79' KZ650 Questions

My Dad is looking to get a 79' KZ650 and asked me to get on the net and look up some info.

First off what do the B3, C3, and D2 stand for?

Also just any info about the bikes that you have is great. He came across one in perfect conditon, port & polished, header, ect. for $500 and is looking to get the basic information

Thanks in advance

Welcome on in.

The letter is the model designation, the number following the letter states what year in that model designation that particular bike is in (ie: '77 KZ650B1, '78 KZ650B2, etc).

KZ650B models: Spoked wheels, single disc front brake and drum rear brake.

KZ650C models: Identical in appearance to the KZ650B models, but had cast mag wheels, dual disc front brakes and single disc rear brake.

KZ650D (SR = Stateside Replica): Diff body style than the B and C models, smaller rear wheel (16" as opposed to 18" on the B and C), cast mag wheels, dual front and single rear disc brakes, front forks raked slightly forward compared to the B and C.

There are quite a few more differences between the KZ650 models, but these are just the most recognizable and referenced.

All in all, very nice bikes. And can hold their own (or better depending on the riders ability) in cornering against larger bikes (KZ900/KZ1000 for instance) of the same era.

Sounds like a good deal to me.

I think a '79 650 in good running condition is well worth $500.
But make sure you're getting a bike with a good motor and tranny.
Look for:
Easy starting
No backfiring
Reasonably steady idle when warm (without the choke)
Good response when you blip the throttle
Smooth shifting, first thru fifth
No smoking from the pipes (dark smoke is fuel, white is oil)
If it hasn't been stored outside with the weeds growing thru it, it's probably been cared for.

Good luck!