The KZ650: From Hate to Pure Love (The beginning)

[@robertjeffery4664]

Sorry for the thumbs down but human ears can't survive that horrible music

[@wndwcleaner3847]

Amen to u fuck

[@ColtonsGarage]

@@wndwcleaner3847 Amen! 🙏🙏

[@chrispulham4779]

Way too go Man,,, don't give up

[@rupertsosa4983]

I have a 1979 KZ650, and I love it.

[@ColtonsGarage]

They're cool bikes!

[@clayman9759]

I had one. HS Grad gift.Too much bike for me.

[@meatybeatybignbouncy]

I've had my '77 B1 since 1980. Still love it! Since then I have added: -SR (crossed: 180 degree) pipes -electronic ignition (a must) -dual front brakes (easy!) -Barnett clutch springs -solid state regulator and rectifier -roller bearings for swingarm -LED headlight (MUCH brighte ) I am thinking about fuel injection to combat this Ethanol gas crap....a fun project! Oh, be sure and clean out the fuel petcock! I got rust and gunk in there and it would stall sporadically.

[@MarkerMagic-us8ig]

It's not "sputtering and popping", it's running on only 3 cylinders, one of the plugs is not firing at all. It needs new plugs, new plug leads, and the points clearance checked. It should never sound like this. Those engines purr smoothly when all 4 cylinders are firing.

[@garyburbank8895]

The 1980 Kawasaki kz650 is todays Kawasaki zx6 older brother and still a badass bike perfect starter bike

[@davidetchellsetchells4692]

Colton, I've been working on bikes for 50 years, and you did a great job figuring this out! What's happened I suspect is that the bike had a harness meltdown and somebody went to the cycle scrapyard or even bay and bought a used harness for a KZ 650 not looking at the differences in the harness, or they found an early 440 harness and installed it to get it running again. Everything else on that bike looks original. And a Cafe racer would be a great build! Solo seat, drag bars, and half fairing would really make it look cool! You could also upgrade to the later dual front disc set up and alloy wheels ( grand improvement) those carbs likely only need synced, I do this by ear but you should use a proper gauge. The trick is to remove the carbs from the engine but keep them linked together, then back off the screws that set idle on each one untill the throttle blades are flush with no light shining through them ( fully closed) tighten each screw untill it rests on its stop all 4 evenly and then move your main accelerator cable to wide open several times, wide open/ shut,,,, repeat untill you're sure they all open and close at the same rate. Now leave those screws alone and put a drop of locktite on each one so they don't back out, re install the carbs , turn up the main idle screw untill it starts and adjust your idle to 800 rpm. If any sputtering goes on its the idle air jets or the main needles that need looked at, make sure every idle air jet is turned in untill they stop then loosened 1 and 1/2 turns, then put a drop of blue locktite on the threads so they don't move. Good luck and I just gave you a place to start👍✌️💯

[@ColtonsGarage]

Thank you for this long write up!

[@GunFunZS]

Second comment don't turn it into a cafe racer. I was thinking of that when I first got mine. But honestly it's best as what it is a universal Japanese motorcycle and a very comfortable standard position. It does look good with a Cafe style quarter fairing but that's as much as you should go. Every other change you would do to it is realistically a downgrade.

[@Legba56]

Good for you ... it definitely needs a rebuild Good winter project

[@bossdog1480]

Do it up mate. I had one of these when I was your age. (I'm 59 now). They were a good bike in the day. Cafe racer sounds good. The frame is the right strength for the engine unlike the 900 which used to get death wobbles on fast corners. I had pirrelli/metzler tyres which made it handle really well. The timing chain is always noisy on these, it doesn't matter.

[@Adveniotu]

Awesome! I have a 79, my advice is spend your time and money doing stuff like cleaning and balancing carbs, Dyna S ignition, and wheel bearings/steering head bearings and swing arm bearings. Those improvements will make you fall in love with your bike and don't cost much (except the Dyna ignition. So worth it though.) Best of luck!

[@fatcat7405]

I had a 1978 KZ 650sr, it had 2 exhaust pipes crossed over in front, 3 disc brakes, a 16 inch rear wheel, it was like a 650 LTD, I had my 650 torn apart to the frame, I removed all the races for the bearings , had the frame glass beaded then painted Dupont Imron black with clear by a body shop, I had the motor out and painted it black and shaved the fins edges, the parts that came of the engine were chromed including the carb bowls and tops, I drilled the docs, put a new wire harness cause the old one looked weird on the new frame, then every fastener was not good enough so I replaced most with stainless or polished each one by hand, I chromed the kick stand and rear caliper brace too, I had the tank and body painted candy apple red by the same body shop.I put s Scientific 4 into 1 exhaust header and 4 K & N filters , re jetted them and dropped the front sprocket 1 tooth. I put new everything on the bike I had about $2,000 into it and I could not sell it for $1,500 then so I kept it, it had 64,000 miles on it when I traded it for and Audi, it went another 20,000 before it locked up on the freeway and sent him into the center divider.

[@GunFunZS]

I love my kz 650, which is a 1980 F1. I've also owned a '77 C1 which a friend now owns, and worked on and ridden several others. each one is a little different but those old regulators and those old coils generally need replaced or they will cause you phantom Gremlins. I really like the Dyna s kit, and you absolutely should get an eastern beaver headlight relay kit and a Bosch glass h4 conversion lens. those are really all the bike needs other than to just be in good general maintenance. If your fork seals are worn it's not a big job to replace them or much money. The bike will handle much better for having it suspension and good order. Sort out that basic stuff and it's an awesome motorcycle. If you're curious you can see some video of mine on my channel from a few years ago.

[@ColtonsGarage]

I'll check them out!

[@jackierabbit450]

I remember my first bike, a KZ 650 I bought in parts, loaded in the back of my uncles pick up and drug it home. Worked on it all winter, painted it green with a white stripe and had it running by spring. I had similar problems with the wiring but in the early 90s there was no Internet to rely on so digging through the manuals was the best I could do. After cobbling together my own wiring harness it was working well and I clocked many miles on that green machine. After watching you light that rear tire off I wondered why you didn’t walk it around in a circle? Haven’t you ever seen mad max? My favorite thing in the world was to leave a nice circle for someone, I used to do it in the parking lot of my friends work places just to let them know I’d been there!

[@ColtonsGarage]

Haha my parents already weren't impressed with a burnout in the driveway. I don't think leaving a circle would've helped my case very much. I can't imagine trying to figure the wiring without the help of the internet. I didn't have much knowledge of bikes when I began this project though. I've learned everything as I've gone along.

[@richardcasey7521]

Don’t give up on the 650. They are great bikes. I can start mine using the kick starter with my hand.

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

My 1977 kz650 4 into 2 jardines. Sr tank .points were tuned . 🇨🇦❤️

[@imelvis4882]

Keep in mind the regulator plus rectifier-vs- reg rec unit could be different in a big way. Your alternator out put to the charging components need to match. A good example would be alternator output equals 123 then the charging components have an out put of 234. So the alternator will never reach the usable low end voltage to circulate the charge.

[@daMudPud]

These used Staters. 2 phase or 3 phase. These are not like alternators. And you can use a 3-phase rectifier on a two-phase stator, as long as it's wired correctly, with no issues. 2 or 3 yellow (phase) wires, one wire goes to the light circuit, another wire goes to the positive on the battery with a fuse in between. Very old and simple. Three phase will have a better low RPM charge then the two phase.

[@garyburbank8895]

Modern sports bike with a 77 kz650 engine would be awesome

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

I think a KZ 650, with a modern engine would be better, you get the classic look of the KZ, with modern high performance motor.

[@sxdxfan]

The serial number for your motor is right beside the kick starter below the carburetor

[@davegosselin9327]

Good luck with it. These are good reliable bikes. I happened upon a 77 kz650 b1 and I got it with extra parts and I enjoy this bike - great backroads wkend bike definitely a keeper- vintage bikes rule can’t beat choice of push button or kick - I prefer kick always . It’s how bikes should be designed ! Don’t cafe that bike. - sorry to cafe lovers but very few look good imo. Original is best and personally more valuable to keep em that way. Peace!

[@ColtonsGarage]

I agree man! If the motor wasn't a swap I definitely would have kept it original

[@danilocapellan1316]

Cool bike, ride safe. 🙏🏼👍🏼

[@xcepok]

I have a 77 c1 sitting in the garage in pieces, slowly trying to put it back together.

[@benz201forever]

this is a tough bike!

[@benfried3745]

Overall these, imo, are better bikes than the KZ1000. I've owned both. These guys don't have quite the power, but they handle and brake so much better than their big brothers. The engines are bullet proof. Adjusting the valves is a bit of a pain though - shims are under a bucket ( to prevent maladjusted, high rev shim spit) so the cams have to be pulled. I agree with keeping these bikes stock with the exception of the exhaust system & handlebars possibly. One can always keep the original parts.

[@jessesaffell3241]

I have a 650 3 750 and a kz 1000. Election ignition full kit is only around 150 bucks. Never struggle anymore. Takes all the old parts and updates them. Better throttle response better charging and jo more break downs. I'm from ohio if u have any questions feel free to ask.

[@zipone_1726]

I dont think you have a motor swap, you have a 1980kz 650f1 frame on a a old c1. F1 custom has fairing pieces, mag wheels and a rectangle master cyclinder

[@YTjndallas]

Love this video. Hoping to find part 2...

[@stilldeadrecords]

I coulda told you it’s been messed with. A 1980 bike wouldn’t have a kickstart, the engine also has classic kawasaki logos and that bike would have updated 79+ logos. Good job persevering on it, i’ve had similar problems with my 79 which is also swapped.

[@YTjndallas]

You will probably never get rid of this. You’re cutting your teeth on this one. She’s gonna be like a first girlfriend.

[@meekcoon]

I have a similar bike I have a 1981 Kawasaki CSR 650 it's having power problems not sure if it's the clutch or possibly an electrical problem but I could use some tips and pointers pulling things off the bike

[@jamesfoster9115]

Mad Max that thing

[@pdr5926]

Hi, half that bike seems to be a '77 B1. The electrics are from a B1 (reg and rec separate units). The F1 had mag wheels so the ones on your bike are probably from the B1. The front fork could be from the F1 (probably came along with the frame. So in the end, your bike seems to have been assembled from a B1 and an F1. There are a couple of (K)Z650 specific forums where you could get all the assistance required. Let me know if you want to register there. Cheers!

[@ColtonsGarage]

Appreciate it! thanks for the comment!

[@donmoore7785]

I had one of these, and I remember the different versions. Mine was in that '78 to '80 time frame. It was super fast on the low end with the 4 carbs. I let it sit for a few years in a wet area and that messed it up. Great memories though. Interested to see what happens with yours.

[@fatcat7405]

After 1978 the heads had a smog thing added, it was a little plate on top of the cam cover, the 1979 and later bikes had them. Your motor is a 1978 or older. My 1978 had 3 disc brakes , the 1979 KZ 650 sr had a rear drum brake and a single front disc.

[@johns3716]

I think you worded that incorrectly. All the SR models had dual front discs and a single rear disc. The non-SR models had single front disc and rear drum brakes.

[@MitchellJnBaptiste]

Nice video man, I have a 1998 kz1000p. I got it in bad shape. When I picked it up it broke down like four times. It took me 3 hours to commute a 15 minute ride lol. But I did some research and after six months and lots of reasonably cheap parts, it rides great. Some old bikes just need a little TLC. I am in love with old bikes, I feel good when I get them going again, never had a hobby till now. Look forward to seeing more videos from you, good luck 🍀.

[@ColtonsGarage]

Haha 3 hours to make a 15 minute commute is the truth. Last time I rode it, it broke down right near my friends shop, so it's been sitting there. Picking it back up tomorrow, so some new videos will be out very shortly.

[@MitchellJnBaptiste]

Colton Peterson cool, looking forward to it👍😎

[@stevencorbo1220]

You should also see if there's a front forking brake upgrade you can do on the forums. Maybe dual front disc and steel braided brake lines.

[@ColtonsGarage]

Eventually in the plans!

[@DavidLee-no9uc]

Colton get used to these kind of Headaches when working on Old bikes, But when you finally get it all straitened out, Your goinna have a Really Cool bike Bro!...EVERYBODIE is "CAFEing" bikes, Why don't you be that Cool kid with a Original Classic bike?...I liked & suscribed, waiting for part 2. lol

[@ColtonsGarage]

You're right about the cafe racers becoming the trend. Been thinking about cleaning it up and bringing it back to it's original state.

[@daevster6663]

@@ColtonsGarage nooo do cafe

[@richardcasey7521]

If you have not removed and cleaned the carbs you’ll not get it to run correctly.

[@boxwoodgreen]

My first bike was a 1978 KZ650 C (Custom) that I bought new. Awesome bike. I regret selling in 1980 to this day. The only thing I would have changed out was the cast wheels it came with. Good looking but Dead Heavy.

[@ColtonsGarage]

I completely agree.

[@boxwoodgreen]

@@ColtonsGarage Do you still own it ? You might be interested in checking out " Johnnysvintagemotorcycle " KZbin channel. The shop is in Ohio. They restore almost exclusively 1970's to '80's Kawasaki Z, and KZ bikes. The most recent video is the start of a KZ 650 restore.

[@ColtonsGarage]

@@boxwoodgreen I do. I actually just put out part 9 of the build series and part 10 will be out next week sometime. Johnny does some great work. I enjoy his videos.

[@joeroberts3733]

I have a 1978 kz650sr and hate the rear fender compared to the straight ones.need a solution, or can they interchange ?

[@darryletrain6813]

Hey I'm in Alabama and I have a 79 kz 650 it's running but I can't find anyone to work on it. I want to do a overhaul and some carb work

[@matthewjay7314]

You need to send those carbs to all race hardware to be rebuilt and vapor blasted.

[@pedroalonzo7589]

Wish you could do more on the Wearing I have a 1982 Kawasaki kz 650 and a 1977 kz 650

[@ColtonsGarage]

In the future videos I will be for sure. I'm going to get is back together with the existing harness for right now to get it running again. But, the original harness is a spliced up mess as you can see in this video. My plan is to try my hand at making my own harness using Motogadget's M-Unit and few of Motogadget's other cool toys.

[@unclequack5445]

Colton get on Johnnys vintage motorcycles page this guy Is a GURU on Kawasaki Z1s and bikes just like your's he has every nut and bolt in stock for that bike I personally guarantee it check him out.

[@jamescreek1319]

So what can one expect to pay for one that’s not running but has lots of goodie’s on it Kerker pipe and has been customized has rear air shocks and dyna pack electronic ignition guys asking two grand for it and it’s not running he said the carburetor s have just been rebuilt and not even on the bike yet but it’s got a starter issue and it’s got wiring issues as well but less than 25 thousand miles on it should I buy it or look for something else that is running but needs some love thanks for your opinion on what I should Do I can’t find what they should cost for a cherry one and I intend to keep it if I buy and cherry it out thanks 🙏

[@jamescreek1319]

The guy wants two grand and it’s not running but should be easy to get it going been parked and it’s should I get it and is it a deal or too much money thanks

[@jamescreek1319]

It’s a project that he just never finished and he wants to sell the bike but expects to get his two grand back he has spent on the bike. I’m wanting to buy it but trying to get some information about price first don’t need a boat anchor for two grand plus plus? Thanks for listening and giving me an opinion

[@ColtonsGarage]

It's tough to say. I haven't really kept an eye on the market lately. I paid $500 for mine and it was running a few years ago. When I got mine a really nice bike was $2k . A mint condition one was $3-5k. But, with everything else prices have gone up. I'm not sure where the fair price lands at now. I will say I've noticed how much harder it is to find them and parts in the last couple of years after getting ready to start this project again.

[@imelvis4882]

Dual sport with hard baggs

[@COMEDIC_EDDIE]

You definitely have to do a cafe race build out of it. I'm doing one with a 1978 kz650.

[@pradag7819]

Hey man I’m about to try to rebuild an 81 csr 650, any tips?

[@ColtonsGarage]

I'd get a copy of the wiring diagram and get a real good understanding of wiring, and I'd also develop a real good understanding of carbs and how they work. Just develop a good understanding of the theory behind both wiring and carb tuning in general. Doesn't have to be specific to the KZ.. but, learning those was the biggest thing for me making leaps and bounds in my abilities. Not just for the KZ, but cars, motorcycles, small engines, etc. The same concepts apply to everything.

[@ColtonsGarage]

Really dig the song on your channel by the way 😎

[@pradag7819]

@@ColtonsGarage love bro💪🏻

[@aceryas]

Dang, a kz and a foxbody. I think I found a pretty cool channel!

[@ColtonsGarage]

Hahaha. Welcome!

[@phoenixarizona8441]

Was this your first bike

[@ColtonsGarage]

This was my second. My first was a V-Star 650

[@Grasshoppa65]

Colton, if you want to see just how lovely these bikes can be, look up "Johnnysvintagemotorcycle" channel. Some of the bikes he restores are works of art. The most beautiful 4 cylinder bikes I have ever seen come out of Johnny's work shop.

[@ColtonsGarage]

Luke I'll check it out, thanks!

[@ABeesHeart]

I want to see you turn it into kafe racer do not get rid of that bike😀

[@robertadams4415]

Leave it stock it's worth more

[@ColtonsGarage]

Totally would have if the motor hadn't been swapped.

[@Shaqeroni-2]

New subscriber

[@ColtonsGarage]

Thanks for subbing!

[@dumbdog2924]

So where's the rest my dude?!?! Only seeing one episode!!

[@ColtonsGarage]

Naru fluffyfluff hopefully within the next week or two I'll be able to get an update video out. The cold weather has finally broken and now it's been raining..... :/

[@extraawesomestudios]

Your bike's VIN should tell you the KZ650C / B / etc.

[@ColtonsGarage]

That's right, but as I've found the motor isn't original to the bike.

[@vulcano9200]

Great job man...please don't sell that old lady of yours....it is a great motorcycle...take your time and don't rush and especially don't cut anything....lol...make a nice old school mean machine.

[@agentnuget]

I agree. I've been wanting one of these for a long time, and now that I almost have the money for one it's difficult for me to find one in good shape. All of them are cut up or just stripped to the frame only. They're getting really hard to find stock, just because they have a reputation for being fairly cheap.

[@vulcano9200]

@@agentnuget not here in Portugal and they are doing the same making very hard to find a good old stock machine. Here, almost all the old motorcycles from the 70' and 80' are very expensive

[@poppatello]

Think it sounds cool. I would make it original.

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

That whole bike is not a 1980 model. It's more like 1978, there should be a model year on the ID plate. I have the same bike. Your engine sounds bad. The year model is also stamped on the muffler. I could be wrong, but in Australia, that was a 1977 or 78 model.

[@sicks6six]

those KZ engines, Prerunner to the KH were great units, with Dynamically balanced cranks, and lovely mid-range power, when all four carbs are balanced (you need 4 lollipop sticks to balance them the old way) Fit a modern Japanese-made or German-made CDI system, they're cheap, they work and you will notice a huge difference to the power with the retard & advance characteristics they have, stating will be instant, power delivery much smoother, slightly higher top end and perfect idling,. . . next video forget the music, most men like motorcycles but not all men like that sound you edited on to the video. .

[@Josieman543]

Needs some serious tlc

[@ColtonsGarage]

It sure does. It'll get there though. The next issue to tackle is the clutch slipping. Just ordered a new clutch kit last night for it. Then onto the next problem.

[@Josieman543]

Colton Peterson it's probably just the springs that are worn out. Happened to my kz too. But should replace the friction plates too. Soak them in oil for an he before installing. And I'd get an airbox if I were u. Pods don't really do anything plus u can easily suck water in

[@Josieman543]

Colton Peterson add me on FB if you can so we can discuss the kz. It's Adam James on fb. I'm in Goodyear Arizona.

[@CaptJerry]

Classic Z650 issues. Owned a b1 for 20 years before retiring her that's a ZED not Zeeeee ffs

[@chiefmanywounds]

dont cross the streams

[@gp85hkg]

kayzee..??? thats a KZ...(Kay Zed)

[@crappyatlife]

Howard Grüffüdd we speak american here.

[@gp85hkg]

@@crappyatlife hahahah...there is no speaking american. It's just English. It's just an error...the name of the letter is Zed, not zee.

[@chrisinelpaso]

Engine sounds like shit.