Dusk

This will be the start of my new KZ650 project, which I eluded to a while back with my reintroduction thread. I foresee this being a bit of a slow build, but anytime I can dedicate time to it when im not at work (and when money allows it) I will update here. With that said...

Hello KZR, ever since I sold my first 78' KZ650 because of money issues, I've had that itch for two-wheeled fun fester in the back of my mind, and I knew I wanted it to be another Kawasaki. Fast forward to last year, and I pulled the trigger on a 1981 KZ650 frame. It was bare frame, and by bare... I mean totally BARE.  It has lived in the back of my Honda Element since last year due to my lack of a garage. 


It is a 1981 KZ650SR frame that was... probably destined to never see the road again. Which is why I felt like using this as the frame for my build instead of the plethora of still-running, and still factory/OEM+ styled bikes on marketplace. Some frame work will need to be done, mainly the entire back end needing a once-over, and the "cruiser hump" being straightened out. Im debating on whether to modify just that seat area, or just fully cut off the back end and weld up an entirely new section. I'll decide on it when its time to fabricate.

I saw it mentioned in a post concerning front end swaps, and absolutely fell in love with the idea, especially after seeing Dnel928's build from 2012. He picked up an 03-04 ZX-6R swing arm and similar year front end; forks, brakes, triple trees and steering stem.
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/520339-dne...z650-fighter-project

I found the swingarm for cheap, and also the front end for cheap, though it is a newer 2007 front end with Nissin brakes, a sought after brake considered much better than the Tokico brakes seen on 2006 and older ZX6's. From what I understand from Dnel's thread, the steering stem has to be pressed out of the KZ's triple tree's and welded into the ZX6's triples in order to work (I'll need a KZ steering stem since this frame didnt even have the front end with it... it was THAT bare) and the swing arm, it looks as if he trimmed the frame and bored out swing arm to accept the KZ bolt, so all in all, both are relatively easy upgrades that'll enhance the suspension of the bike. 



(Yes, im storing these in my bedroom because I lack a proper workspace. Others have done it before, so I dont see an issue )

For the engine, the original thought was to keep it a 650 until I found a 1982 750 block for sale for super cheap. I had played with the idea of just popping a 750 head on a 650 motor, but then this came up for a steal of a price, and I couldnt say no. I think it was so cheap because the owner had already disassembled the top end, down to removing the pistons from the conn rods. If I remember correctly, he did offer the carbs with it as well, but I refused because im planning to go the fuel injection route. All of which will be ran by "Speeduino", an open source engine management system ran off of an Arduino board. They can support anything from one cylinder bikes/cars, all the up to... I believe 10 cylinder car engines, with Chevy LS's being a popular choice due to the sheer number of cars receiving the "junkyard Turbo LS swap".
 
 
 

So this is where im at right now, not much progress in getting my hands dirty due to the season and lack of garage, but, I have some of the major components need to get started. 
One thing im considering since the top end is already torn down, is to just bore it to 810cc. Its already taken down that far, and the stock pistons are already off the rods, and its a great upgrade (from what i've read) for the 750's, so why not? 
While I have the head and jugs off as well, I caught wind of the 6-speed conversion threads, which would be easy to do given the motors current state. Here, check out Daftrusty's write up of the conversion. Im really considering this mainly, just like he outlined, having a 6th gear for street use is fantastic. So enjoyable is it, that he even questioned why Kawasaki didnt just do this from the factory.
www.kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/607443-6-...on-swap-instructions

There isnt much more to report, I dont have a gas tank, wiring harness or any sort of body work for it yet, and thats due to those areas not having a fully formed plan for them. Sure there are ideas, but I dont want to fill this thread with a slew of half baked ideas. I want to keep it somewhat on the rails, with solutions that are already well thought out and can be acted on. 

I know this'll be a question, but I dont see this as a balls-to-the-wall race bike. This will be a street bike with enough pep and handling to be fun, as well as being an outlet to really create something unique with the body work. The entire starting point lends itself to that, being a frame that is essentially an empty canvas. I wont be destroying a perfectly good OEM example or tearing apart an already realized vision. It is by its nature, completely open to being something new.

Looking forward to seeing where this goes, I think you may be underestimating some of the conversion work you have planned especially given your work space. I assume welding in the house is not an option 

Yep, we will all be watching.

Watching, with interest.

I have some spare parts, and thought, Oh where is he?
Ohio! A bit far to drop off.
And my spares are not fot the CSR models (tail, side covers etc).
I do have a Wireing harness, for a 1979 650D2 model I believe.

Oh definitely, I wasnt going to weld in the apartment, I do have a few friends with the space and ability. For now its just storage so stuff doesn't sit outside during winter.