Hello - Kawi KZ650 from CA

[Kra_Z650]

Hi all, I wanted to properly intro myself with the board. I've been browsing here for a couple of months now, finally signing up!

I started a '80 KZ650 LTD a few months ago. I found it for sale in "hog" style condition with a different tank and iron cross tail light but otherwise OE and not running at 13K/mi. I wasn't looking for a KZ, just a project cafe after a buddy had turned me on to the style after he and another friend picked up a CB550/CB750 respectively. After a new tire and carb job, she was on the road and the upgrades began:

Hope I can contribute to this site as those before me! Thanks.

 

[my-79-750-k]

Nice looking kaw. If ya don't mind, how much did you pick it up for? What has been done to it as far as upgrades? Oh, and BTW welcome to the site!

 

[Kra_Z650]

TY

It was a steal at $550. Upgrades:

-Airtech tail with LED tail light from Lossa Eng.
-Leather seat with bronze stitching, diamond pattern.
-Swapped the coffin tank for rounder one, forgot which year.
-2.5" Tach and Speedo gauges.
-Gel battery, mount behind the tail light.
-5.75" headlamp
-Chopped fender
-Powdercoated wheels and fender
-V&H exhaust, hightemp painted
-Airpods
-KZ400 rear shocks
-Clubman bar
-shortened tail frame, tucked wiring, detabbed
-new brake pads/shoes
-new wheel bearings

Next up:
-Paint
-Rearset

 

[ReggieCCR]

I have a 79 kz650 i was wondering where you got your your tach and speedo gauges from?

 

[OneArmWillie]

My first bike was 1982 KZ650 CSR. Incredible bike to start with!!!

 

[Kra_Z650]

Reggie, I picked them up from DCC. Great place to look for parts with reasonable prices, shipping cost however can be improved. Here are the two I settled on, however they have more to choose from.

It was mounted using the supplied bracket on the underside of the two holes supporting the OE guage tree using washers and long bolts for a more flush look. The speedo seems to not be as bright between 60-100mph readout because the ODO is blocking the single lit bulb. Remember to get the 1:5 ratio tach for Kawi's.

If needed, I can snap a pic. Cheers.


http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-parts-mini-chrome-speedo-speedometer-15-0030b.html

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-parts-mini-chrome-tach-tachometer-15-0080.html

I have a 79 kz650 i was wondering where you got your your tach and speedo gauges from?

 

[Kra_Z650]

At first, I had my reserves with Z's based on the little knowledge of its history. Now, I can't fathom selling it as the balance of the 650 makes for a very enjoyable ride each time. Aside from the typical KZ oil leak around the head when I get on her and cold starts, I would agree she is more function than form.

Do you or Reggie have a pic of your Z's?

My first bike was 1982 KZ650 CSR. Incredible bike to start with!!!

 

[HerrDeacon]

Nice looking 650! I had a '78 that I sold two years ago and still miss. They are great bikes.

 

[ReggieCCR]

Yeah DCC is pretty cool I got my seat from them. Here's a picture of it, still working on the wiring.

 

[hmenzies]

Yeah DCC is pretty cool I got my seat from them. Here's a picture of it, still working on the wiring.

Is that a kz650?

 

[Kra_Z650]

Nice build thus far! Please keep us updated. Noticed the DSport and possible some import hot wheels. Are you a tuner?

 

[Autotek]

The bike is looking pretty awesome, keep it up.

 

[ReggieCCR]

Yup that's my kz650. Thanks I'll keep you guys posted and you do the same. Tuner? I don't like to use those labels. I guess you can say I'm a Import car enthusiast. I have a 1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 and a 1993 Mazda Miata R package.