Kawasaki KZ650 1978

[johnneymcdowell]

kick ass bike love that kerker pipe

[porscheguy90]

Very nice I have 2 of these bikes. Well i restored and sold one of them. i did it back 100% original. the second one i have was supposed to be a parts bike but there was too much there to use it that way sold Im building a cafe racer out of it. Its looking pretty cool.

[amysheilajones]

very nice, always like the old models

[turtlemann14]

i bet mine is faster :P great looking bike, i need to give mine some tlc (1980 kz650)

[bornoffire8]

Bad ass kawi dude

[Green1165]

what pipes you have

[yellowbusguy]

@Green1165 The pipe is a Vance & Hines.

[Rbajist]

esa no es una kawasaki kz650 es una 750 miren el motor!!!

[hoytshooter001]

Is that seat stock?

[yellowbusguy]

@hoytshooter001 No it is not. It was done by a local shop here in Kentucky many years ago.

[57hughes]

Very nice. bike enjoy. I have loved these bikes since I owned a kz1000 in 1980. I just recently purchased a 1979 kz1000ltd and a 1979 kz650 for my wife. can't wait to go for a nice ride. to add Classic insurance to my existing policy for both of them are $97 a year. can't beat it.

[jorgitoto880]

ya me dijeron creo que se llama relevador algo asi,cres que esa sea la falla,la moto se apaga cuando va en marcha pero cuando vas muy rapido si vas lento no se apaga

[jorgitoto880]

hola me puedes decir como se llama un cuadrito que va adentro de la tapa por donde pones tu pierna izq , el problema es el siguiente voy en marcha y la moto se mata se detiene pero voi despacio y la moto no falla dice el mecanico que es ese cuadrito no se como se llame relevador algo asi ,en tu experiencia cres que sea eso y tmb m dijo que era que la corona...me puedes ayudar...grecias

[yellowbusguy]

@jorgitoto880 Lo siento, pero no entiendo la pregunta.

[dlucas90]

Super sweet! spent some money,huh? I can see how that could happen.

[94civiclxgrey]

all that work and no new battery ? lol nice job i like it alot

[HANIFX]

i'm about to buy one like yours.and i heard you mentioned that they are money eater.i was wondering if you can give me some advice to check on the bike before i buy it.

thanks.

nice bike buy the way.

[HANIFX]

i'm about to buy one like yours.and i heard you mentioned that they are money eater.i was wondering if you can give me some advice to check on the bike before i buy it.

thanks.

[BoBoZanetti1965]

Just curious, I sold my KZ 650 about 20 years ago. What city is this? I lived in Indianapolis at the time.

[yellowbusguy]

@BoBoZanetti1965 This is in Louisville Ky. I've had this bike 24 years now.

[KawaRider88]

Well then you certainly did a fine job restoring a great machine!

[yellowbusguy]

@KawaRider88 Thank you, I appreciate that.

[FredrickGrodyIII]

Thanks for the rad video and the great advice in the discussion here. I am looking to buy a 78 KZ 650 right now. Something about this bike is super cool. Best looking SR ever I think. My expert friend has warned me about the carb issues and the jetting and told me that is what makes this bike not worth it. It sounds like you have the answers to that. Thanks again.

[yellowbusguy]

@FredrickGrodyIII The only thing carbwise that I noticed is that stock jetting seems to be very lean which makes them cold natured were a fairly long warmup was needed before riding away with clean throttling. A good jet kit fixes all that stuff and most older bikes really benefit from them.

[yellowbusguy]

Glad I can be of any help. I wish you would post your bike so we can have a look. I have found that the key to a reliable KZ is to ensure all adjustments be as close to factory specs as possible. Starting with valve clearance. If those are within spec then set timing,balance carbs . Carb jetting is the key though and no matter how perfectly everything else is set , it will never run right unless fuelling is right. My bike runs just a bit rich, but throttle response is dead on and starts easily.

[piercefam1]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, the carb issue is fine....just learning how to work the choke was the main thing. I will try getting in touch with dynajet. Thanks again for the information and replies. Ben

[piercefam1]

Hello,

I recently upgraded ignition to a dyna-s. Since my coils are original, I just bought a set of accel super coils. I was told by another bike owner that I have to order a new jet kit because my air mixture will be affected and i was also told that the coils could fry my dyna-s ignition. Is this true? I dont want to install them until I find out what is accurate or not.

[yellowbusguy]

@piercefam1 Electronic ignition is the only way to go. If your coils are meant for motorcycles and have the proper OHMS. rating you should be fine. Changing to electronic ignition will not effect the air/fuel mixture.......did you ever get the carb. issues fixed? You should call dynajet and tell them your setup and they will send you the jets and needles to get her running smooth. Let me know what you do.

[piercefam1]

contiued.... I'll have to get new jets then. I have nothing to go on before I bought it but like I said, once it is running and warmed up, it runs smooth until I am in low rpms and in first gear at a complete stop. Thanks for replying.

[piercefam1]

No, I didn't do the work myself. The guy I bought it off of showed me reciepts where he just had the carbs tuned. He went to a motorcycle shop nearby to have them done. I'll check the rubber boots and vacuum lines for leaks myself. The bike is stock and the airbox is stock...although I am wanting to upgrade to k and n filters and from what I understand,

[piercefam1]

...CONTINUED- What do you think the problem could be and have you ever had any expirience with it? I am afraid to take it into traffic because we have several hills at intersections and I dont want it to stall on me. Thanks....Ben

[piercefam1]

Hey again. I just had the carbs on my kz650 SR reworked. When it is warmed up, it runs awesome. For some reason though, in first gear, when I let out the clutch I have to give it 3/4 throttle or it will stall on me. I just bought a dyna system electric ignition but it hasnt come in the mail yet. I am still using the original coils but want to upgrade them too to the green dyna coils.

[yellowbusguy]

@piercefam1 Questions first. Did you do the work? Were the floats set to the correct height? Make sure that there are no vacuum leaks, especially in the rubber boots at the head. Is the bike stock and is the stock airbox in use? Were they syncronized after the rebuild? There are many things to consider to figure this out. How did it behave before the work was done? Go back and look at the whole setup and look for obvious things like intake leaks. Do ONE thing at a time.

[piercefam1]

where did you get all the chrome upgrades? I cant find any aftermarket chrome pieces for my KZ. Your break calipers, where did you get them chromed? Any links or advice is great.

[yellowbusguy]

@piercefam1 Some of the chrome had been done when I bought it. The wheels and calipers fork legs Ect. I had some stuff done and re-done ,shortly after I bought it, at a local shop that is no longer open. Back in the day shops would carry commonly chromed pieces that you would exchange for your bare parts. Chrome is crazy expensive these days and there are no local places for me to use anymore. The EPA put everyone out of business.

[piercefam1]

Thanks. I'll look on the net for them.

[piercefam1]

I have a 78 KZ650SR. I like your spark plug wires. Where did you get them???

[yellowbusguy]

@piercefam1 Those were made by Accel and they were an off the shelf, one size fits most, replacement set. I don't know if they are available anymore.

[bigsky89]

wow man, this is one beautiful kz, i didnt know a stock kz could even look that good haha mine was plug ugly when i found it. very nice bike dude, keep it up!

[yellowbusguy]

@bigsky89 Thank you very much for the compliment.

[bigsky89]

@yellowbusguy absolutely man, mine may be chopped halfway to hell but that dont mean i dont love the bike at its core, your bike is a textbook example of going the other way with an old bomber, restoration and tip top shape kept vintage jap iron is like a breath of fresh moutain air. when i think back on it, i would have loved to go cafe, or even full resto, but i would have ended up with a chopper sooner or later anyways. theres always a next time!

[KawaRider88]

god thats beautiful!! how much did you spend to overhaul the motor?

[yellowbusguy]

@KawaRider88 Sorry for the LONG delay in answering your question. I dont recall exactly how much but the rings ran 55.00 per piston, the head gasket was 140ish the base was 110ish the jet kit was a little over one hundred the pipe was between 150 and 200. Genuine kawi parts were expensive and not too easy to find. I spent more time tracking down bits and pieces than building.

[bodine1975man]

i miss  my bike

[TG1962]

Can the rear disc set up from a "C" MODEL be put on a 1980 "F" model with drum brakes?

[yellowbusguy]

I have no idea. You could check some of the KZ forums on the web and ask those guys. My knowledge is limited to my bike .

[Multi719]

I notice you say the carbs are stock, did you have to re-jet the carbs with the aftermarket air filters? I'm trying to figure out what to expect. Also, the front brake rotors, are those aftermarket as well? The bike looks fantastic!

[yellowbusguy]

Hey multi. The brakes are factory, but I put on braided steel lines. If you mess with a pipe or remove the airbox and use pods I recommend using a jet kit. Without it the bike will not run well. Call Dynojet and tell them your set up. They will send you needles and jets that will work properly. Trust me when I say this is the ONLY way to solve jetting issues without taking the carbs apart repeatedly experimenting with different setups.

[buhrrito]

P.S. . . . did you say 75 cents a YEAR?

[buhrrito]

thats a beautiful bike dude

[Dylan169113]

is 20 thou miles high for a motorcycle like 1978 Kawasaki 440?

[yellowbusguy]

Not if the bike was maintained properly, oil changes valve adjustments and not abused. I'd do a compression check the see how healthy she is and if it tests within specs and doesn't make any wierd noises I'd say go for it. Also listen for loose or stretched cam chain which will make a chunka chuka sound at idle, this adjustment is often overlooked and if it can't be adjusted out it's probably stretched from having the snot run out of it and will need replacement (major surgery). Good luck.

[Dylan169113]

thanks for the tips i appreaciate the help

ill be sure to make sure i check all of that out :)

[xlasvegan7x]

sounds wicked!

[montha123]

really nice bike..its a credit to you,im buying a 650 or 1000 soon both 1976

[yellowbusguy]

I don't have any experience with gauges. Mine are just well preserved. Maybe somebody on the tube knows about a gauge service or some nice origional ones for your ride.

[yellowbusguy]

It was a stock kawasaki petcock for an older model bike. I don't recall for what model though....it's been a few years.

[essraveronE]

nice work dude....can wait to start on mine....: )

[yellowbusguy]

The vacuum line goes to a fitting on one of the carbs. This bike no longer uses that style of a petcock. I replaced it with a normal manual on/off type because the stock one is junk.

[237KMT]

Just bought a 79 KZ . The petcock valves do suck. How hard are they to replace?

[yellowbusguy]

It's a ten minute job. Remove two ten mm bolts and replace with a fresh gasket. Just don't get crazy a tighten it down too hard......just a few pounds torque. Don't forget to cap off the vacuum port on the carb if you use an old style (recommended) petcock.

[lgnkotr]

where does the little line that goes to the diaphram on the petcock valve go to??

[Carlsbiz]

Nice bike !!!

Man - I really miss my KZ..

It also had a Kerker 4 into 1.. And custom carbs, medium cam etc..

Best bike I ever drove.. The most agile & nimble,, and all around best handling.. And with the mods - I out ran every bike ever challenged

Best bike I have ever encountered..

Cant wait to get another one..

[kzcustoms]

nice 78 keep it that clean, i have a77 il never get rid of it

[papercuts777]

Dude, u talk of the new rubber but omit the the fact that those r not original rims. They had spokes, back then.

[papercuts777]

Nice bike, just the same.

[yellowbusguy]

Dude: These rims were made by Enkei and they were found on the SR and LTD models of that era that I know of. My wheels have been chromed, they came in natural finish when new. My bike is 30 yrs old not 300 and cast wheels were found on a number of machines way back then.

[papercuts777]

You know, after some poking around, on here, i do see some with cast rims. My bad.(

I never ran into another one in Toronto with one, in 10 yrs 79-89

[adale57]

My 1977 KZ650 that I bought new off the showroom floor had mags and triple disc like yellowbusguy's without the chrome. :) Very nice KZ650 yellowbusguy.

[noblepuker]

the 78' "C" models came stock with mags and triple disc brakes.

[mutherfuckyou]

does any one know where i can get a free diagram of a carb for a 81 version of this bike?? i rebuilt it but cant figure out where the lines are supposed to connect. any help would kick ass!!

[musiclovr2]

bike bandit

midwest action cycle

cycle parts nation

they all have online parts diagrams

what lines dont you know where they go?

the main (big line) is the fuel, the smaller one goes to the small line to the tank

they all suck because there is no off on the petcocks lol

this leaves pressure on the needle and seats all the time,and they ware out easily,they flood the bike,and drip all over, the pressure is what blows the carb gaskets

[noblepuker]

polished KZ.I run pods,jet kit,and a V&H exhaust on mine.These bikes sound sweet.

[krewkiller]

your valves burnt because you have pods on. Replace with original air box and keep your valves from burning.

[yellowbusguy]

What burned valves? They were bent due to valve float during an accidental overrev. Proper jetting will prevent a lean condition that could damage the valves.

[HUMBOLDTG35DRIVER]

wow FUCKIN beautiful!

[NnatasCcore]

cool thank you,i was just trying to do it with out buying more jets since i have many jets,but maybe i can get the specs from them,thanks

[yellowbusguy]

I don't recall the jetting, but all I did was to call dynojet and order the jet kit for this bike and it's set up. The kit they sent was spot on out of the box. I would recommend them anytime.

[NnatasCcore]

after going to mmi i pulled apart my 78kz650 apart and now 16 years later i put it back together,and your right even after test riding newer bikes all day the kz is still fun,been looking for a kz that looks as good as mine,your bike is the cleanest yet,your set up like mine with the kerker(nobaffle)etc,sounds just like mineQUESTION!DO YOU KNOW YOUR JETTING?i have a problen in the high end and not shur if its jetting or the points ign.

[Razielsfire]

Is that the stock seat or is it different? I like it much more than other KZ seats I've seen.

[yellowbusguy]

The seat is a custom job done by the previous owner. It is comfortable.

[dudess4rent]

Damn that sounds good. How did you do it?

[yellowbusguy]

It's all stock with the exception of the pipe and jetting. In the video I don't have the baffle installed , which makes it way too loud for the street.

[thedeceptive]

My first bike was also a 1978 Kz650. I haven't had it for 15 years and I still miss it. People don't realize just how fun and fast these bikes were/are. Nice to see yours. Thanks for posting.

[lagringulo]

man that bike is so prestine...

[irhobotolo]

nice...thanks for showing us.

[bebop00]

is that the stock exhaust? That sounds bitchen! ^_^

[banderse]

lol did u say 75 cents for registration?

[shrekward]

nice looking bike, just take the daft seat off and put a 2/4 one on!

[yellowbusguy]

Daft? These seats were THE thing to have here in the colonies. You just can't do old school without them. Comfy too on long rides.

[shrekward]

respect dear fellow from the motherland!

[VINLAMANNA]

After watching your video, I want into the garafe and started working on my 78 kz 650. the sound of the big got me crazy

[dev1360]

dyna sells the most well known electronic ignition. I have a 77 kz650 with a 720 kit and andrews cams and the electronic ignition really woke her up.

[rstnick]

Nice work! She's a beauty.

[swillia6rider]

Very nice job on your bike! I've got an '82 KZ550, and would love a kick-starter.

[Almedarj]

aww damn 15 yrs ago i found another one but its expensive thanks man

[Almedarj]

hey man cool bike i got a 79 650d but was looking for an electronic ignition where did you get yours

[yellowbusguy]

The system I have was made by Prestolite. I bought it about fifteen years ago but unfortunately they have gone out of business.