1978 Kawasaki KZ650!

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1978 Kawasaki KZ650!

Yesterday 07:35 - Yesterday 11:03
#924334
Hello Everyone, really happy to be here. My first ever motorcycle was a 1976 KZ650, and last fall I picked up this 1978 KZ650. Excited to start working on it and restoring it, I mainly bought this to teach my kids about bikes but also so that my father can ride with me every now and again. I've done all the regular maintenance and it runs and drives quite nicely. I'm open to any and all suggestions/reccomendations!

My first couple things to do are (and in no particular order):
- Chrome/Plastic refurbish
- Fork Support
- Rear shocks
- Rebuild forks w/ progressive springs
- Brake light sensor (front) is iffy
- Repaint exhaust
- Dyna S ignition (get rid of the ugly red cables)
- Handlebar Grips

Alot more to do, but I also have 2 kids to rase, and another antique car to restore :-)
 
Last edit: Yesterday 11:03 by Street Fighter LTD.
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Re: 1978 Kawasaki KZ650!

Yesterday 11:03
#924340
Welcome to KZRider 
All here are happy to help 
Dave

Original owner 78 1000 LTD
Mr Turbo Race Kit, MTC 1075 Turbo pistons by PitStop Performance , Falicon Ultra Lite Super Crank, APE everything. Les Holt @ PDM's Billet Goodies . Frame by Chuck Kurzawa @ Logghe Chassis . Deep sump 5qt oil pan. RIP Bill Hahn
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Re: 1978 Kawasaki KZ650!

Yesterday 14:54
#924353
Welcome from GA. As someone who also suffers from the "too many projects" disease I can say it's good for kids to see their Dad doing something more constructive than sitting on the sofa watching NASCAR or College Football.
Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P (sold)
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"
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Re: 1978 Kawasaki KZ650!

Yesterday 16:36
#924360
Thank you! Yeah I always have my kids helping with my projects. They mostly don't complain lol, and it's taught them alot already. 

I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy relaxing to watch a race once in awhile though 😂

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Re: 1978 Kawasaki KZ650!

Today 08:44
#924388
Welcome!

The bike look already super good. And if it's already running you can take the kids for a spin. Maybe that's get them interested.
I have 2 girls, both of them started riding dirt bike around 8 years old. But as I'm always in the garage tinkering with something (and as my kids think I can fix anything), they both develop a taste for motorcycles. But one wants only electric bikes to do stunts, the other one wants me to fix her an old small KZ for going to high-school in style!

If your Kz650 is running good, I wouldn't bother too much, but most oldies eventually can use a good carb cleaning/rebuild and sync.
80 KZ650 LTD (Project)
81 Honda CX500 (Resto-mod)
20 KLX 140L
21 BMW F850GS

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Re: 1978 Kawasaki KZ650!

Today 09:40
#924389
Thank you! Yeah my daughter is 4 so she's turning some wrenches here and there with me. So far she's got a lot of interest in the bikes, but still way too little to take for a ride. 

That sounds awesome that they're taking interest man! Cheers to you and you're family, and thank you for the warm welcome. Super happy to be here, and hopefully I don't ask too many annoying questions 

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