TOPIC:

There are a few different colour schemes for the pin striping on the black/ebony 650s.
Here's one with green stripping:

forums.kz650.info/index.php?topic=9140.0
And another:

forums.kz650.info/index.php?topic=12901.0

From what I can tell from looking at My factory finished bike,the tail section that was on ebay and the factory parts book,the factory finished black kz650's had 3 blue stripes and one gold. All are under factory clearcoat.

The ones Rob shows a couple posts back are 1979 models, so B3. I have seen those over the years, Still curious on the 78 B2 in black.

The KZ650 parts diagrams show ebony tanks, side covers, and rear fender covers (tail pieces) for 1978 B2 and B2A and for the 1979 B3. Apparently, they was something different between the 1978 and 1979 models because they use different part numbers. Maybe the difference was the color or pattern of the pinstripes. Ed

TANKS
www.powersportswarehouse.com/p/Kawasaki#...0-B3-1979/070076F-83

SIDE COVERS / REAR FENDER COVERS
www.powersportswarehouse.com/p/Kawasaki#...0-B3-1979/070076F-93

I might have one. Not sure what the differences are from 78 B2 to 79 B3 as I’m new to Kawasaki. I just picked this up to restore and found this forum googling. Frame says 78. Title and reg are 78/Black. Either I have a genuine example, or a dealership in 79 had a 78 with a good frame and dented tank and repaired it with black parts

Looks like a 1979 KZ650B3 by the picture. The way the drivers footpegs mounted to the frame on the 1978 was a single 17mm head bolt. In 1979 the pegs were mounted with double bolts which I believe is what is pictured. The tank for sure is painted in the 1979 paint scheme.

wrote:

The KZ650 parts diagrams show ebony tanks, side covers, and rear fender covers (tail pieces) for 1978 B2 and B2A and for the 1979 B3. Apparently, they was something different between the 1978 and 1979 models because they use different part numbers. Maybe the difference was the color or pattern of the pinstripes. Ed

TANKS
www.powersportswarehouse.com/p/Kawasaki#...0-B3-1979/070076F-83

SIDE COVERS / REAR FENDER COVERS
www.powersportswarehouse.com/p/Kawasaki#...0-B3-1979/070076F-93

On the side covers the 1978s badges are recessed into the cover half way and on the 79s they are not. Also the KZ is smaller than the 650 on the 78 cover and the same size on the 79 and shaped slightly diff. The tank badges are shaped a little diff  also. My 79 parts bike was burnt orange but is screamin yellow now.

 

Kawasaki, Partzilla and Cmsnl all  lists tanks, side covers and tail in ebony for B2, B2A and B3.  Just what this means I am not sure but they are listed as options, If I am not mistaken the parts list on Partzilla and Cmsnl are based upon on part lists from Kawasaki, as most online parts lists are, so it would appear that the ebony color was offered on the models in question.

Ok. So it does have a two bolt drivers peg and the side covers are not recessed and are B3 styled. I have paperwork from the guy I bought it from showing registration as a black 78. Manufacturer date on the frame tag is 12-78. So maybe the answer is as simple as some B3s we’re manufactured during the final months of 78

B3s were certainly built in Japan as early as Jun of 78.  In the US they were built as early as Nov 78.