New rider, first bike...couple questions

That S is probably a 5 (five) meaning it's a made in USA (assembled) model.

that is correct rstnick! It is a "5" I checked the numbers on the bike tonight. the VIN on the neck of the bike is:
KZ650B-514952
and the enging number is:
KZ650BE060800

So...any insight on whether it's a B2 or B2A?
I rode again tonight and felt completely comfortable...the bike just felt good. I'll be bringing it home either tomorrow or the day after, so I'll start to work on it then. But I want to get the owners manual before I do anything.
Thanks again guys for all the help and advice!!!!

T

Can't tell ya if it's B2 or B2A, but it sure does look nice!

Those wheels should say tubeless on them somewhere. If so, then they are definitely from a later bike, and possibly from a different size bike (like a 550 as was mentioned).

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Hey Rob, thinking of going green? Looks pretty cool in the avatar!

I ca't realy place that VI; but take a look at thie link, maybe you'll have better luck. The back of my manuals shows the same VIN / Year info. The carb info I gave earlier may be the easiest way to tell between a B2 and a B2A.

Hey Rob, thinking of going green? Looks pretty cool in the avatar!

I have been. Gotta paint again some day, and was just trying it on using photoshop.

Tyler you've been approved at 650info.

rstnick wrote:

Tyler you've been approved at 650info. [/quote]

Thanks rstnick!

Let me ask you guys this...if I find a manual that just says 1978 KZ650-B2, that should be what I need, correct? I just want to make sure I have the correct one. I found this one on ebay:

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...me=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

The one in your link is the Owners Manual. That's good to have, but it's more like an operator's manual that shows how the bike works, how to start it, etc. To actually work on the bike you'll need the Kawasaki Service Manual. Check out the one in the link below. You should ask the seller to look on the back of the cover and see it it covers the B2 or the B2A. Ed


Service Manual

gotcha...thanks Ed. I emailed the seller...thanks so much for all the advice.

Very nice bike! If I may....... looks like a lot of rod exposed at the rear brake lever, might want to take a peek at your shoes. Get some braces on that fender (lower rear) I'm pretty sure that is a 1980 F1 front end. Large single drilled rotor just like mine.

Thanks Bluemeanie! I will definitely look into some front fender braces. I'm not sure I understand what you mean about the rear brake lever and checking my shoes? I'm assuming you mean brake shoes...are you thinking that with the lever sticking up so much I might be riding the rear brake even when I don't mean to? I appreciate the advice!!!
T

I'm sure the braces wre there for a reason, but I had removed mine and the tabs on the fender for many years with no problems.
I did it for looks (I like it without) and to lighten the bike a little. :laugh:

tenyart wrote:

Thanks Bluemeanie!...not sure I understand what you mean about the rear brake lever and checking my shoes? I'm assuming you mean brake shoes...are you thinking that with the lever sticking up so much I might be riding the rear brake even when I don't mean to?....

Thinking here's what bluemeanie advised about.





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The lever fits onto the end of a splined shaft protruding through from inside the cover. It might be that the lever is positioned one spine too far counterclockwise on the shaft.

But before simply relocating the lever further clockwise onto the shaft, be sure to visibly inspect thickness and condition of the the linings.

Good Luck!