kz 650 b vs 650c

Hello, would anyone know the difference between the kz 650b and the 650c? thanks

Yes. Here are some of the things the ’77 KZ650C1 had that were different than the KZ650B1:
Hazard flashers & related wiring (B1 didn't have); dual front disk brakes - different disk rotors & calipers (B1 had single front disk); different front master cylinder, brake lever, and splitter; rear disk brake and related master cylinder, mount, hoses, etc. (B1 had rear drum brake); different brake pedal; different swingarm; different torque link; different inner and outer fork tubes; different front fender stays; cast alloy wheels (B1 had wires); special blue or silver paint & related pinstriping and probably some other stuff I missed. In 1977 the sticker price in Baltimore was $2250 for the B1 $2500 for the C1. It struck me as a lot of goodies for only $250 more. Ed

Maybe more goodies, but the spokes just look soooooooo good.

+1 on all that was said btw.

jarle Z650

The B models have the old timey wire spoked wheels.
The C models have mags.

Wire spoked wheels are quaint. Mag wheels are cool.

So would it be a safe bet to buy a factory repair manual for a 1978 kz650 when I really need one for a 1977 B1? Would there be many differences or should I keep looking for a 1977 B1 book? Also, What are the views on clymer vs. Hayes vs. OEM?

Sorry if this is a bit of a sidetrack to the orig. post...

FlickeredOne

The charging system on our '77 KZ650-B1 is very different from later models. You will see that the regulator and rectifier are separate units while later models changed to a single and combined regulator and rectifier unit. This means that the stator on the B1 is different from later models also.

The Clymer Service, Repair and Performance manual I use includes separate instructions for B1 electircals and, of course, it has a separate colour wiring diagram for each model including the B1.

Just a note... the section on adjusting the gaps between the multiple points found inside the B1 model voltage regulator worked very well for me and probably saved me a new and expensive replacement unit.

The Clymer manual I have is labelled as follows:
- KAWASAKI KZ650 FOURS - 1977-1980
- Service, Repair Performance
- KZ650B, C, D, E, and F Series
- ISBN: 0-89287-296-9

The Copyright informationm is as follows:
- Copyright 1979, 1980 Clymer Publications
- First Edition
- First Printing May, 1979
- Second Printing August, 1979

- Second Edition
- Updated to include 1980 models
- First Printing September, 1980

With this manual I have been able to identify all the parts and functions on my B1 and solve all my problems... with the added wisdom of the 16,000 plus members of KZRider.

BTW, I also make extensive use of the mechanical diagrams found on the Kawasaki site:

OwnerInfo

This is the only manual I have so other members will have to step up and comment on the others.
Best of success.

Thanks Bill!

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationAlso for consideration ---

ebay item 130305980456



Good Luck!

Also for consideration ---

Z1E's Reg-Rec KZ650 Combo Unit

Good Luck!

would this factory book be better than a clymers? I too saw that on ebay...

The manual for the 78 won't have any correct information for the charging system on the 77. 77 was a single year run for the charging system before they changed to the combined reg/rec style in 78. Other than the charging system everything should be pretty much the same between the 77 and 78 though, mostly. Brake master cylinders changed as well IIRC.

This is the book you need. It is dated April 20, 1976 and covers ONLY the 1977 KZ650B1 model. (The '77 B1 began production in 1976) Notice the seller's answer to the question he was asked - the seller doesn't know his arse from a hole in the ground. You can believe me on this as I own this exact manual and a couple other factory manuals.

Factory KZ650B1 Manual