Topic: Contemplating a basket case bike-Kawasaki KZ650

[denward17]

There is a KZ650 that is somewhat local to me, but is a basket case.
Haven't been to look at it yet, just looking at pictures on FB.

Rolling frame, no wiring that I can see, engine out (maybe ok, not sure).

Several baskets of parts.

Frame is a '77 B1, I think, and the engine appears to be from a '79, D2, but not 100% sure.

Could be a nice winter project, but I don't know what I don't know.

Anyone have one, would this be a bad choice?

[MauiK3]

I'd sure like to know about parts availability, might be difficult.

[Kaze]

Not to be Captain Obvious here, but everything depends on your desire to wrench vs. what you're willing to accept. Are you en engine guy that doesn't care if the engine is seized, because you're just going to open it up anyway? Not me. I care.

The biggest question for me is "Does it have a title?" Without one, it's just a parts bike.

[denward17]

Not to be Captain Obvious here, but everything depends on your desire to wrench vs. what you're willing to accept. Are you en engine guy that doesn't care if the engine is seized, because you're just going to open it up anyway? Not me. I care.

The biggest question for me is "Does it have a title?" Without one, it's just a parts bike.

Yes, it has a title, and I enjoy wrenching. Was assuming I need to open up engine.

[Kelly E]

The Kawasaki guys are over at kzrider.com
There's a bunch with KZ 650's

[Mark1976]

   And that's the 50k dollar question, there's still a boatload of them out there, it's only real return on investment is if you can make it incredibly original, otherwise its just a project you're throwing money at never to see it again.
   Their great bikes for a project, most kawasaki's of this vintage are, if the price is right why not. But if it's boxes and boxes of parts, all from different bikes and years, it'll be a challenge. Your just inheriting someone else's headaches and missteps. Look for reasonably intact bikes, that way you'll know what you do or don't have. Nothing worse than paying for a bunch of parts ya can't sell and then end up throwing out.
   Is it the red one?

[denward17]

Yes it has a red tank, and I tend to agree with you about the investment side and not much return.

After some more research, I am pretty sure I will be passing on this bike.

If it had the original engine, I might be more inclined, but since the engine is from a different year, I don't think so.

[Mark1976]

   Its a large enough task to disassemble and refurbish, repair or restore an intact one, let alone someone else's puzzle. They're great bikes, lots of parts crossover with the 750, (ie. Great hot rod potential without having to lay out large sums of $$$). Just like the 500/550/650, lots of ways to upgrade with an existing inventory parts new and used.

[BenelliSEI]

After a few like that I have decided that either a bike is running, or complete, preferably both, before I even consider it. Another “must have” is a current ownership/ title in the name of the person I am dealing with…..

[seanbarney41]

I have owned a couple Kz650s, currently own a beautiful 77 650C with 3800 original miles and also several basket cases that are waiting in the project line.  As said they do not command very impressive amounts of collector attention or dollars.  But I am not sure why as they are excellent bikes, especially for shorter guys that want that big 4 cylinder experience.  If you wanted another bike as rider, in my opinion, a major project on one of these could be worth it as they are excellent performing bikes, every bit as well built, easy to work on and durable as a cb750.

[Stev-o]

Anyone have one, would this be a bad choice?

I have 3 Kawasakis, but not this model, love them all.   Parts availability should not be an issue.