New Guy from New York

Hey! A couple weeks ago on my way home from work, my neighbor had a KZ650 outside for sale. Seemed like a great deal ($1200), bike started right up and ran.  He had been riding these bikes for 40+ years and gave me a brief rundown of the bike. I've always wanted a bike, but have no prior background with motorcycles. I said screw it and pulled the trigger on this 1978 KZ650 B2. Since than I've gone ahead and gotten my motorcycle license and have been loving riding the bike around.

I've lurked around the forums ever since I picked the bike up a month ago. Seems there is a ton of knowledge, tips and time put into these posts and I appreciate reading through the long threads trying to better inform myself on KZ's. I'll be the first to admit, I am a total kook when it comes to motorcycles, but I am eager to learn. I have a background in CNC machining and own a Haas VF4SS - that is more of my bread and butter. I realized pretty quickly how my machining knowledge could one day be used for a KZ motor application, pretty cool.

I think for the most part, the bike is basically all original (not positive). Since riding, I have blown and replaced the main fuse once. Not exactly sure the reasoning.

I definitely want to do some work to the bike over time, maybe get started after this season. I was thinking about first and foremost, redoing the wiring, handle bars, lights and maybe some paint. I really like the original blue, but there is a large rust spot on my gas tank and some scuffs on the tail. Let me know what you guys think! Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Happy to be here! Thanks for having me.









Last thing he said to me after the sale was that he has a kz1000 in the garage that he is going to sell aswell... wonder what it looks like.

Welcome. Looks like you did OK. We have more than a few XS650 experts on here. The exhaust is not stock nor is the seat. Too bad about the paint. Was it repainted at some point? Looks like the clear failed along with the color coat due to fuel. 
I'd keep it as is and put some miles on it. Nice find...

Welcome, looks a pretty honest bike for the money. You got a good deal 

Yeah definitely going to keep it as is and ride it as much as I can. 

I like the original look of it. Just want to clean it up

thanks for the reply 

Epic first post including PICS! Well done Sir. Welcome to KZR!

A really good catch for the money. Have seen the same bike in a more bad condition then yours for more money. It´s a good starting point for a build up or restore.

Good to hear the positive responses regarding the price. I basically bought it on the spot and wasnt exactly sure what it was worth. So thats a good thing.

What type of paint would be used for something like this?

 

Also - these rubber O-rings that hold the side covers on, is there a link to buy these? or an alternative?

 

Part number 92071-056 for those grommets, they're widely available for cheap.

Thank you Ghostdive. Found on partzilla

Welcome.
Nice find!

Before getting too far into fixing the cosmetics on the master cylinder, it would be a good idea to pull it all apart and carefully inspect the bore for pitting and scratches. It would be a shame to make it pretty again, only to have to toss it in the bin. All of the brake flexible hoses and seals should be replaced anyway.

wrote:

Before getting too far into fixing the cosmetics on the master cylinder, it would be a good idea to pull it all apart and carefully inspect the bore for pitting and scratches. It would be a shame to make it pretty again, only to have to toss it in the bin. All of the brake flexible hoses and seals should be replaced anyway

 

Yep I am picking up what you're putting down. I was just thinking of small improvements I am actually able to make at this point. 

Pulling it apart makes it almost sound like I can do it.. 

Hopefully one day I can.

Thanks TexasKZ