KZ650 project build

[Mavman]

Just got my first project bike last week and excited to say it's a kz650. I've only recently started riding due to receiving a free 95' ninja 500 from a friend (needed work that he wasn't willing to do). I'm really excited to build a bike specifically to my own wants and desires.

The Kz itself was seized and after trying for a while to unseize it I pulled the head and worked the cylinder jug free. I found the #2 cylinder rusted all the away around

.. pulled the cylinder, cleaned it up and saw how deep the gouges were.

I ordered a cylinder jug from eBay (standard) rather than a bore up kit for budget reasons. I have big plans for this bike tho! I have access to a 95 zx6r which I am thinking about a swing arm swap and maybe a fork swap. Definitely want to try and keep the cafe look so I haven't decided if I want to do the zx6 swap, I think it might make it look too much like a fighter.

Here's what it looked like when I picked it up last week..

And here is how it currently sits... kinda, I removed the top end after I took this photo

My next step, aside from engine work, is to figure out the rats nest of a wiring harness. I'd love to run the m unit but I don't think it's in the budget. I think I'll probably end up just making my own, minimalistic, wiring harness from the wiring diagrams available online. Anyway, I'm excited to see how this bike progresses and also get to know the forum a bit.

 

[steveinwa]

Sounds like fun, lucky my bike ran when I bought it, only rode it 5 mins then tore it apart. Had the wheels powder coated, came out great. Waiting on the header gaskets so I can fire it up. I am sorting the electrical now, building a new battery box under the seat horizontal since it's gel. have to figure where to mount the rest of the stuff but good luck, loving this KZ550 of mine.

 

[GoCrazy]

KZ650 is a great base bike. I wanted to build a cafe based on IT, but ended up using XJ600. Waiting for more progress.

Wysłane z tostera

 

[Mavman]

I'll do my best to keep updating. Honestly a lot of the work I'll be doing in the coming couple weeks is gonna be pretty basic, starting with that damn wiring harness. Pictures won't get too exciting for another month or so


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[Mavman]

Most recent project was installing my zx6 rear sets. Not 100% done yet. Need to clean up welds and move the kickstand

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[Mavman]

It's been a long time since I updated this thread... meaning I never have. I have a lot of progress pics of the last month of the build. Still a lot to do even though it's running and I ride it daily. And if you ask my wife she'll say it's "done"... but no. It will never be done.

I'm trying to not do any huge projects that make the bike go out of use for more than a day or two so from here on out most of my upgrades will be minor aesthetics.

I have a lot of the process documented on my instagram for the project. It's @phils_kz. I basically used it as a quick build log so I could look back. Didn't post pictures nearly as often as I worked on the bike. It's always hard to get myself to stop working to document what I'm doing.

I'll have more pics to come and I'm sure I'll have some questions along the way as well. Thanks!


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