81 CSR650 vs 79 KZ650

I'm hoping someone can share some insight on the difference in frame geometry and steering angle for these two bikes. I have a 79 KZ650 B that is a cafe project. Came with a blown motor and I came across a nice running 81 CSR650 and instead of swapping the motor I thought about using the CSR instead. I could tell riding it it didn't handle the same but perhaps I'm wrong...

Any other input on using a CSR for a cafe platform, they have the chooper look I just can't figure out if that is the tank/seat combo or the actual frame geometry.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks...

The the steering head is angled more on the CSR, so the front forks have more rake. The CSR also has a small tank.

Thanks JM, I kind of figured... I could swap the motor but since the CSR is in pretty good shape I was trying to keep the frame/engine numbers matching. Plus the CSR is $200 cheaper to register

Anyone else have any insight into these two models?

Brian

I don't know much about this sort of thing, but I doubt that it really matters if you swap out the engines. The 650-CSR isn't exactly a desireable or collectible bike and probably never will be. In my opinion the CSR isn't a very good candidate for a cafe racer. But again, what do I know - I'm sure someone out there has done a CSR or Ltd that way.

Assuming the CSR is all stock right now, may I suggest moving the turn signals to the headlite bucket, then getting some better handlebars. The stock bars are just plain ridiculous.

They current owner has low riser bars, a cool little fairing and small turn signals on it. It actually looks cool just not the geometry I was after. It rides like a buddies FXRP he has setup like a drag bike, sort of drops over on the turns.

I've seen a few LTD's setup nicely but they were earlier years and appear to have less rake. I was hoping someone on here dropped the front enough to make the steering more responsive and turned a CSR into a street tracker, cafe or stomething... If I can get the price right I'll pick it up for the engine.

Again JM, thanks for taking the time... anyone else got any insight for me? I have a complete 79 KZ just needing a motor. I'm sure the debris from the piston exploding made friends with the bearings in the bottom end or else I would just rebuild it.

The CSR looks like a chopper because of the rake and the backbone is higher. It will take some cuts and welds to make it look like a flat back KZ.

The CSR is the D model, if i am correct. "Herr Deacon" did a cafe out of a D model I think. Why don't you PM him and ask.

THe "Stateside Replica" SR as it was made has to be one of ugliest production bikes ever IMO.

But everyone has their own opinions.


Good luck
KR

The CSRs are the H-models. D-models are SRs.
The SR had the cool criss-crossed header pipes.
SR has no meaning - they stole the designation from the Brits most likely.
The CSR is the ugliest KZ650 ever made - it's quite obvious that Kawasaki was going w the HD chopper look - particularly the ones like mine w the purple peanut tank. yuk.

Thanks for all the opinions guys... Agreed they are not the best looking and for the price all I would end up with is the motor. I really want to get my 79 B on the road... Since the CSR only had 22K on the clock and it ran well it seemed like a good candidate for a motor swap. Problem is, I'd have to pay for the whole bike!

Thanks guys...

vintagestyle7:
For what it's worth, the front rake angle on the KZ650 CSR is 29 degrees. I believe that most other KZ bikes are about 27 degrees. And then todays sport bikes are running 24 to 26 degrees.

The smaller rake angles quicken the steering response, and the larger rake angles make the bike want to go more in a straight line.

Hey Guys, again thanks for all the insight. I ended up picking the CSR up for the motor and have already swapped them. Now for the wiring... what a pain. I'm sure I'll figure it out. I'll post some pics soon so you guys can get some visuals.

Brian