I had to get this one

I found this on Craigslist yesterday eve. 4 hours later it was at my place. I think it's a 1978 KZ650B, with only 8,xxx miles. It's been setting in a shed for 15 years I was told.

It needs some TLC, but it is a good candidate to bring back to life. I got it for $200.

The motor is free. The tank has some rust, but nothing that can't be removed fairly easy. I pulled one carb bowl, and it had some nasty fuel in it, but it wasn't jelly. With a good soak, and new carb kits, they should be good to go. The seat skins are brittle. it has a fair amount of surface rust. Some of it will clean up fairly decent, and some of it won't. I think some of the parts will be going to the powder coater.

A little of this, and a little of that, and maybe $400 more, she should be back on the road again. Sometime this summer I hope.

This makes for three bike projects in the works now. I think I better quit looking for any more, until I get these finished...LOL

I will see if I can load a few pics of it. Last time I tried to upload a pic here, it failed, and I lost my entire post. We'll see if I get it right this time...

Nice buy!

Looks good for the money !

score!

leon

Thanks guys !!

Anyone have a quick, good way to clean rust out of the gas tank ?? I was wondering if soda blasting would be a good choice ??

Also are there anymore rear shock lowering blocks available for these bikes ??

Minor surface rust a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water let it sit overnight. Heavy rust a handful of pea gravel and water and slosh it around for a bit then use the 50/50 mix. In both cases you should remove your petcock so you don't damage it. Also, once you are done you need to flush with water then blow out the remaining water with compressed air. Good luck sir.

Dang, nice find!

Looks good.

Nice pick up.

For the rusty tank you can use evaporust, oxcylic acid or slosh around some mineral spirits with a length of chain. Remove the petcock though.

My Z1 was stored about the same amount of time. You can clean up the carbs by removing the caps, bowls and jets and soaking everything in Pine sol, undiluted for 24-48 hours. The jets are most def clogged. Squirt a little oil down the cylinders before you start it. Obviously change the oil, plugs etc.

First thing to go on my bike was the clutch cable. Instead of looking on Ebay for KZ650 shocks, just measure them eye-to-eye and do a search for the size. "14" shocks" etc.

for the bare aluminum you can soda blast or try a heavy duty mag wheel cleaner. Zep makes a product called Zepalume which is basically a hydroflouric acid solution. You can find it at Napa and other stores labeled as aluminum brightener or fleet wash, etc.

Thanks guys !!!! This info is certainly going to simplify, and speed up the resto of this bike !!!

skooterbum4real wrote: Thanks guys !!

Anyone have a quick, good way to clean rust out of the gas tank ?? I was wondering if soda blasting would be a good choice ??

Also are there anymore rear shock lowering blocks available for these bikes ??

I doubt soda blasting would be able to reach all the rust in the tank, it's better for surface rust.

Personally I'd try electrolysis because it's non toxic, easy cleanup, cheap, and takes little effort. It would probably take a couple days sitting to get it all depending on how bad it is.

It looks like a great buy, good luck getting it running.

Nice find.

Someone was looking for those fairing side panels/lowers some time back.
If your going to sell some of that stuff, let us know.

Thanks for all the kind comments guys !!

I've never been a fairing type guy, but I like the setup on this bike. The fairing is made for the bike. Or not real big and bulky like most, so I plan on keeping it.

Thanks.......