KZ650 Help

Hi, am new to the KZ world. Haves bought a KZ650C. I have a coupe of questions I hope the forum can help.
My Vin is. KZ650C025914, I believe a C model 78/79 vintage in burnt red, is this correct? An expected 12 digit VIN
Further to this, the title has 17 numbers, the last 5 being 41169. Could this have need added, the DOB of the original owner 4/11/69
I have a VIN verification organized by the local sheriff.
I hope you guys can help

Assuming KZ650C025914 is the VIN stamped into the steering neck the bike is a 1979 KZ650-C3. See models.kz650.info/index.htm . The color is not stock for a KZ650-C model since Kawasaki never made any flavor red KZ650-C models. If the tank and other painted surfaces have original decal stripes those parts may be from a different KZ650 model because Kawasaki did use a couple red colors on non-C models. Can you post some pictures showing the painted bits? Ed

Thank you Ed. Do you know why the title has a 17 diit VIN.
The title says 1978, am assuming a late in the year title on a delivered 79 bike
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If the paperwork has a 17 digit VIN it's probably something the state invented, because the bike would have a 12 digit VIN. Maybe they were trying to keep things uniform after a certain date.

The paint is definitely not original Kawasaki. Here's a link that might provide some additional information:

jarlef.no/Kawasaki/Series/Z/650/Z650C.htm

Also see:
www.kzrider.com/forum/10-new-members/605...l-my-1st-bike#756374

www.kzrider.com/forum/10-new-members/605...l-my-1st-bike#756375

Ed

Cheers Ed. Now have to convince the Sheriff doing VIN verification that is the case and then go to DMV.
Torn between a factory restore or a cafe racer. But the old bike is go into have a new long life

If possible show the Sheriff the stamped VIN on the bike;s steering neck. That is the bike's true Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Anything different on paper is a modified version of the true VIN.

I would encourage you to return the bike to stock condition rather than turning it into another ho-hum cafe bike. There are a zillion cafe, bobber, etc., etc, things out there, but I can tell you from personal experience you will never see another stock KZ650-C3 anywhere you travel. Here's my KZ650-C1. I bought it new in April, 1977 and I haven't seen another one like it in person for well over 30 years. Ed

It's for sure 1979 and not a 1978 model. A lot of things have been replaced with non original parts.

Thank you for the help, I hope I get a good knowledgeable bike Sheriff who can see the providence and understand what the DMV have done, hence verify the VIN. If not I can see me off to see s judge or the like to verify the bike.
As for what to do, it is a quandary, it has been so unloved and many many parts not stock that i may well have to cafe it, but very tastefully, BUT I do love original....i think when i strip the bike it will decide for me.
Lots of progress reports on a thread to follow.