KZ650 SR wheel questions

Hello all..I am trying to find options for upgrading the rims on my 79 KZ650 SR. The bike currently has mags (19" front, 16" rear). I would like to convert to spoke wheels if possible, maintain the 19" on front and increase the size of the rear wheel to 18". Does anyone have any experience in this area? Is it a job that requires extensive modifications? Will I need to switch from disc to drum brakes? Secondly, if converting the wheels from mags to spokes turns out to be a job I'm not willing to undertake, is upgrading the rear mag to 18" (as on the KZ650 custom) a direct swap. The KZ650 C has a 220mm single disc brake, exact same as my SR650. I would appreciate any help/guidance any of you can offer. Thanks.

I don't believe any KZ650 model came with a rear disk on a wire wheel, so if you switch to wire you might need to switch to drum unless you can find a wire/disk combo from a different bike. Also, keep in mind that the torque link (that bar that runs from the brake to the swing arm) is different between drum and disk brake bikes. On the disk models it attaches to the top of the swingarm; on the drum it attaches underneath the swingarm. So if you switch to a drum brake you will need to move the torque link mount or swap swingarms, and you will need to deal with the different brake pedal setup since the drum uses a rod rather than a master cylinder. The rear axles of the SR and C models are the same part number; but the spacers/collars are different, so at the very least you will need to get all the bits and pieces from the C model if you swap to the C model 18" cast wheel. It may be easier just to swap out the whole swingarm if you can find one at a good price. The SR and C swingarm pivots (where they attach to the frame) are the same part number. Ed

Thanks Ed. I appreciate your help. I like the idea of finding an affordable c model swing arm and rear wheel.
If anyone who reads this has topic is selling a 650 c rear swing arm and rear wheel please let me know and send me pics if possible.

Find somebody parting out a 750 twin ,they used wire wheels with front/rear disc brake.
Your front brakes should be a direct swap to the wire wheel but you might want to get the wheel spacers just incase.
The rear wheel might require a bearing swap to fit the 650 axle,not sure if 650/750 use same diameter axle or not(I know the 1000 axle is bigger)
Again get the wheel spacers and any other parts for rear of 750 you can just incase,750 swingarm may have same width at the pivot and length as 650 Im not sure .

Lots of good info on kawasaki.com, including parts diagrams, part names, part numbers, models sharing same part , availability, etc. Here's a link for help with navigating the site and finding information.
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...w&catid=13&id=376734

Good Fortune!

Welcome Daniel.
What area are you in?
Add that info, and your bike's model to a signature line.
I may have some parts if you go the C model route.
Have a look here kz650.info/ too.
Lots of 650 owners who may have parts available.

Post up some pix too.