Z 650 B1 -77 Stockholm

Like 20 years ago a college offered me a -78 Z900.

It looked fantastic. I loved it. I bought it.

One problem: I had never driven a motorcycle. I started practicing in the office garage where the bike was stored - a tiny 30 cars garage with the company brass expensive cars to bump in too. Let me put it this way, I had good incentives to be a quick learner.

Like 15 years ago I felt the need to buy a German 70's sports car, after selling off some great drum kits and surfboards I had almost the cash to do it, with a tear in my eye the Z900 was traded in as a part of the deal. My first son was about to be born so I (wrongly) reasond that a motorcycle is a to dangerous thing to mess around with when taking care of babys anyway.

I have been kicking my self for letting the Z900 go ever sins.

Like 3 weeks ago I started to look around investigating the possibility of "re-buying" a Z900, the price had gone up to crazy, (living in a country made of snow and ice (and occasionally a short sweet summer) I just was not prepared make the leap. 

Like 2 weeks ago a ad stating ”For Sale Z650 B1 -1977” caught my attention, I was not familiar with the model but i remembered vaguely from my Z900 days the Zed had smaller brothers. I called up the seller and told him the truth: 

”Hello, I will not buy you bike, but can I come over just to get a feel for the Z650 model?”.

I immediately got over to the friendly sellers place and had a look. 25 minutes later (no kidding) I had transferred the money, done the paper work and rolled out of his garage. Ones again a Kawasaki rider.

The Z650 was just spot on for my Z900-itch. Sure, not as big, strong and epic as the 900, but absolutely everything I needed, In fact I think the Z650 might even be a better fit to my body size. 

Future projects: For now I will just enjoy riding the bike, maybe clean it up, find missing badges and a air box, and all that other good stuff that comes with keeping old things on the road. 

Hopping the forum turns out to be a friendly place when looking for Zed wisdom. 

Regards
Jonas ’Nippon'


 

Very nice bike - I think the 650 is a strong second for best-looking 70s Z. 

Welcome aboard. The 650 has passionate fans for good reason. It has a good balance of looks, comfort and speed. The handling is good by 1970s standards. It is reliable and not difficult to find parts for. I bet you will end up as fond of it as you were of your Z900.

Welcome building the Swedish contingent!
Nice scoore!
Se you at Nifsta any Thursday Jonas.

/Anders
 

Nice bike!  I've owned my 1977 KZ650 since it was new after 62,000+ miles I still think it's a great bike.  Ed

Welcome Jonas.
Very nice z650 you've found yourself.

I've had mine for many years and KMs.
Still a pleasure to ride.