Touring on 650

I have a 1977 C1 650 I built for touring, it has a 1982 Spectre 750 motor in it I converted to chain drive. I had to make spacers on every end where the motor attached to make up for the later engines flex mount system. I used some 1990 Ninja 750 CVK carbs on it I respaced, it used regular GPZ750 intake boots. The fairing is a Vetter Quicksilver and the hard bags are Shoei which I used to build up a custom top rack.
I am still sorting out some issues so have not done any long trips on it, it does ride nice and has plenty of power. When I picked up the 750 shaft motor I was hoping it would fit in the chassis but I later found out the 750 chassis is about 2" wider at down tubes where the output shaft sits to accommodate the drive system.

 

I put an AirHawk seat cushion on my 650 too to be able to ride longer.

My 650 in Touring mode:

250-350 per day on my 76 kz900

MIKAW
Your Corbin looks alot more cushy than mine  
Even with the gel in mine I puss out   after 200 miles
but way better than the stock LTD seat

 

As much as I always loved the KZ650, no good for touring. I did two trips, 1980 2000 miles, 1981 3200 miles. Keep the 650 for around town, small trips ect. Don't expect much reliability, fun or comfort on a long trip. For that get a KZ1000, KZ1100 or the like. I know these are not lightweights, but adding the weight even if 100lb you will never regret if touring.

Please don't misunderstand me; I love my KZ650.  However, the longest single continuous ride I've taken on it was about 350 miles, and I was very happy when that ride was finished.  My KZ650 is fine for the first 100 - 150 miles, but after that it becomes uncomfortable.  Ed

wrote:

As much as I always loved the KZ650, no good for touring. I did two trips, 1980 2000 miles, 1981 3200 miles. Keep the 650 for around town, small trips ect. Don't expect much reliability, fun or comfort on a long trip. For that get a KZ1000, KZ1100 or the like. I know these are not lightweights, but adding the weight even if 100lb you will never regret if touring.


 

I am currently building a KZ650 with a KZ1000 transplanted into it, MTC 1197 to be exact.
I believe this will be the best of both worlds, lighter weight, handling, smaller overall. The heavy KZ1000 crank generates a lot of torque, much more than the smaller motor even built up can generate.
Bought some VM33 carbs, had the crank welded, just need to get the top case cleared for the bigger liners.
Just had a Z1 head ported/big valved and it flows over 95 CFM.
Body work and running gear will be stock 650.