Converting a KZ650 CSR into a B1 lookalike?

  • The chimney sweep
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06 May 2012 14:27 #520200 by The chimney sweep
Converting a KZ650 CSR into a B1 lookalike? was created by The chimney sweep
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

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  • gd4now
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06 May 2012 15:13 #520219 by gd4now
Replied by gd4now on topic Converting a KZ650 CSR into a B1 lookalike?
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.

1977 KZ650 B1
Pods and Denco header


OLD KAW OWNERS SMILE ALOT

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06 May 2012 15:32 #520226 by T_Dub
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.

1977 KZ650B1
-810cc
-Cavanaugh Racing Head
-Mikuni RS34's
-GPR Muffler

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06 May 2012 20:56 - 21 Feb 2013 15:14 #520316 by martin_csr
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Last edit: 21 Feb 2013 15:14 by martin_csr.

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06 May 2012 21:12 #520320 by damarble
Replied by damarble on topic Converting a KZ650 CSR into a B1 lookalike?

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?

Go green, buy a Kawasaki!

82 KZ750M CSR Build Thread

89 ZX600C Streetfighter

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06 May 2012 21:13 - 21 Feb 2013 15:14 #520321 by martin_csr
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Last edit: 21 Feb 2013 15:14 by martin_csr.

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06 May 2012 21:45 #520329 by damarble
Replied by damarble on topic Converting a KZ650 CSR into a B1 lookalike?
I guess so. There's no mention of it on the microfiche. At least it's possible to add then.

Go green, buy a Kawasaki!

82 KZ750M CSR Build Thread

89 ZX600C Streetfighter

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  • The chimney sweep
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08 May 2012 15:43 #520748 by The chimney sweep
Replied by The chimney sweep on topic Converting a KZ650 CSR into a B1 lookalike?
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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08 May 2012 17:25 - 21 Feb 2013 15:02 #520770 by martin_csr
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08 May 2012 20:38 - 08 May 2012 20:42 #520811 by rstnick
Replied by rstnick on topic Converting a KZ650 CSR into a B1 lookalike?
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

Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, Progressive Suspension, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
Last edit: 08 May 2012 20:42 by rstnick.

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