Identify my bike

Hello there, I apologize in advance I just today picked up a KZ 650 and was wanting to know how to tell which one I have. I have the title, its a 78 but I don't know about the letters following. Where do I find this?

On the headstock, the front part of the frame that the steering stem goes through, there should be a white decal with the frame number and date of manufacture. Compare your number to the ones listed on the back cover of the factory service manual. If you don't have one, get one. In the mean time, you can post the number here and one of the members who has a manual can look it up.
Keep in mind that model year does not correspond to calendar year. For instance, Kawasaki started building 1978 models in July or August of 1977. Titles can be wrong.

This may also help. It is filed with the service manuals under the articles tab
www.kzrider.com/modules/ServiceManuals/M...nition_1963-1978.pdf

Also, you need the manual for your exact year and model since Kawasaki made several significant changes to the 650 during its lifetime.

TexasKZ gave great advice. Also post pictures because the different 1978 KZ650 models should be pretty easy to tell apart. Ed

Model identification. jarlef z650

If it has wire spoked wheels, then it's probably a 650B.

Thanks!!

Ok guy's I got the numbers.
KZ650C-013216. Its a light blue in color.

Looks like its the metallic star dust silver (looks real light blue to me), but the dark blue and persimmon red are definitely not it. Now next question, how do I get my hands on these manuals?

OK. As you say, it's probably a 1978, but take a look at the images below to be sure. The 1977 has 3 allen screws as part of the generator cover, the 1978 and later models do not have the screws, and the 1979 and later models used upper/lower case lettering. Since the VIN has the "C" in it I'm sure it's a KZ650-C model.

Also-
The KZ650 B models came with wire wheels, a single front disk brake, a drum rear brake, and an 18" rear wheel.
The KZ650 C models came with cast wheels, dual front disk brakes, a disk rear brake, and an 18" rear wheel.
The KZ650 D (also called SR) models came with cast wheels and a 16" rear wheel

After you are absolutely positive about the year and model you can find the manual on eBay. There are significant differences between the various year KZ650's, especially in the charging systems, so be sure to get the Kawasaki Service Manual for your exact model. Ed

1977


1978


1979

Lols like 78. Thank you for all the great info! I’m really enjoying learning about these bikes.

The "Kawasaki " logo on the alternator cover looks like the photo for 1979 that Ed posted.
Of course, it's possible someone replaced the cover.