New rider, first bike...couple questions
- rstnick
-
- Away
- User
-
Registered
- Posts: 4421
- Thanks: 386
Re: New rider, first bike...couple questions
05 Oct 2009 16:36
That S is probably a 5 (five) meaning it's a made in USA (assembled) model.
Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
1978 KZ1000 project
1983 KZ1000R2 Project
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
1978 KZ1000 project
1983 KZ1000R2 Project
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- tenyart
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
-
Registered
- Posts: 26
- Thanks: 0
Re: New rider, first bike...couple questions
05 Oct 2009 17:32
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
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
'78 KZ650B
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- loudhvx
-
- Offline
- KZr Legend
-
Registered
- Posts: 10864
- Thanks: 1618
Re: New rider, first bike...couple questions
06 Oct 2009 10:20
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).
Hey Rob, thinking of going green? Looks pretty cool in the avatar!
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).
Hey Rob, thinking of going green? Looks pretty cool in the avatar!
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- 650ed
-
- Offline
- User
-
Registered
- Posts: 15333
- Thanks: 2833
Re: New rider, first bike...couple questions
06 Oct 2009 15:52
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.
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- rstnick
-
- Away
- User
-
Registered
- Posts: 4421
- Thanks: 386
Re: New rider, first bike...couple questions
06 Oct 2009 16:58I have been. Gotta paint again some day, and was just trying it on using photoshop.Hey Rob, thinking of going green? Looks pretty cool in the avatar!
Tyler you've been approved at 650info.

Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
1978 KZ1000 project
1983 KZ1000R2 Project
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
1978 KZ1000 project
1983 KZ1000R2 Project
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- tenyart
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
-
Registered
- Posts: 26
- Thanks: 0
Re: New rider, first bike...couple questions
06 Oct 2009 19:26
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
Tyler you've been approved at 650info.

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
'78 KZ650B
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- 650ed
-
- Offline
- User
-
Registered
- Posts: 15333
- Thanks: 2833
Re: New rider, first bike...couple questions
06 Oct 2009 19:48 - 06 Oct 2009 19:48
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
Service Manual
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Last edit: 06 Oct 2009 19:48 by 650ed.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- tenyart
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
-
Registered
- Posts: 26
- Thanks: 0
Re: New rider, first bike...couple questions
06 Oct 2009 20:02
gotcha...thanks Ed. I emailed the seller...thanks so much for all the advice.
'78 KZ650B
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Bluemeanie
-
- Offline
- User
-
Registered
- Posts: 2516
- Thanks: 15
Re: New rider, first bike...couple questions
06 Oct 2009 21:24
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.
1980 KZ650F1, Bought new out the door for $2,162.98!
Attachments:
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- tenyart
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
-
Registered
- Posts: 26
- Thanks: 0
Re: New rider, first bike...couple questions
07 Oct 2009 07:48
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
T
'78 KZ650B
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- rstnick
-
- Away
- User
-
Registered
- Posts: 4421
- Thanks: 386
Re: New rider, first bike...couple questions
07 Oct 2009 08:52
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:
I did it for looks (I like it without) and to lighten the bike a little.

Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
1978 KZ1000 project
1983 KZ1000R2 Project
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
1978 KZ1000 project
1983 KZ1000R2 Project
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Patton
-
- Offline
- KZr Legend
-
Registered
- Posts: 18568
- Thanks: 2101
Re: New rider, first bike...couple questions
07 Oct 2009 10:34 - 07 Oct 2009 10:43
tenyart wrote:
Thinking here's what bluemeanie advised about.
>
>
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!
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.
>
>
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!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
KZ900 LTD
Attachments:
Last edit: 07 Oct 2009 10:43 by Patton.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Street Fighter LTD