Description
Kawasaki KZ650 B2
Kawasaki KZ650 B2 manufactured Dec 1978 and first registered Jan 1979. Imported from the USA by myself earlier this year and now UK registered with the V5C in my name. Had been looking for a clean standard earlyish Z650 for a while and found a very nice one from a reliable source in the USA. The criteria was that it must have the stock exhaust system, stock seat, original paint and, obviously, be as clean, nice and low miles as possible. I found this very clean and near stock example with a totally believable 15, 600 miles on the clock and have gone over it thoroughly, partially dismantling, cleaning and inspecting the entire bike and replacing parts where necessary. Oil and filter change, fuel tank flushed and carbs stripped and sonically cleaned and new fuel line and new air filter fitted. Exhaust system removed, cleaned and polished and refitted with new gaskets. Wiring and connectors cleaned and checked and bulbs replaced where needed. New gel battery fitted. The swinging-arm needle roller bearings and spindle were replaced along with footrest rubber mounts and dome nuts and a new gold X-ring chain. The oil seal and o-ring on the tacho cable were replaced. Front and rear turn signal rubber mounts replaced, as were the rear light unit rubber mounts as the originals were perished with age. Front forks removed, the old laquer stripped off, (there was a big ugly mark where the US reg sticker had been), polished then clear laquered for that stock appearance and fitted with new rubber boots. Rear drum brake stripped and cleaned and wheel bearings checked and greased. Front disc brake caliper cleaned and checked and brake fluid replaced. All parts supplied by Z-Power, except for the battery, chain and the fork rubbers. Starts and runs sweetly and rides as it should and passed the MoT no bother a few weeks ago. Although the bike is over 40 years old and registered as a historic vehicle, and therefore MoT and tax free, for peace of mind, (and the insurance company), it does have a full MoT.
Despite being some 40-years old it's obvious that the bike has had very little use and by the looks of the underside of the mudguards it's never seen rain. The original seat is in very good condition, no tears and the foam as as pliable as it was when new. Side panels are original and chip and crack free, as is the distictive Z650 tail piece. The original tool kit and handbook are present under the seat. The engine has all of its original JIS fasteners, mostly unmarked. And being 40 years old there are a few small blemishes that show its age. There is a tiny dent in the tank and some of the paint under the seat around the battery cage and the helmet hooks is flaking, but rather than tart it up with Hammerite I've left it alone, as with the little ding in the tank and and a couple of little scratches here and there. The exhaust system is in exceptional condition for a 40 year old bike, but does have the odd mark and a small ding where it's been rubbed by the side stand and a small fingernail-sized dent on the opposite silencer. The chrome on one of the turn signals is a little bit bubbly and there are some small pits in the chrome on the front wheel rim and the front mudguard, but I'm picky. There is also a small crease in the edge of the speedo binnicle that was done when the bike was shipped from the US. Small things, but I like to be 100% honest about the bike's condition and I've included pix that show the aforementioned blemishes.
This bike was never intended to be a showpiece, and it isn't – although with a bit of time and money it easily could be if that's your thing. I wanted a nice rideable stock Z650, (like the one I had 30 years ago), and that's exactly what this Z650 is, clean, tidy, 99% original Kawasaki and a perfect bike for riding and polishing. I didn't import this bike to 'do-it-up' and sell it, it's been lovingly re-commissioned for my own use, but the aggravation of an old injury and a change of plans mean that I'm regretfully selling the Z650. Proper original Z650s are hard to find, there are plenty of repainted tarted up examples around with dubious pattern parts, but bikes are only original once. Sound rideable investment as Z650 prices are going the same way as Z900s - through the roof, so get one now while you can. So here it is, 1979 reg, (although made in '78), KZ650 B2, as nice a Z650 as you'll find, not over-restored, not over-polished, and not, hopefully, over-priced.
Local delivery at cost may be possible. Any reasonable offers will be considered and sensible questions will be answered. No Paypal, no cheques, no part-exchanges, no swaps and no pick-up by a courier without cash up-front.
