Picking up a new project 1979 KZ650

Sir's

Going to get this baby in 15 minutes, if all is in good order I'll be bringing home a new frame off project.  I've been looking for a good project KZ650 for years, they seemed to have dried up like all other vintage air cooled Japanese bikes.   I think, honestly, there are guys snapping these up and shipping them over sea's for wealthy collectors to have and or customize.  

Of course I could be full of bananas too....but it just seems that way.  Look at all the Craigslist adds that say "Wanted to Buy any old Kawa, honda, etc...."  these adds are everywhere.

Anyway, I think I found one for a fair price,.

Pictures to come once I get it home.

577Nitro.

See below:

 

Nice find.  Looks to be all there for the most part.  Any idea on the left hand side 4 to 1 ?  It appears to have a single bolt front foot peg which I thought was only on the 77 and 78 models.  Has a vacuum petcock and does not have an accelerator pump.

Nice '78 

Looks like a good honest bike

wrote:

Nice '78 

 

yup….I mistyped the year in the title and didn’t even notice it…It is indeed a 78.    I tried to correct the subject line but it won’t let me edit it.  If a moderator can correct that please do. 

Sorry.

However I really really dig it.  I’ve always liked the lines and stance of the 650.   I’ve only ridden one before that my brother had, and it seemed to handle great to me. They seemed to have the same neutral balance as the KZ/GPZ550 has.

577nitro-

 

wrote:

Nice find.  Looks to be all there for the most part.  Any idea on the left hand side 4 to 1 ?  It appears to have a single bolt front foot peg which I thought was only on the 77 and 78 models.  Has a vacuum petcock and does not have an accelerator pump.


 

As far as the 4 into one, I’m thinking it is a one off custom pipe.  I kinda like it,  However, I will be putting a new 4 into 1 Kerker on.  

I thought I read some where you could buy a kit to put on an accelerator pump for these carbs.

So far it seems to [be] pretty good, cables are all rotten and need replacing, along with your typical sat to[o] long without running issues.   Paint WAS good until the previous owner decided to paint a racing stripe on using a rattle can blue and clear that was not compatible with the base coat.   It lifted the paint and caused it to wrinkle.  Shame to[o], the base paint was a beautiful pro sprayed pearl white.   Now it’s going to need a full strip and redo.  

Engine is an unknown at this point, it turns over easy enough but [until] l change the oil and filter I’m not risking it.   

I think it’s going to be a blast to ride.

577-

Adding an accelerator pump isn't viable, because the carb bodies are machined for the pump nozzles.  Those pumper carbs aren't exactly the most reliable either.

BTW, maybe my memory is failing, but is your petcock on prime?

I'm intrigued with the fuel tap/petcock on the rhs. No original standardd 650 tank had it fitted on the rhs that I know of? 
Regarding carbs, I can see airscrews but not if they have fuel screws also? If they airscrew only stick with them as they are best  650 carbs for performance and easiest to dial in. 
Also, any idea what the rear shocks are off? They look like Marzocchi but with khi stickers. 
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That thing already looks like the finished product of a frame off project. Good get.
How many miles?

wrote:

Also, any idea what the rear shocks are off? They look like Marzocchi but with khi stickers.

They look a lot like Zephyr 550 shocks, but not exactly. So my guess would be Zephyr 750 or 1100 shocks. They’re definitely Kayaba’s.

I hope you don't mind me saying - I may be interested in that pipe when you have a new one. LH was always cool to me.