More than I planned, More than I hoped for....

Alright this might be a slightly long post, but I promise to provide lots of pictures. This should be an interesting build....


I found a Kawasaki KZ650 H1 1981 model. $400. Cool, great deal...well maybe. Talked a buddy into going to get the bike with his roommates truck. Got her home, promptly picked up some fresh 93 octane, heet, and starting fluid. She wouldn't start on here own, almost, but what did I expect? After all the last time this thing was plated was 1988m. Cue: starting fluid. She, well, I should tell you here name, it's Becky, in any case she like it. Seemed to run great on staring fluid.

Here are some original pictures.






So now that it ran I told myself I could do some exterior things. Removed the "sissy bar" and giant crash bars..





Now I needed to get it running well....that's been the story every since...

Basically I've taken the motor down and am rebuilding it. I've managed to get an 03 GSXR dual exhaust.



and a zx7 rear fairing





I mocked up the exhaust and the GSXR 1100 header fit's nicely? WHAT? really? YES. it works. The exhaust will work great I think..








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So here it sits, broken down, waiting for my attention!

*currently resurfacing heads and valves.


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at first i saw the 650. i was upset. then i saw the exhaust and fairing . made me a little happy. keep it going!!!!!!!

yeah, couldn't believe the exhaust fit...I mean, I can't change my oil but?.... it's apart. I need a good front end and bars + a good swing arm that isn't too hard to fit? any suggestions.

and btw. I'll have a stock 650 exhaust, chrome, really good shape, for sale soon!

and It's actually a dual exhaust...I think it's sound sweet. I haven't seen anything like this before...

I hate to keep replying to myself, but I do my best work at night. I'm torn...
Do I just go ahead and tear it all the way off the frame and re-do it all..or am i getting in really deep then...?

You know what you need to do........

The disease sets in fast and requires regular treatment with aftermarket parts and crazy late night fabrication. You have already found the support group

You have gone this far, might as well pull whats left apart.
Enjoy the sickness, there is no cure. Its a life long affliction.

i hate you all...it's currently 1:32, shit... alright fine, be on the lookout f0r this KZ...lol

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martin_csr wrote:

TorreyJ wrote: ... Got her home, promptly picked up some fresh 93 octane, ....

High octane fuel isn't necessary. The owner's manual says to use 87 or higher. 87 or 89 would be good. The octane ratings isn't an indication of quality. I use 87 in my 81 CSR & in my 2002 Ford Escape.

The higher a fuels octane the LESS volatile it is, but the higher the octane the more likely that the fuel will burn in a controlled manner. IMO an engine that is using a wasted spark system can benefit from a higher octane fuel. Lower octane fuel may ignite more easily, but could also ignite more easily at the wrong time.

You're going to need to give us a run down of what you plan to do to this bike. I for one am surprised the 1100 header fits your 650!

well, for one, I wouldn't say it's a direct swap but it is close enough that it can be made to work.

I'm not sure of the plans, kinda just going with the flow.

today I'm working on lapping the valves, new valve seals and reassembling the motor

I plan to put that exhaust and header on
tail section and seat(cut frame and raise in back.

I'm sure lots more...

I'd like to swap the front end for some inverted forks
aluminum slightly longer swingarm and monoshock and wider tire

I plan on making some grip style handlebars

can't think of a lot else right now but i'm sure it'll be fun!

are the valve seals with the metal around them worth the xtras $$?