kz650 interchangeable parts? and exhaust backfire

Hey, I just got my first Kawasaki! A 79 kz650 SR. No pictures yet...
My question is: how interchangeable are parts for the kzs? For example, I really prefer the earlier kz tanks. Can I put one on those on the bike without modification?
Also, the bike is running really well! But the exhaust pops like crazy when decelerating. It only seems to be an annoyance, not a riding problem, but where should I begin on troubleshooting that?

Mine pops on decel when the pilots are too lean. You might try cleaning the carbs, adjusting the fuel levels in the bowl and then adjusting the pilot screws.

I think a little bit of popping is OK, if it's really bad you may have to adjust.

really not enough info to tell you about a popping noise.
totally stock or aftermarket exhaust?
pictures would really help.

either case, WELCOME since that was your first post.
stick around awhile. tons of help and great members here that can help you.

please go to your profile and edit your signature with year,make and your location.
there might be a member close to you to help you out more.

oh yeah, and don't make the mistake of thinking this will be your only kz.
there like ruffles, you can't have just one.

Depends what you want to interchange with. Tanks can be tricky, but with a little work, or a lot, can be made to fit. Most 650 tanks should work fine. If in doubt, take some measurements and compare. Which style are you going for?

I had the same problem with my bike the popping when decel.... The first thing i did was take the baffle out and inspect for holes, use some sheetmetal and weld em up.
Also run along the entire exaust with the bike running and look for leaking points. and fix em.

Then I removed the PCV valve system, which uses vaccumm from the intake to reburn crankcase gasses (FOR EMMISIONS ONLY ) put plugs in all the vaccum lines and put high temp plugs in the holes in the top of the cylinder head where the hoses connected.

It stopped the popping signifigantly. And it does not at all effect the performance.

the valves and hoses wear out over time....removing it got alot of junk out of the way too!

Welcome.

KZ650 B&C tanks are more the shape of the early Z1 tanks, compared to the SR (D model) and are a dirrect fit.

Here's HerrDeacon's SR with a B or C tank:

I'm sure I've seen his before, but it looks great. Do you know if the pipes on it are stock? Other question I always have with the older bikes is how to get the stock guages down. I've seen it on CB, KZ, GS, ... where the tank, seat, bars, and so on get lowered or tucked and then the guages are left up in the air. Does anyone make a kit or new mount bracket to lower the profile of the guages? I ended up using an acewell, but would have liked to keep the stock ones if I could have.

Some one else lowered the stock 650 guages on site here. I think he drilled the holes through and bolted them to the bottom of the mount:
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