Possible Z / KZ650 buy?

Guys, as this is the best forum to ask on i thought i'd seek some pointers

I have a chance to buy a Z650 (UK model) but it has been garaged for about 8 years & not started, are there any things i should look at/for? I know there is slight pitting on the forks but im not too worried about that, im more concerned about the engine internals/bores. I know its not seized as the seller says the engine turns over with the kick start but obviously it wont run with a dead battery.

I know its a 1976 model & it seems that the mag wheels have been fitted but thats about it. Its quite cheap but i dont want a bucket of scrap either.

Do a compression test before buying. Unless valve clearances are way off that will be the best estimate for a good engine, imo.

KZ650's (or Z650's) are tough bikes so unless someone hurt it or severely neglected it should be ok. What is the VIN (i.e. KZ650C-000000)? That will tell you what model it is. BTW, there is no model year 1976 z650. The first model year was 1977, but some of them were built in 1976 - that leads to a bit of confusion. Have any pictures? Ed

Ed, just the man!, thanks for dropping into the thread!

I done an HPI check (brings up all details), No pics yet though

Chassis no is KZ650B003758 ( I make that a Z650 B1)
engine no is KZ650BE003934
Year of manufacture 1976

Registration date is 22/11/1976 (date in uk format) 22 Nov 1976

colour Red

You're correct; that VIN & engine number would make it a B1. If he installed cast wheels you may want to ask what they came from and whether it now has a disk brake in the rear and/or dual disks up front. Depending on what the wheels came from he may have had to make several other mods. For example, if they came from a KZ650-C model (with triple disks), the swingarm, torque strut, front master cylinder, etc. would have needed to be changed and a rear master cylinder added to accomodate the brakes, but the tire sizes would be the same as the KZ650-B. If the wheels came from a bike that had a rear drum brake and single front disk there may have been fewer brake related changes needed but the rear tire is probably a different size. This info would be really good to know if you buy the bike as it will take a lot of the mystery out of replacing any parts that may be needed later. Ed

Thanks for that Ed. I dont think the present owner will know any of that though as he aquired the bike by a kind of mistake & never used it. I'll have to go take a look myself but i've asked him so send me a couple of pictures & i have no idea if its drum or disc on the back. I'm assuming its a single front disc but i wont know until i see it.

Very good pointers there, thanks.