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Hi, new member here.  Live in Indy.   Just bought my first roadbike, an 81 650 CSR.  (Personally I think it's the ugliest bike made, but it's mine...)  Been a dirt bike rider since childhood, but have been borrowing my brother's 1000 LTD.  This 650 belonged to a buddy who bought it new and sold to me.  It's in great shape and I plan to customize it a bit.  Glad to be here to learn as much as I can about this bike and what others have done similarly.

Howdy. You won't get any argument from me as to whether or not the csr is the ugliest 650. I have one. ha ha. 
But the KZ650-CSR has a HyVo cam chain & higher redline than the earlier 650s. 3-phase charging system & electronic ignition. same as the KZ750-4s, in some cases identical. Same frame as the 750H Ltd, so you can swap stuff, such as the swing arm & rear brake. The 750E frame is similar, so some of that can be used >> I installed the muffler system. direct fit. The small csr fuel tank can be a drag, but you might be able to go with the 750E triple tree then install the E tank or possibly a GPz (the csr upper triple will bang against the E tank).  The stepped seat on the csr helps to keep your butt planted when you give it some extra throttle. For a flatter seat I have a hunch that the E fits. 

1981 KZ650-CSR w KZ550-Ltd wheels. 750E mufflers. 1000J mirrors. ZX10 rotor bolts. ha ha.
1st pic has BMW med tall street bars. 2nd pic w Emgo Euro bars, K&G luggage rack.







 

Welcome.
As Martin said, lots of improvements to the newest KZ650 models.

You can also make improvements of your own if you desire.
Some like to keep things stock, me, I like to tinker and try some changes.
Having my KZ 37 years, and having over 1257,000 KMs on her, things are bound to change:

I don't think they're ugly just they tried to catch a share of the cruiser market. Like one of our members said, "chrome won't get you home" 
steve

Forgot to add photo