77 KZ750 vs KZ650

I got a KZ750 for my bday, pictured below. Its a great bike. Though a twin, i think its smooth, responsive and a lot of fun, I have a 72 Honda CB750 and I think this Kawa is more fun than that bike! But my CB750 is prettier. I'll post pics of both below.

Anyway, my neighbor has a KZ650, light blue and gorgeous, which he might consider selling to me. How does a KZ750 stack up to a KZ650? I can look at specs but I want to hear from ppl with EXPERIENCE!
Thanks!

In April, 1977 when I bought my KZ650 I first made a comparison between the KZ650 and the KZ750 twin (the 4 cylinder KZ750 was not yet available). I was in the market for a new bike and had narrowed the decision down to those two models.

I found that for me the KZ650 was the better bike. Here are some facts:

1977 KZ650
64 horsepower
42 ft lb of torque
465 lb dry weight
85.4 inches overall length

1977 KZ750
55 horsepower
43 ft lb of torque
480 lb dry weight
84.6 inches overall length

In addition to being more powerful the 4 cylinder KZ650 engine runs smoother than the 2 cylinder KZ750 engine, and I really loved, and still love, the look of the KZ650.

Since at the time I had already owned single cylinder and twin cylinder BSA’s for 11 years I decided to buy the 4 cylinder Kawasaki. That was in April, 1977 and I have owned that bike, and only that bike, ever since. I’ve put more than 60,000 miles on it and have never had to do any engine work outside normal maintenance. Even though I have ridden many other bikes of various brands that belong to friends I still really like my KZ650 the best! After 40 years of riding it I’m positive I made the right decision. Ed

Thats a gorgeous bike. Ive decided i want to add the following to my stable: a KZ650 and a KZ900 or 1000. Its soooo annoying that that KZ650 is more powerful than the KZ750 AND CB750

I can't speak to the KZ900 or 1000 to compare, but I can compare my KZ650 to my Dads CB750. (A '78K not nearly as nice as your SOHC '72!!) However, no matter how pretty, the old advertising about the '650s remains true. It takes on, and leaves behind the '750. I've ridden a handful of comparable bikes from the era, and the power, handling, and looks (which is completely personal, I know) keep it in the lead for me.

I wouldn't rule out a bigger bike for taking longer highway trips or going touring.... However, for almost all of what I do: riding around town, doing some cruising on country highways, or whipping down the curviest around here, it does just what it's asked to do. My only minor complaint is the charging system is a little underpowered, if, like me you choose to go to some type of HEI ignition. (I have a Dyna S, and love it...) But really, that's minor, and nothing the occasional trickle charge can't take care of it you happen to be using lots of high beam, and run the battery down a touch....

I'd have a good think about that '650. I suspect you'll be real happy with it should you pull the trigger. And if the pale blue color is original paint, then even better. If you don't like it, those body sets are worth a fair bit now....

Cheers,
Jon

Bought a new 73 750 Honda and liked it much back in the day but was defantly not as potent as the 650. Still can't believe I didn't spring for the 900 Kaw back then but money was tight. Friend had a 750 twin for a summer and he could keep up around town (with that torque number) but not on the top end... never did drive it for some reason but I and he liked it.

I like your idea of adding the 650 to your herd .... I love mine and will die with it for sure..... I also like your thought of adding of a 1000...... my fav is a 1977 KZ1000 mild drag bike spoked wheels, low bars, header, .... if I ever do it again it would be that but that dream of a muscle car keeps getting in the way. (And damn it money is still tight):blush:

Jonny wrote: I can't speak to the KZ900 or 1000 to compare, but I can compare my KZ650 to my Dads CB750. (A '78K not nearly as nice as your SOHC '72!!) However, no matter how pretty, the old advertising about the '650s remains true. It takes on, and leaves behind the '750. I've ridden a handful of comparable bikes from the era, and the power, handling, and looks (which is completely personal, I know) keep it in the lead for me.

I wouldn't rule out a bigger bike for taking longer highway trips or going touring.... However, for almost all of what I do: riding around town, doing some cruising on country highways, or whipping down the curviest around here, it does just what it's asked to do. My only minor complaint is the charging system is a little underpowered, if, like me you choose to go to some type of HEI ignition. (I have a Dyna S, and love it...) But really, that's minor, and nothing the occasional trickle charge can't take care of it you happen to be using lots of high beam, and run the battery down a touch....

I'd have a good think about that '650. I suspect you'll be real happy with it should you pull the trigger. And if the pale blue color is original paint, then even better. If you don't like it, those body sets are worth a fair bit now....

Cheers,
Jon

Jon, this was really thoughtful and helpful,. Thanks a lot. My Mrs has put her foot down. She says the 4 bikes I have are enough so no KZ650 for me

KZB2 650 wrote: Bought a new 73 750 Honda and liked it much back in the day but was defantly not as potent as the 650. Still can't believe I didn't spring for the 900 Kaw back then but money was tight. Friend had a 750 twin for a summer and he could keep up around town (with that torque number) but not on the top end... never did drive it for some reason but I and he liked it.

I like your idea of adding the 650 to your herd .... I love mine and will die with it for sure..... I also like your thought of adding of a 1000...... my fav is a 1977 KZ1000 mild drag bike spoked wheels, low bars, header, .... if I ever do it again it would be that but that dream of a muscle car keeps getting in the way. (And damn it money is still tight):blush:

My concern was: I like TOURING with my bikes and Im concerned the 650 is so light that heavy wind will blow it around.

Great story Ed, and that sure explains your user name!

650ed wrote: In April, 1977 when I bought my KZ650 I first made a comparison between the KZ650 and the KZ750 twin (the 4 cylinder KZ750 was not yet available). I was in the market for a new bike and had narrowed the decision down to those two models.

I found that for me the KZ650 was the better bike. Here are some facts:

1977 KZ650
64 horsepower
42 ft lb of torque
465 lb dry weight
85.4 inches overall length

1977 KZ750
55 horsepower
43 ft lb of torque
480 lb dry weight
84.6 inches overall length

In addition to being more powerful the 4 cylinder KZ650 engine runs smoother than the 2 cylinder KZ750 engine, and I really loved, and still love, the look of the KZ650.

Since at the time I had already owned single cylinder and twin cylinder BSA’s for 11 years I decided to buy the 4 cylinder Kawasaki. That was in April, 1977 and I have owned that bike, and only that bike, ever since. I’ve put more than 60,000 miles on it and have never had to do any engine work outside normal maintenance. Even though I have ridden many other bikes of various brands that belong to friends I still really like my KZ650 the best! After 40 years of riding it I’m positive I made the right decision. Ed