79' KZ650 Questions

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20 Jun 2006 17:05 #55838 by dads_kz
79' KZ650 Questions was created by dads_kz
My Dad is looking to get a 79' KZ650 and asked me to get on the net and look up some info.

First off what do the B3, C3, and D2 stand for?

Also just any info about the bikes that you have is great. He came across one in perfect conditon, port & polished, header, ect. for $500 and is looking to get the basic information

Thanks in advance

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  • RetroRiceRocketRider
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20 Jun 2006 20:39 #55888 by RetroRiceRocketRider
Replied by RetroRiceRocketRider on topic 79' KZ650 Questions
Welcome on in. :)

The letter is the model designation, the number following the letter states what year in that model designation that particular bike is in (ie: '77 KZ650B1, '78 KZ650B2, etc).

KZ650B models: Spoked wheels, single disc front brake and drum rear brake.

KZ650C models: Identical in appearance to the KZ650B models, but had cast mag wheels, dual disc front brakes and single disc rear brake.

KZ650D (SR = Stateside Replica): Diff body style than the B and C models, smaller rear wheel (16" as opposed to 18" on the B and C), cast mag wheels, dual front and single rear disc brakes, front forks raked slightly forward compared to the B and C.

There are quite a few more differences between the KZ650 models, but these are just the most recognizable and referenced.

All in all, very nice bikes. And can hold their own (or better depending on the riders ability) in cornering against larger bikes (KZ900/KZ1000 for instance) of the same era.

Covina, So Calif!
78 KZ650-B2 = SOLD
84 ZN700 LTD = SOLD
84 ZX750 GPz = SOLD
89 GSX1100F Katana = SLEEPING :-/
20 VN1700 Vulcan Vaquero (the Blue Cowboy)
Looking for my next project KZ

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21 Jun 2006 05:59 #55945 by donthekawguy
Replied by donthekawguy on topic 79' KZ650 Questions
Sounds like a good deal to me.

Rathdrum Idaho
1971 Kawasaki g3ss
1972 Yamaha R5 350
1965 Suzuki Hillbilly
1964 Yamaha 125

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21 Jun 2006 14:31 #56078 by ltdrider
Replied by ltdrider on topic 79' KZ650 Questions
I think a '79 650 in good running condition is well worth $500.
But make sure you're getting a bike with a good motor and tranny.
Look for:
Easy starting
No backfiring
Reasonably steady idle when warm (without the choke)
Good response when you blip the throttle
Smooth shifting, first thru fifth
No smoking from the pipes (dark smoke is fuel, white is oil)
If it hasn't been stored outside with the weeds growing thru it, it's probably been cared for.

Good luck!

'76 KZ900 LTD (Blaze)
'96 Voyager XII (Dark Star)
'79 KZ650 Cafe Project (Dirty Kurt)
Greensboro, NC

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