Not sure if any other KZ model tanks would fit, some use different front posts and rear locators.

If you need more info most of it is on this web site :

www.jarlef.no/Kawasaki/Series/Z/650/z650sr.htm

Scroll down to the bottom for CSR.

Most of the best KZ650 Cafe builds are done starting with B models, as they were the lightest with the wire wheels and the bigger gas tank (easy to hammer knee dents)

BTW - Those are not stock carbs, not sure what they are off.

Here is a example of a cafe bike in that exact CSR model :

 

www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-c...va-kz650-cafe-racer/

Here is a example of a cafe bike done on a B model (note tank difference) :

 

Its important to look for pictures of the same model bike so you can see what it will look like.

 

Injected wrote:

BTW - Those are not stock carbs, not sure what they are off.

Here is a example of a cafe bike in that exact CSR model :

 

www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-c...va-kz650-cafe-racer/

Here is a example of a cafe bike done on a B model (note tank difference) :

 

Its important to look for pictures of the same model bike so you can see what it will look like.


 

Those aren’t the Mikuni BS32 CV? What makes you say otherwise?

and thank you for the examples. I will do more research. I was just curious if other model kz tanks could work with mine with some minor fab work. 

Injected wrote:

BTW - Those are not stock carbs, not sure what they are off.


 

to the best of my knowledge only the 1000 J3 and ELR had the BS34 with enrichment valves ? And maybe other brands?

Wookie58 wrote:

Injected wrote:

BTW - Those are not stock carbs, not sure what they are off.



 

to the best of my knowledge only the 1000 J3 and ELR had the BS34 with enrichment valves ? And maybe other brands?

Not sure if the photos of the carbs I attached help identify exactly what they are. Looked for a small stamped number and nothing. This is all fairly new to me. I come more from a car background. So I’m here for all the learnings I can possibly get. 

It is my understanding that the 1981 KZ650 CSR (H1) model came stock with Mikuni VM24ss carbs. The 82 and 83 650 CSR models came stock with Mikuni BS32 carbs. You indicate your machine is an 82 model and not an 81. At times it can be confusing as to which year a machine is. In the US there is a white sticker on the neck which shows where built and when month and year. Depending upon which month it was built will give a clue to the model year. The link to the jarlef site has a listing of frame and engine numbers which may help you figure out what you have. .

They look like regular BS34 but with enrichment valves (the unit on the left of the carb with three screws holding the cover)