'79 KZ650 carb question

OK, as I understand it, they changed the carbs on KZ650s in '79; adding accelerator pumps.

Were the carbs on '80 and '81 models the same?

Was it in '82 that they went to the smoothbores?

The 77-78 models had VM24 with no pump... many varieties. In 79, a pump was added and there were still more varieties based on model and engine number. The pump 24s were used in 80/81 as well. In 82, BS32 constant velocity carbs were used. Smoothbore is a term for an aftermarket Mikuni mechanical slide carburetor with a "smoothbore" block installed and this carburetor was never installed as OEM on any bike. The the parts diagrams on Kawasaki.com for the various configurations of assemblies.

Post edited by: wiredgeorge, at: 2007/09/06 09:23

My cousin had a SR650 that came with
22mm carbs.We put the 26s off my 77
KZ1000 on it with a pipe and K&Ns,it
ran great after that.A simple swap.
The 26s are easy to jet and adjust.

Not all 26s will fit a KZ650. Some 26s have interference between the mounting bracket and KZ650 valve cover. If you use a set of 26s (without pumps), I would stay with 1978 or 1978 1/2 type to avoid fitment problems. I think the fitment issue would occur with the 76 and 77 type VM26; definitely the 76.