Wanted a crotch rocket and ended up with this...

[KrisZ]

... a 1977 Kawasaki KZ650

Pretty much all original as far as I can tell, 7600 miles and best of all no cafe racer mods. Once the sissy bar is off it will look just the way I like it.

 

[skyactiv]

How old are the tires and tubes?

 

[B1974]

Nice looking classic UJM.

 

[RitcheyRch]

Nice find

 

[vw7674]

just a crotch rocket junior. now put a Kerker 4 into 1 on it to please the neighbors.

 

[Passport1]

Around '76 I had a CB 750 Honda and my brother had a Kawasaki 900 like this except with gold tank and side covers. Great motorcycle memories.

 

[02SE]

We have 5 crotch rockets, so we're big fans. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with a clean, classic KZ. Congrats.

 

[benjy]

nice bike!! love classic looks + modern braking + suspension of a Z900 if i were younger + taller or at least longer legs + the special RS not slated for USA is even better. i loved my 70 T120R bought new in the military BUT its brutal vibrations were replaced by modern smooth bonnies + more to my liking! gotta love the light weight + simplicity of older bikes + vehicles!!

 

[Warstud]

Nice bike....The 1000 LTD use to be a childhood favorite of mine

 

[manicrodder]

Around '76 I had a CB 750 Honda and my brother had a Kawasaki 900 like this except with gold tank and side covers. Great motorcycle memories.

I loved the CB 450.

 

[FordMan59]

Worst thing about a bike made in '79 is going to be parts availability. Bike manufacturers often discontinue some parts just a few years after the bike is made and there's not near as much aftermarket support with bikes as there is with cars.

 

[Gimpy1]

Did it come with bell bottoms or polyester to match?

 

[KrisZ]

Removed the sissy bar and it looks much better IMO.
Next on the list are practical items, a new clutch cable and front brake line are needed and I will need to rebuild the brake caliper as it is slightly wet and the pad is wet as well, which would explain very vague brakes despite a nice and firm brake lever. After that new fork seals are in order.

 

[KrisZ]

How old are the tires and tubes?

It's been converted to tubless tires. The rear one looks pretty new, no cracks and still has mold knobs, but I can't locate a date code. The previous owner claims few years old.
The front one is dated 06, so it will need to be changed, despite not showing any cracks or obvious signs of rot.

 

[B1974]

Worst thing about a bike made in '79 is going to be parts availability.

I've got a 1979 CB750 and there are surprisingly a lot of parts available for old bikes. As long as you have all the side covers....those can be hard to find.

 

[NitroM3]

... a 1977 Kawasaki KZ650

Pretty much all original as far as I can tell, 7600 miles and best of all no cafe racer mods. Once the sissy bar is off it will look just the way I like it.

View attachment 71218

Ok just remember when you are getting off NOT to throw your leg over the seat as you would most all other motorcycles. You might end up very embarrassed picking yourself off the bike and then picking up your new bike .

 

[gman2304]

Looks nice Kris! Reminds me of my old 900Z1….

 

[FordMan59]

I've got a 1979 CB750 and there are surprisingly a lot of parts available for old bikes. As long as you have all the side covers....those can be hard to find.

I ran into problems finding some of the parts I needed for an '82 Yamaha XJ1100J when I was trying to restore it to riding condition sometime back around 2007-2008. Some of the parts I never did find and had to take them apart and spend hours cleaning rather than replacing.

 

[Eddie]

I'd leave the sissy bar on because it saved my knees several times.

 

[NitroM3]

I'd leave the sissy bar on because it saved my knees several times.

No matter how I visualize what you said your gonna have to explain that one?