Beschreibung
1978 Kawasaki Z/ KZ650 B
Original bike in extremely fine condition. It is an early US model, the only difference over the European models being the permanent running headlamp, tail mudguard and vacuum petcock. Stripped right down and fully restored where required by a competent engineer - myself! - a couple of years ago. Low mileage of 21024 and in excellent original condition. A sought after version of easily the best 70’s middleweight. Details are essentially as follows.
Engine/ Transmission
Top end work done on replacing some shims and valve guides purely as a precaution. Cam chain and tensioners were fine as were all pistons and rings. Fresh oil, filter, seals and gaskets of various kinds. Gearbox and clutch are excellent. Points ignition dynamically timed and spot on. New condensers, new plugs, decent leads. Kickstart in case of emergency! The bike pulls beautifully, idles well and is very responsive. Handling is very predictable.
Carbs
All 4 refurbished with genuine Mikuni parts. Thoroughly cleaned out and all balanced giving the engine lovely low down torque and responsiveness, plus that sonorous Kawasaki bass sound. Bike pulls cleanly in top from @ 3000. New air filter.
Frame etc.
Powder coated in gloss black. Seat looks new. Suspension standard as far as I know. Swing arm bearings replaced, steering head ball bearings replaced with taper bearings. All brake pads replaced, and fairly sure I also replaced all the brake pistons and seals – can’t quite remember…
Shiny bits
Chrome rims and original exhausts are truly excellent. Very difficult to find these now and very pricey if you can. All engine covers polished up, barrel and head both cleaned up. Bars replaced by the far more comfortable and sensible European chrome version.
Electrics
It all works. Not much else to say. Original points and coil ignition. Electric start, manual choke. Decent dry cell Motobatt battery.
Paintwork
Again excellent. Metallic candy red with gold and white pinstripes. I believe it was done professionally and it shows. No dents, scratches or marks anywhere.
Other
Black number plate which looks so much in keeping. I have the yellow one. Puig racing screen, Haynes, a few spares, and anything else relevant I can find lying about the garage.
This is a really fine original example but it needs to go as I simply have too many bikes at present and I need to make room. All my bikes are well maintained, polished, pampered, and only used at weekends in the summer. Kept in a heated garage otherwise, and covered up. Possibly could do with new tyres, but the ones on have plenty of tread remaining. V5 present and correct. Tax free and M. o. T. exempt.
This bike is a true survivor, and sympathetically restored. Not many around now in this condition. One for an enthusiast.
