81 kz650 mod options?

i finally have a running driving kz650 and now i would like to modify it into a cafe racer \ brat build. any ideas on where to find parts? will start with cosmetics and engine later

First thing I'd do is install some lower handlebars like some Superbike bend bars. And get new shorter cables to match. Then progress to a 4:1 header, a jet kit, and K&N pods. You can use google to find part sources but ebay is always a good starting place.

agrestixrock wrote:

any ideas on where to find parts?

The most parts on custom bikes have to be self fabricated or modified.
Some parts like handle bars, headlights, rear lights, grips, mirrors, etc...
can be bought from other models or manufacturer.
I think, first you have to know how should your bike look like later, this is your goal.
Some sketches,drawings, or take some pics of your bike and do a photoshop session.
Create you 650 mod with your personally taste and budged
Google can give you a lot of inspiration like this:

hiconsumption.com/2018/03/1978-kawasaki-...by-paal-motorcycles/





Michael

i do have pod filters, and i also like the dual pipes but dont know what can be done with them. also like the open panels under the seat just dont know how to do the battery and wire tuck

If you still have the handlebar mounted turn signals, first thing to do is move the turn signals. You can mount them at the headlight bucket by installing turn signals stems in place of the big headlight bolts. There are various styles of KZ stems that are the same size. 10mm. Z1Enterprises.com has several different ones. Honda CB turn signal brackets are similar to KZ400 turn signal stems and are the same M10 size.

When you install flatter handlebars, the stock KZ650-CSR Front brake master cylinder will sit at a steep angle. The CSR mc has a tendency to leak and it may be worse when tilted. You should be able to use the mc with level mount from a single disk Japanese motorcycle. e.g. Honda CBR500. or get a mc having the reservoir separate from the piston assy.

Another thing you can do is upgrade the headlight to an H4 or something else. A stock H4 headlight from a KZ750 4-cylinder is a direct swap: all you need is the lens unit, dust cover & H4 bulb. very easy.

You can probably upgrade the brakes to triple disks. With cast alloy wheels, the easiest swap would be from a KZ750E or KZ750H Ltd. The KZ650-CSR has the same frame as the Ltd. The KZ1000M CSR has triple disks and the same basic 48-spoke wheels as the KZ650-CSR, but I do not know if the brake and wheel swap will work.

Pics of the bike as it is now?
Steve

Scirocco wrote: agrestixrock wrote:

any ideas on where to find parts?

The most parts on custom bikes have to be self fabricated or modified.
Some parts like handle bars, headlights, rear lights, grips, mirrors, etc...
can be bought from other models or manufacturer.
I think, first you have to know how should your bike look like later, this is your goal.
Some sketches,drawings, or take some pics of your bike and do a photoshop session.
Create you 650 mod with your personally taste and budged
Google can give you a lot of inspiration like this:

hiconsumption.com/2018/03/1978-kawasaki-...by-paal-motorcycles/

Michael

Many things wrong with that bike.


.

this is how she sits at the moment. may be getting some 7/8" drag bars this weekend for the racer look. no turn signals and rusty spots and rus ty exhaust pipes

Are you going to add turn signals?

Handlebars. Install whatever new bars you decide upon, then before doing anything else, change out the control cables so that the lengths are correct. Z1Enterprises lists the measurements, including the amount of slack. don't ignore the slack & don't ask how I know. doh. Then after that, decide what you want to do with the master cylinder, so that you can then get new brake lines w upper line in the correct lenth. I'm assuming you still have the big rectangular stock unit w long upper brake line. consider whether or not you want to go with dual disk front brakes

I plan on keeping the turn signals off I like the way it looks and my drag bar deal fell through trying to get some clubmans instead. I do eventually want to go to dual disk breaks and hopefully rear disk as well but that will be down the line. Trying to build this as cheap as possible as everyone is lol.