1979 Kawasaki KZ650B3

Just ran across this thread...Good on ya man, nice save! She cleaned up great...Looking very nice! Like new, even! Only 10k on the clock? Barely broken in, LOL! Never underestimate the power of elbow grease! Kudos!

Arttodd wrote: what's next?

I actually just bought another 1979 KZ 650, picking it up this weekend (10/5/14)...

• 9000 miles with title
• sitting outside 2 years
• engine seized
• carbs left open (airbox removed)
• spoke wheels and tires, ok
• front chrome fender, ok with scratches
• tank rusted on the outside, assuming inside too
• original coils
• new wire coming out under points cover, possibly converted to Dyna
• plenty of wiring cut or missing
• all relays, rectifier and a battery under the side covers
• no turn signals or stop light
• modified to a cafe racer style
• drag bars
• rear frame cut
• no rear fenders
• custom flat seat with the bump in the back
• no original paint
• Kerker 4-1 exhaust in good condition (... key word "KERKER")
• set of keys, Clymer service manual, new set of generic pod filters, all included for a Benjamin

If you ask "why is he getting into this bike?", The answer is likely parts and a Kerker. Although I will give myself the opportunity to get this thing running again and acquire engine experience which I have not done with Old Bastard #1. Photos to come.

Nice Score!! Even if ya don't get her running? It'll be a good experience for you! Those motors are faily easy to work on as long as ya remember where everything goes!

I've learned to say "it's one more ride" and never the last ride of the season. Weather has been wet and in the low 30's, some days in the 40's and this week 50's-60's with plenty of rain. 1,081 recorded miles on my KZ since the end of July, and another 650 miles on my "other bike", not bad for a rookie.

You have the best of both worlds. This one you can keep pristine and the other you can butcher up as much as you want. Keep for parts or sell, you choice.
I hate to see them butchered unless it's an improvement. Some are and some are just that, BUTCHERED.
Steve

I rather not butcher any bike. The other KZ from what I can tell is/was in way better shape before the modifications. I've decided to part out most of that KZ and keep some of the parts. My KZ on the other hand remains stock. I may want to try a different seat or handlebars, just nothing that couldn't be returned to original. Do have my eye on a new V&H exhaust and willing to try the Kerker from the other bike beforehand.

You won't be disappointed. You'll have to go up on the jets though. You might check with V/H for the sizes or kit. She's purty.
Steve