KZ550 vs the rest

[I do appreciate the info, it expanded my knowledge of Kawasaki bikes. I'd take on if it was given to me but that particular bike is fugly though. To me nothing matches the classic look of the old KZ bikes.]

82KZ… I can’t argue that but it does have some nice angles. It’s kinda like that homely girlfriend that you liked because she was so good in "other departments", then after a while she started to look good to you. Or maybe you stopped caring how bad she looks. Everybody that rides my 7 comments on how nice it is to ride. I tell them yeah, but I hate the fairing. They tell me to keep it as is because it’s old and cool looking.

Twenty two years ago I had the opportunity to get all the bodywork off of an ‘82 gpz 750 that was being trashed. I kick myself every day for not taking it because if I had it I’d fit it to my zr7S frame. I’m pissed to this day.

82 body parts fit a ZR7? Or you could make them fit? There is a difference. hee.

I’m a 550 owner (ZR550 Zephyr) and I would say just get one. While parts availability is legitimate concern, in my experience you’re gonna run into that with any bike. Maybe more with some than others, but then you have an excuse to modify and make it your own. At least beyond the engine anyway. But a KZ550 will share the same engine as the GPZ550, ZR550, and GT550, so you have options. And honestly, they are pretty reliable motors, so as long as you get it running and keep up on maintenance you shouldn’t need parts for it often anyway. 

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82 body parts fit a ZR7? Or you could make them fit? There is a difference. hee.

—> Oh no, I would make them fit. 
I would start with the front quarter fairing then the tail and see if that worked aesthetically with the zr7 tank, which is rounder, maybe just a matching stripe job. Then the side covers.
BAM! An '82 GPz 750 with a more rigid frame, 17 inch wheels (160 rear, 120 front) and decent steering head angle.
But I’m dreaming. Sad.
 

If you're concerned about parts you can check out ebay.  I was able to source everything needed to rebuild it, including OEM exhaust.

By blipco:  —> Oh no, I would make them fit. ....

Okay, that's what I thought. Different strokes n stuff but a stock ZR7 is a neat motorcycle. Modern appearance without the alien spacebike look. hee.

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If you're concerned about parts you can check out ebay.  I was able to source everything needed to rebuild it, including OEM exhaust.
 

Certainly looks like parts availability is better than it is for a 305...so that's a plus.

We have KZ/GPZ305's in Canada but only ever seen 2 or 3 in my area since they came out, got a feeling they are more rare than KZ440.

The EX500 is a nice alternative, "1/2 a Ninja", good power for a twin with great brakes/tire size, plus its lighter than a 600/750 four cylinder. May even be lighter than GPZ550?

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We have KZ/GPZ305's in Canada but only ever seen 2 or 3 in my area since they came out, got a feeling they are more rare than KZ440.

The EX500 is a nice alternative, "1/2 a Ninja", good power for a twin with great brakes/tire size, plus its lighter than a 600/750 four cylinder. May even be lighter than GPZ550?
 

305's (and the 250 it was born of) are much more rare than 440, 650 and up, and even the 550, which may come in a distant second with the 454 (based on my market anyway). Oversized pistons and cylinders and such are pretty much nonexistent for the 305, or are priced like they're Picassos.   

I'll still take the free 650 when I feel like driving 1000 miles to get it, but think I'll go back to looking for 440s in the meantime. There's even a place that makes pistons for them.

Here’s a zr7 next to a zr7S. These bikes are just dying for cool old bodywork to match their cool old engines.

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Here’s a zr7 next to a zr7S. These bikes are just dying for cool old bodywork to match their cool old engines.

 

What's there to transfer other than the side covers? I'd just take off everything that's blue and silver and go with that.

Right, that’s what I’m talking about. Unfortunately I couldn’t save all my pictures when I bought a new iPad.
Heres the 7 frame. The top rails may be too wide to accept a gpz tank. And a pic showing off my new carb holders.