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Hello there everyone. I just purchased my first street bike, a 77 KZ650C, at 41 years of age. Yes, the bike and I are the same age. I've wanted a bike since my early 20's but never got around to it until now. The bike hasn't aged quite as well as I have and it's going to need some work before I get to ride it. Professionally I'm an automotive technician so tools and mechanical ability shouldn't hold me up too much. It's a non-runner (because that's how everyone buys one cheap) but with the help of the factory repair manual and the good folks on this forum, I hope to have it up and running again soon.

Welcome. I'm also in Pittsburgh. And my first bike was a '77 kz650 (B though), bought when I was 20.
The 650 is a great bike. It has the best low speed handling of any bike I've ridden.
Post some pictures.

Welcome aboard! I also own a 1977 KZ650-C1, and it's always been a great bike for me ( I bought it new in April, 1977). I'm sure you will really like yours after you get it sorted out. Ed

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationTake a look at the eBay auction below. It is for the RARE Kawasaki Service Manual that includes the 1977 KZ650-C1. I own several different KZ650 manuals including one like the one listed, and the one listed is the best for the 1977 KZ650-C1. I strongly suggest you try to buy it. Ed

Here is the bike.

I got a factory manual when I purchased the bike.
Here are a couple pics. I think this is the good one for my bike but not 100% sure.
Sorry about photo quality, I'm still trying to figure out the attachment portion of the forum.

That manual shows the KZ650-C1 under "Model Identification" so it should have all the info you need.

Are you aware that the Kawasaki bikes use JIS rather than Phillips screws? They look the same, but they are different and Phillips screwdrivers will not properly fit the screws; instead they will deform the screws badly. If you need more info on JIS screwdrivers and how to make them very cheaply or buy them let me know and I'll post some good info with pictures on the subject. Ed

Wow, in all my years of tinkering with machinery, I've never heard of that. I'm not afraid to admit when I don't know. Only fools do that. Becoming a member of this forum is already paying off. Thanks Ed, I'll be doing some research about JIS screws.

welcome Nice bike

Third item down.

www.z1enterprises.com/maintenance-parts/...intenance-tools.html