1980 KZ650e LTD - Cafe Dreams -

Here is my project. Ive had it for a few months and just recently started ordering parts to rebuild it. Ive got big plans, but for now I just want to ride it.

I picked the bike up from a friend for $200. Brought it back home and started looking for what I wanted to do with the bike. I have moved and been busy with work for a while, but I have had a few hours here and there to order a few things.

Its not much to look at now, but I hope to change that soon. I still need to find out where to get the parts to rebuild the forks until I can get my hands on something better, as well as rear shocks. I want to get new controls and switches, but not familiar enough with the bikes to know what works and what wont.









Ive found a clutch and brake master cyclnder combo to put on, but Im not sure if it will work. I also need to get a new throttle and cable set up, but again dont know what will work or not with my bike. TIme and reading will hopefully help with most of my issues. And help from anyone that already knows!

My 650 was a basket case when I started restoring it. You would be surprised how much part support there is for a project like yours.

The first thing you need is the factory service manual, get that before you do anything!

You can get fork seals from Kawasaki, just call a local dealer or go online. Z1 enterprises is a great resource for parts. For control cables the best way is to change your handlebars, or clip-ons (which ever you choose) and put your controls back on, you can measure the cable lengths you need and custom order motion pro cables form places like denniskirik.com etc.

I went with progressive rear shocks, a bit spendy but they drastically improved the ride.

Good Luck

Rough beginning but I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes for you!

Tyler wrote: My 650 was a basket case when I started restoring it. You would be surprised how much part support there is for a project like yours.

The first thing you need is the factory service manual, get that before you do anything!

You can get fork seals from Kawasaki, just call a local dealer or go online. Z1 enterprises is a great resource for parts. For control cables the best way is to change your handlebars, or clip-ons (which ever you choose) and put your controls back on, you can measure the cable lengths you need and custom order motion pro cables form places like denniskirik.com etc.

I went with progressive rear shocks, a bit spendy but they drastically improved the ride.

Good Luck

I did get a set of bars when I got the bike. Club man bars. Those will be going on. I got some orings coming to rebuild the carbs. I want it running and ridable before I get to deep into it.

Greasedmonkey wrote: I want it running and ridable before I get to deep into it.

ALWAYS a good decision.... Why throw good money after bad, right?

Indeed! I dont have a key for the seat or gas cap, and thats whats hindering me right now. I cant get at the battery to take it out and replace it.

Take a close look at the seat lock. Near the keyhole you may see a number stamped into the metal. If the number is there, that is the number of the key you need. Ed

Thanks, Ill do that when its light out again.