There are a couple of KZ650 EXPERTS on here. My recommendation is, while you have the head and cams off, to replace them with different stuff (yours is suspect) replace the camchain and any camchain guides and rollers.

 

There are a couple of KZ650 EXPERTS on here. My recommendation is, while you have the head and cams off, to replace them with different stuff (yours is suspect) replace the camchain and any camchain guides and rollers.

By DIFFERENT STUFF, do you mean new OEM parts or aftermarket upgrades? Is there something lackluster about the stock parts (performance or reliabilty wise)?

Thanks for the suggestion!!

- Dan

 

You better check on how much all this stuff costs, as this stuff isn't cheap. The cam chain guides need to be replaced. They come one way, correct, and you don't fiddle with them. The chain rides on rubber like channels and with a tensioner. This can be only one way and that is the right way. I'm not sure regarding part interchanging. I would go by part numbers. Kawasaki put some exhaust gas recirculating stuff on the 650's as they progressed. You might take the head to a machine shop and see if it could be repaired.

 

I realize that this stuff costs money, however, I didn't pay anything for the bike so I figure I'm off to a pretty good start. I am a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker / Machinist myself. The head can indeed be repaired, however, I have a few good leads on some good used stuff. Just not sure about inchangeability. Thanks for your suggestions!

 

Help I just got a junk 1978 KZ650 and I can't figure out where the VIN is.

 

All of the KZ 650 heads from 77 up to the 80/81 F1 model are interchangeable. These early models use a single roller cam chain - they also use cam chain idler gears/sprockets (one rear, one front and one in top), a center rubber roller at the cylinder base and another rubber roller on the cam chain tensioner.

Later models (from the 81 F2 model and up) use a hyvo (multiplate) cam chain, plastic sliding blocks front and rear and a top slider sitting in the valve cover.

Later model cams can be used with early model heads and vice versa, but you need to swap the camshaft sprockets over to fit the chain. You can also use KZ750 (four) cams or even GPz 750 cams (still need to swap the camshaft sprockets as all the 750s use a hyvo cam chain), but they may not have the worm gear for the tach drive.

On a side note, the cam chain idler gears/sprockets used in the early 650s are the same ones used in the early (pre-80) KZ 900s/1000s even though they have different part numbers. Bad news is they´re $100-120 a piece and you need at least three. The 650 top idler gear mount is different from the 900/1000s though, the gear can be removed/replaced from the tower on the 650s, whereas the 900/1000 idler gear towers are complete units.

Haven´t got a clue as to what the "risers" are, byt try posting some pics once you get the bike home.

Btw, this is a good place to check out: KZ650.info

 

Help I just got a junk 1978 KZ650 and I can't figure out where the VIN is.

Standing in front of the bike, look to the right of the headlight on the steering head. It will be 10 digits long.

 

As to your question of advice. Take the motorcycle safety course. Practice on rural backroads with little traffic. Always let someone know where you are going. Think of the stupidest thing the other guy can possibly do and plan for it. He most likely will. Never go anywhere in traffic with a bike you wouldn't go in a car. Always wear your helmet and protective clothing. Look where you want to go and pay attention to your surroundings. Remember always the guy with the bigger more powerful/painful vehicle has the right of way. Lastly wave back at the rest of us when you are comfortable enough to do so. We welcome you! I welcome you.