S.O.S - Engine Stamp but cant find exact model

Greetings all, I always find it best to Make the first post with a question, thus is why I belive these sites are around.

I bought a Supposed 1978 Kawasaki kz650 with 2 front disc breaks and one rear disc break, it has a black gas tank and black frame. it is dual over head cam and has four carbs as it is four cylinder.


a picture should be included in the post
as well I was just out trying to find the VIN or Engine number and found this on the right side of the vehicle utop the transmission

KZ650BE076847

thanks for any help on this, I am trying to order the right complete set of seals for the forks as they are leaking, as well as maby a chain and sproket, hand break leaver, and clutch cable assembly.

Hey there! The VIN number you posted is the engine number, the frame VIN will tell you what model it is. Looks like you've got a C model, would be a C2 if it's a 78. The C models had the dual front disc, single rear disc with mag wheels as yours has. What does the VIN on the frame say? Likely it's KZ650Cxxxxxxx.

Your paint isn't stock, nor is the 4-1 exhaust or seat, or the shocks for that matter. But she's a real good looker!!! Is she a runner?

You should be able to get most of the parts you need from www.z1enterprises.com . Great people who know their stuff about these old kzs!

Welcome aboard. As anarki650 said, post the VIN that's stamped on the right side of the steering stem neck and that will show the model / year. I noticed the dust shields on the forks are from a later model, so maybe the P.O. replaced the fork seals at the same time. Also, the rear shocks are vintage S&W. These were THE hot setup back in the day. I still have a good pair that I put on my KZ650C1 back in 1978. If you can post a picture of the left side of the engine and one of the rear brake caliper we can add some info. Nice bike. Ed

Hi Nerbula,

Welcome the KZR Nation, home of all things KZ. It's great to have you here... and another 650 too!

As an example my 1977 KZ650 Model B1:
VIN SN is:

---

K Z 6 5 0 B - 0 1 0 6 0 9 and,
Engine SN is: -- K Z 6 5 0 B E 0 1 2 0 9 A

Your Engine SN is: K Z 6 5 0 B E 0 7 6 8 4 7.

This is what I dug up from this site's database:

1978(K)Z650-B2 (Spoke Wheels)
Engine SN: - KZ650BE027501 ~ KZ650BE0460001
VIN SN: ---- KZ650B-046873 ~ KZ650B-508016
Colors: Luminous Dark Blue, Luminous Burnt Red

1978(K)Z650-C2 (Aluminum Wheels)
Engine SN: --KZ650BE043950 ~
VIN SN: ---- KZ650C-010001 ~
Colors: Metallic Star Dust Silver

1978 (K)Z650-D1(SR) (Aluminum Wheels)
Engine SN: - KZ650DE000001 ~
VIN SN: ---- KZ650D-000001 ~
Colors: Candy Persimmon Red

So if the above is correct, your bike could be a 1978 B2 or C2 but probably not a D1.
Looks like you need to find the VIN SN stamped into the neck. It should look something like this:



Best of success.
Bill

Welcome.
Looks like you have a fairly good runner there.
The Z1 site will have what your looking for.
As mentioned, confirm the frame VIN # and your good to order parts.
Most early 650s shared many parts.
The D models had different sprockets and a 16" rear wheel.
B&C shared sprocket sizes from stock.
Ebay, this site or the 650info site can be a good source for parts as well.

www.youtube.com/user/brenthoser99#p/u/4/MPIOutSH48Y


Thank you all for your help, You answered my question within hours. I had come back after a nap to clarify where the frame stamp was as I couldnt find it ( the wheel was turned to the right hiding it HAH ) .

So the frame is

kz650C-018033
WITH 02/78 ON THE front sticker

and the engine number was KZ650BE076847

But I have the numbers now and I figured it out as far as I am confident.

C2 is the model and it is a 78.

Feel free to view the video link I remembered I made from the past summer, seeing the green and bike running made me smile, Finally got work after 9 months laid off, working in a logging outfit for 2 months getting GREAT pay. SO I am getting the parts now while I can one of my life goals is to get on that bike and ride it legally on the open road. I have only ridden it up and down the street only attaining 70 km/h , as no helmet license registration etc... talk about blue balling it.


thank for the help once again.

Just my 2 cents worth but... get a helmet FIRST. I've lose to many friends by now and run into my own little problems along the way, don't ask. :blush:

But it’s your call of course... sermon now over.

Best of success.
Bill

the helmet and riding gear will come when the bike is road worthy and able to pass an inter provincial inspection. Because it was brought in from a different province it must go through a 150 dollar inspection to be able to be insured in this province. I have a helmet now, its open face which wont work to well with my bike not having a windshield.

by the time it is warm enough in 2010 by the middle of june I want to have all that done and have already have been riding around with my dad, when I am ready I'll take the road test and that will be that, class six will be had. Before I just ripped up and down the road at my grandparents when I first bought it to make sure it was all tip top and responsive.


I am thinking of maybe installing an air bladder I can hook up to a compressor before I ride and hook that up to an air horn or so. In case drivers piss me off and cut in front of me and such.

Nerbula wrote:

I am thinking of maybe installing an air bladder I can hook up to a compressor before I ride and hook that up to an air horn or so. In case drivers piss me off and cut in front of me and such.

Or just buy an airhorn... :dry:

132 db, $12 at princess auto

schweet ! I thought it would of been like a cars air horn that plays la cuca racha that my friend had, wires and hoses and a little compressor. That seems very simplistic and cheap. AIR HORN IT IS