KZ650 Restoration

undefined Heya! I really want to restore my old girl ! Where do I start?? Is there anyone out there happy to give advice via online whilst I try n tackle this project?
Engine does run, but needs work.
Carbs need attention, Forks need attention and Also would love to re-chrome etc etc! Could I do this or am I dreaming lol.
I’d appreciate your thoughts

WElcome to KZRider
All that and More is Possible
Dave

If you know what 650 it is, that would help. And a photo or two to see what your starting point is.

As JMKZHI said definitely tell us exactly what year and model it is. There were at least a dozen different KZ650 flavors and there were quite a few different charging systems, etc. For sure, not all KZ650's are the same. Ed

Thanks for your reply. Will investigate and take pics today. Watch this space.

KZ650B
I’ve attached a few pics. You’ll notice brake cylinder is not the standard this was added.
Also I’ve taken a pic of a few bits n bobs ive collected along the way.
Carb filters thingys need replacing too I think??
Where shall I start?? Dismantle everything off the frame??

Got it: KZ650B-040214
1977 B1 Candy emerald. Blue
Yah!! First win lol
But engine number is different
KZ650BE0832..
Hmmm obviously changed at some point

Looks like a fun project.

FYI, when posting photos be sure to click "insert" before posting. that way the photos show up in high resolution instead of tiny thumbnails.

Oh, and a good start on your road towards restoration is a good wash job! Your bike is filthy!

No, the engine number would not be the same as the frame number.

I think there are two ways to go on a rebuild. One is to slowly do one thing at a time until you get it all done. The other is to strip the bike right down and rebuild it piece by piece. If you go this route you might take a couple of years to finish. There's always something you find out that you need and that you have to order. The wait time on parts can stretch a rebuild out considerably.

If the paint on your frame and other black parts is in good condition I would suggest you leave it and go with option 1. But if you need a frame paint refresh then option 2 might be the right method.

A guy had a very nice KZ650. It ran and it looked very good - but it was not "perfect". So did he gradually make improvements to it until it was near perfect? No. Of course not. Instead he totally disassembled it with the objective of making each part perfect before re-assembling it (image below). Did he finish the project? No. Of course not. Other than totally disassembling a good bike he didn't do anything. End of bike. Ed

650ed wrote: A guy had a very nice KZ650. It ran and it looked very good - but it was not "perfect". So did he gradually make improvements to it until it was near perfect? No. Of course not. Instead he totally disassembled it with the objective of making each part perfect before re-assembling it (image below). Did he finish the project? No. Of course not. Other than totally disassembling a good bike he didn't do anything. End of bike. Ed

Those are the ones advertised as: BIKE FOR SALE...HASN'T RUN FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS BUT IT RAN GOOD WHEN I PARKED IT.

lol hmm my apprehension too. But everything needs an overhaul, so to start with the frame, so wish me luck!! lol