Kawasaki KZ650 first time build

[kawa650kz]

So...Have had the urge to get a bike for quite awhile, finally broke down a few weeks ago and started looking. I grew up on dirt bikes, have ridden plenty of friends "street" bikes, so it is time for one of my own. Picked up this 78 KZ650B2 for $500. Pretty good buy, as everything is there and works fine, for the most part. Electric start not working, lights not functioning, and rear shoes need replaced.

Been checking out the different sites, and far and away like this one the best. I have a pretty good idea of what I want my finished product to be... For the most part I like the "Tracker" look, probably have a touch of Cafe in it as well before all is said and done. One prerequisite is that my fiancee be able to ride, so it will have to be a 2-up seat.

Would love to hear opinions and feedback as I go through this build!

Troy

Here are a few pics...

And now the fun begins!!

 

[kawa650kz]

So, I spent the past few weeks figuring out exactly what I want to do with the bike. Biggest dilemma was the SEAT! Need room for two, but that big ugly humped camel of a seat from the factory has to go! After going back and forth a lot, I have decided to do the following:

1. Remove the stock chrome fender

2. Use the stock rear "upper" fender, but cut it down, change the angle and move it forward for more of a tracker look.

3. Cut down the stock seat pan and foam, and either re-use the existing cover (which was new), or get a new cover all together.

Here we go:

Pic of the original seat. YUK! Plan on having the upholstery shop re-use this cover, as it was new when I purchased the bike. Shop should have no problem cutting it down and adapting it to the new foam/seat pan.

Stripped the rear, and cut off the rear hoop and mounting brackets. No way to get any kind of a decent seat with that thing on there!

Next was to cut down the rear plastic fender, and temporarily mount it. I used the existing bolts and holes where the old metal fender was attached.

Here are a few pics with fender mounted and original seat pan sitting in place,with rear of pan cut off, before the final surgery begins...

And here are pics with seat pan completed, and old seat foam in place and shaped... I am sure it has been posted here before, but if you own an electric knife, USE IT! Cuts through the foam like butter and makes shaping it no problem. Rear fender is not in "final" position yet...when viewed from side the bottom of the rear fender will be straight across, parallel with the ground.

 

[sbruton]

Nice looking bike to start out with, but I might be biased

I have 2 of 'em!

Good luck with the project.

 

[kawa650kz]

Thanks for the compliment... Just checked out both of your build threads, lots of great stuff there! All kinds of parts coming in the mail soon or already here waiting to be put together: bars, grips, mirrors, turn signals, brake light, etc... Should have the seat back the the upholstery shop friday or saturday, waiting for it to arrive before the final fitting of the rear fender, then going to mount it properly and start putting things back together...

I will probably tear into the bike a lot more over the winter, but for now, I plan on putting on the new goodies and getting it out on the road! Still have to put the rear brake shoes on and repair the lighting issues as well. Also picked up A LOT of stainless steel nuts, bolts, allen screws,etc... to replace the rusty ones. Lots of attention to detail, but really looking to get it cleaned up and on the road, with this winter tearing into it a little more and doing some additional restoration, frame painting, etc...

 

[Ease]

Looking good! Good start!

 

[scottyS3]

Like the tail section idea.

 

[kawa650kz]

Thanks...I am hoping that it looks ok when complete...so far so good. I am anxious to get the seat back from the upholstery shop, hopefully monday on that one...