Let's start at the beginning. Back in '96, I was given the remains of an '81 KZ650H. The CSR model. It was missing a piston and rod. I never did anything with it. Acquired a second KZ650, A "B" model with the famous 'duckbill' and rear drum brake, but a non runner as well and again was giving it a home. Some where along the way bought a KZ750 engine. Well, about 2-3 yrs ago made a trip to Phoenix to trade a GS 1000 for a '77 KZ650 with a rear disc brake which is what I wanted all along. Well the "B" had a title so I was going to swap swing arms and make some plate to mount the rear master cylinder for the brake (I don't have a welder) and make it all work. Interest waned, life got in the way or other priorities came about, what ever it's called the project stopped a few years. I broke down and and did what it took to get title for the rear disc brake frame. Swapped the swing arm back in and installed the original 650 engine in.
Well, as many of you know, looking in Craigslist can be evil. There was this '81 KZ750 engine listed. I've wanted a later case to build my idea of the ultimate KZ650 engine. You know, Hyvo cam chain, electronic ignition and 750 carbs and head. I went to see this engine and it had the factory oil cooler on it. The price was right so I got it. After a couple days thinking about it, I decided to just install this engine as is. Sure I got to make brackets for the oil cooler. That's part of making the bike "mine". I just finished a XS650 SG project a couple months back so I'm primed for this one. That and having these frames/engines kicking around here the last 20 yrs, it's about time I did something with them!
The bike sits now with the 750 engine with it's oil cooler hanging limp in it, Rear disc brake swing arm and wheel back in. I need to rebuild the carbs, install the starter, alternator and electronic ignition system to make the engine whole. More story and picture to follow later.