Converting a KZ650 CSR into a B1 lookalike?

I've recently been lusting after a slightly cafe styled z650- I would really like spoked wheels which are only present on the early models which are way to expensive for me to afford. However I have seen KZ650 CSRs with wire wheels at a reasonable price... So the question is, does anyone know how different these bikes are compared to the usual Bs and Cs etc.

The rear wheel is noticable smaller- so will having the rear wheel re-spoked with a larger 18" rim and putting on new handlebars do the job, or will there be a hundred little differences between the two that make this a complicated project?

For example, am I being pretty stupid in hoping that the front and rear suspension setup of the CSR is the same as a 'regular' Z650? Or am I going to find things like the swingarm is a totally different item to standard and that the whole thing will not be as simple as just sending the rear hub off to be re-stitched with a larger rim?

Oh, I will also be looking to upgrade to a re-styled rear seat etc- obviously this is another major difference! I'm only looking at cosmetic things really- but if I will struggle to find mechanical parts for the CSR that would be nice to know (again, I'm kinda presuming that 95% of the parts are shared with early 80s Z650s).

Any info/advice would be greatly recieved.

Thanks

Off the top of my head there are some differences between the CSR models and the other 650 models. Yes the CSR has a 16 inch rear wheel - it is also wider than the 18 inch used on the B,C and F models. The CSR fork tubes are longer than the B,C and F models and make use of air in the forks. The CSR also has a leading front axle, while the other models have the axle centered on the bottom of the forks.

I would say keep your eye out for a B or C model of any year. Parts are swappable easily between those. Personally I'd just save for a B. No headaches and I cant see them being that much more than CSR. The CSR is a different frame too I think, so tank, seat etc might be a stretch to fit.

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martin_csr wrote: I have an 81 KZ65-CSR. The 650C is my favorite..... no kick starter. bummer.

Really? My old 82 (or 83, I can't remember for sure) 650 CSR had kick start. Was it an option, or was it dropped and brought back?

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I guess so. There's no mention of it on the microfiche. At least it's possible to add then.

Thanks all, very useful information.

Guess I won't be looking at any more SRs! I thought it was a bit of a long shot but it was worth looking into just because the SR has most of the things I would like from a regular Z650- wire wheels, silver engine etc. No hassle buying and swapping lots of parts that way!

Oh well, back to the classifieds I go!

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Chef Otto has a really nice 650 Cafe that started as a CSR I believe.
Black with white stripes.
I'll look for a photo...

Here you go:
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/379971-81-...t=20&start=40#468334