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Well it looks like I have found the definitive website for anything to do with KZs!

Back in 1980 I bought a 77 KZ650 (see moniker) and fell in love with KZs. Blew the crank, joined the Air Force, got married, had kids, sold bike, wished I had bike, ogled other KZs.

Now 2005, retired from Air Force, still married, kids older, found 78 KZ650 in fellow band parent garage that had been sitting for 6 years. His wife wanted it out and my wife rolled her eyes . I actually felt bad loading it onto the trailer as the guy selling it really loved this bike. He will be the second one to ride it after it is on the road

So for less than the price of dinner for 4 (minus drinks) I am now once again the proud owner of a KZ650. My son and I got it home, cleaned off all the accessories, changed the oil, and after a few nights of checking specs, new battery and plugs it came to life! It does need a starter clutch, headlight bucket/ring (had fairing) and is now being taken apart for carb rebuild, paint, and anything else that needs to be done.

So glad that I found this site. I have been reading everything I can on here to help in this project. As I told my wife "You have got to admit that KZs are definetly one of the sexiest machines ever built!!" Wife rolls eyes again

Here is the result of a few hours of work!

"Bottom line: $2000 spent reviving a $300 KZ650 leaves you with a $300 KZ650."
Someone at that mag needs to check eBay.

If you check, I think you will be pleasantly surprised as well! The bike looks great already.

Welcome to KZR. Nice to see another 650 back on the road.

I've always had a soft spot for the 650. Even when mine was stored for over 10 years, I did not put much effort in getting rid of her. I'm glad I didn't as I've spent the last 2 years working and riding her again.

Have fun and ride safely.

Ya welcome aboard!!

That's a good story, though I do feel bad for your friend.

Just be careful and have fun!!
Always remember WE LOVE PICS!!!!!

Welcome! There are a lot of KZr's in the general area, hope you can get a chance to meet up with some of us sometime for a ride/beer/food.

Nice job on the clean up! Be sure to check the tires for dry rot after 6 years of sitting. Even if they're old but still in good condition you'll be a lot safer on a set of new ones especially if your just getting back into riding after 26 years.

Hope to see you around on the roads some day!

I think I can speak for the rest of the forum and say that doesn't look like a $300 bike, especially after all the detailing you did to it. Very nice ride, and hope to see more pics of your progress!

Welcome aboard. Nice looking bike. Mine was a 77 650 then it turned into a 77 750 (4cyl)

Nice project bike. Are you gonna keep it looking stock or mix it up? Good luck and welcome.

Keep it original or do a mod is the question! I really love seeing old Kaws restored to the stock colors and such. Just seeing some of the bike here that folks have modded makes me want to do something different. Actually thought about doing a Bengals theme orange and black with stripes on tank and tailpiece. Maybe I should just get another one after this one and do one of each. Then again maybe I should just move myelf out to the garage where my wife is going to send me if I drag another one home....

"but honey she just followed me home and isn't she cute!! Then the other bike would have someone to play with when we are not here"

77KZ wrote:

"but honey she just followed me home and isn't she cute!! Then the other bike would have someone to play with when we are not here"

Tell her its "for her" to ride after you fix it up of course (thats my trick)

I vote for the Bengals theme. Paul Brown would be proud! Not a whole lot of Bengals fans in my neck of the woods. Nice score!