Kawasaki Z650

The Kawasaki Z650 was a motorcycle made by Kawasaki from 1976 through 1983. It had an engine displacement of 652 cc featuring a double overhead camshaft with two valves per cylinder. The gear box was a five speed.

The Z650 was introduced to the trade in 1976 as a 1977 model and was very popular. 64 bhp (48 kW) was claimed with a dry weight of only 465 lb (211 kg), making a top speed of nearly 120 mph (190 km/h) possible. But more importantly, this new model handled like no other Kawasaki. For once all the available power could be used in relative safety. The Z650 was considered the 'Son of Z1' having been designed by the Grand Master himself, Ben 'Mr Z1' Inamura. The Z650 had the agility of a 500 with the performance of a 750, and was considered by many to be the best Kawasaki so far.

1976/1977 Z650-B1

Starting Frame Number: KZ650B-000001
This four-stroke four-cylinder motorcycle boasted double overhead camshafts just like the bigger Z1 and Kawasaki claimed 64 bhp (48 kW) from the 652 cc motor. Unlike the Z1, the 650 used a plain bearing crankshaft with a HyVo multiplate chain primary drive instead of a gear drive. This system necessitated the installation of a third (intermediate) shaft in the transmission to drive the input side of the clutch.
Also included for this model year only was a three phase excited field type alternator. Subsequent years of all models (until 1981) were equipped with a single phase permanent magnet (or shunt type) alternator.
Another departure from the Z1 engine design was the use of a shim-under-bucket method of setting valve clearances. The Z1 engine employed a shim-over-bucket design for this purpose and there had been reports of the camshafts actually forcing the shims in the Z1 engine out of position with consequent damage. Project leader Inamura made sure this would NOT be a problem with the 650 engine. A single 245 mm disc was used up front with a 250 mm drum on the rear, more than enough to handle this relatively lightweight bike. Both front and rear fenders were chrome. It was offered in two colours, candy super red or candy emerald green, with the green proving very popular in the UK.

1977 KZ650-C1

Starting Frame Number:KZ650C-000001
This model was offered only in North America (and possibly Japan). It was nicknamed the "Custom" and was introduced as a mid-year model in early 1977. There were few of these models assembled/sold before the model year change to the 1978 models so these are fairly rare machines. The C1 model differed from the B model in the following areas: cast wheels instead of spoked; disc brakes both front and rear with dual discs at the front having the calipers mounted behind the fork legs instead of in front like the B models; different fork sliders to cater for the rear mounted calipers. The C1 also sported a "first" for its time, four-way hazard flashers, which were not fitted to the B1. The pinstriping on the tank was totally different in nature from the B models and pinstripes were also added to the side covers whereas the B model sidecovers had no stripes in that location. The rest of the bike was pure B model in nature.

1978 Z650-B2/B2A

Starting Frame Number: B2:KZ650B-027501 B2A:KZ650B-032200
Two colours were offered for 1978, luminous dark blue or luminous burnt red. These proved to be unpopular and the B2 sold nowhere near as well as the B1. Very few other differences were made to the B2. The front brake caliper was reversed to the back of the fork leg and the front master cylinder was changed from a round item to a trapezoidal one. The charging system was changed from a three-phase system to a two phase and the regulator and rectifier was now a combined unit. The cam chain tensioner was changed to an automatic unit and a hazard switch was added to the left-hand switchgear. Needle roller bearings were now used in the swingarm instead of the previous model's plain bushings and slight modifications were made to the carbs to improve low speed operation. The manual operation fuel tap was replaced with an "automatic" diaphragm type unit. There were also some slight detail changes to the outer engine cases to incorporate the new lower case Kawasaki logo. The front footrests were now rubber mounted to combat vibration and the front forks were slightly modified. The B2A was a US-only model with 22mm carburators, as opposed to the 24mm items fitted to units sold elsewhere. Power output was reduced to 60HP (SAE net at the crankshaft) at 8,000RPM. This change was probably due to emission requirements in the US market. All other aspects and equipment of the B2A construction were identical to the B2 models sold outside the US.
Both the B2 and B2A received the four way hazard flashers that had been previously installed only on the C1.

1978 Z650-C2

KZ650C2 All stock and original except for tires, engine guards and turn signals

Starting Frame Number: KZ650C-010001
See C1 above for details. It was only offered in one colour worldwide: metallic stardust silver. This was the same colour as the recently launched Z1-R. The motor was, again, a standard B2 unit but the C2 carried on with mechanicals the same as were found on the C1: seven spoke alloy wheels with twin discs up front and a disc at the rear. The revised graphics (compared to the C1) made this model stand out from the crowd and the C2 was a very good seller. The first batch of bikes in the UK came with a free colour matched helmet. This model was only offered in certain markets so may not have been available in your particular country.

1978 KZ650-D1/D1A

Starting frame Number D1: Unknown D1A:KZ650D-003440
This was actually the first "SR" model released. The D1 may have been sold only in Japan but this is unknown. It featured a lot of the equipment from the C model but with a different frame, the substitution of a 16" rear wheel, deletion of the tailpiece (which was such a trademark of the B/C models) and an entirely different seat with a "tuck and roll" appearance to give it the full-on "chopper" look. As well, the fuel tank shape was completely different from the B/C models and more in keeping with the "chopper" look. As well, the D model featured rubber mounted two bolt style footpegs. All other models used a single bolt rigid style peg setup until the 1979 models. All D models also included a "Low Fuel" warning light incorporated into the tachometer faceplate. The D1A was a US-only model with 22mm carburators, as opposed to the 24mm items fitted to units sold elsewhere. Power output was reduced to 58HP (SAE net at the crankshaft) at 8,000RPM. This change was probably due to emission requirements in the US market. All other aspects and equipment of the D1A construction were identical to the D1 models sold outside the US. The only colour available was candy persimmon red and both front and rear fenders were painted to match the tank and side covers. See D2 model writeup below for additional details.

1979 Z650-B3

Starting Frame Number: KZ650B-046201 (in Japan; in America the frames were numbered KZ650B-5***** to denote that that particular series of bikes were assembled at Kawasaki's US plant in Lincoln, Nebraska)
The only difference over the B2 model was a change of graphics and a return to the original green and red colours. Sales once again picked up. The new lower case tank badges were also used. The frame covers were revised to eliminate the recessed badges so that the outer surface of the cover was now totally flat. The red colour was described as Candy Persimmon Red. There was also a colour called Ebony available on US produced models for US market bikes only.
One mechanical change on this and subsequent models was the introduction of an "automatic" cam chain tensioner and associated bits. Until this time, the cam chain tensioner had been a manual type requiring attention from the owner on a regular basis. The automatic tensioner, however, was a dismal failure and was eventually changed out for the Mark II version (automatic cross wedge type) on the 1981 models. The Mark II design was somewhat better but still not a proper solution.
As well, the US-only models got the air injection system for emissions reduction. These variants are immediately recognizable by the two reed-valve housings and associated plumbing on top of the valve cover on the forward (exhaust) side of the engine. There is also an air diverter valve assembly (with associated hoses) bolted to the main frame tube just under the gas tank. The US-only models kept this same setup through to the end of production with the 1983 model year.

1979 Z650-C3

Starting Frame Number: KZ650C-022801
The C3 was the first Kawasaki model to use the new all weather sintered disc pads and drilled brake discs so that braking in the wet was much improved. The C3 also got the new (and troublesome) "automatic" cam chain tensioner mentioned in the B3 writeup. The bike was once again only offered in one colour, luminous dark blue. The speedometer now incorporated km/h markings as well as MPH (UK only) and the rear caliper was changed to accept the new square sintered pads. The side panel badges were also changed as per the B3 writeup above. Many considered the C3 to be the best of the range. This was the last of the C range in the UK although there was a C4 elsewhere, available in black or red.

1979 Z650-D2 (SR)

Starting Frame Number: KZ650D-010601
Rumour was that the SR stood for 'STATESIDE REPLICA' and this was what Kawasaki thought a replica should be! It was basically a C3 with slightly 'chopper' styling. Chrome plating was used on the headlamp shell, clock lowers and chain guard. The rear tailpiece was dropped in place of a painted rear fender. The front exhaust downpipes were crossed over and the mufflers were made a bit shorter. Only one colour was offered in the UK, midnight blue which was really a purple colour although other countries got a red version as well. The rear wheel was now a small but fat 16-inch item for that all-important custom look. In America there was also a D1A model in 1978 and an E model in 1980, which were very similar but did not have as much equipment. The D2 also got the drilled brake discs and sintered pads from the C3 model of this year as well as the new "automatic" cam chain tensioner mentioned in the B3 writeup.

1980 Z650-B4

Starting Frame Number: KZ650B-049701 No details for this model are currently available. Apparently, it was a UK and Euro model only. This model did not receive the new HyVo multiplate style cam chain and associated parts referenced in other models shown for this model year. Your further submissions on this model are appreciated.

1980 Z650-C4

Starting Frame Number: KZ650C-033001 No details for this model are currently available. Apparently it was a UK and Europe model only. Your submissions on this model are appreciated.

1980 Z650-D3

Starting Frame Number: KZ650D-026001
The only difference for body trim over the D2 was a change in colour and graphics. It was now offered in regal blue. France was still offered the midnight blue as an option. Apparently this model was offered only in the UK and Europe. The North American market received the newly introduced E1 model in its place. This is the first model to receive the new multilink HyVo type timing chain and associated pieces in place of the conventional roller chain used in all models up until this time. This was a decision by the manufacturer to have commonality of parts between the 650 and its larger brother, the Z750, which was introduced for the 1980 model year.

1980 Z650-E1

Starting Frame Number: KZ650E-000001 This was the first "LTD" model offered. It continued on in the tradition of the "SR" model with much the same styling cues but offered only a single disc brake on the front and a drum brake on the rear. The rest of the bike was pure D model in nature. For the U. S. and Canada, this model did not receive the new HyVo multiplate style cam chain and associated parts referenced in other models shown for this model year. Other markets, if any, did receive the HyVo chain. No other details for this model are currently available. It may have been a North America only model. Your submissions on this model are appreciated.

1980 Z650-F1

Starting Frame Number: KZ650F-000001
The F1 was basically a cross between a C and a B model. It had alloy wheels but used a drum brake on the rear with a single disc on the front. For the UK market only, machines were fitted with dual discs on the front and a single disc on the rear. It was offered in three colours: blue, red or green. For the U. S. and Canada, this model did not receive the new HyVo multiplate style cam chain and associated parts referenced in the D3 model shown for this model year. Other markets, if any, did receive the HyVo chain.

1981 Z650-D4

Starting Frame Number: KZ650D-028101
This model was never sold in the UK. It came in either blue or red and was basically an SR version of the F2 model.

1981 Z650-F2

Starting Frame Number: KZ650F-007201
The F2 was much modified over the F1 model. It incorporated many of the larger Z750E parts. The motor was now finished in black and used CDI ignition instead of points. The front end from the 750E was grafted on meaning a change to the brakes, front wheel and clocks, also the drive chain was changed to a 630 pitch 84 link chain, as opposed to the 530 pitch chain fitted to previous models. It was offered in three colours: red, green or blue. The kick-starter pedal and shaft was removed from the engine just like the Z750E. A passenger grab rail was also fitted.

1981/82 Z650-F3

Starting Frame Number: KZ650F-012401
There was one major change for 1981/82 F3 model, 32mm Mikuni CV carbs were fitted. These larger carbs allowed the redline to be lifted from 9000RPM to 9500RPM. The larger 32mm carbs also needed the accelerator cable and air box assembly from the Z750E/L models. The F3 was offered in two colours, ebony or luminous passion red. The front fender was now also painted to match the rest of the bodywork. The drive chain was the bigger 630 chain as fitted to the Z650 F2 onwards & 13/33 front & rear sprockets . The indicators were changed from round to rectangular. Approximately 1900 units were produced worldwide for this model.

1981-1983 KZ650 H1 H2 H3 (CSR)

The CSR, the new generation of Kawasaki cruisers. More based on the KZ750LTD/CSR than the KZ650SR. Like the earlier B-models they had wire-spoke wheels, single front disc brake and a drum brake at the rear wheel. The Front fork was leading axel with the front wheel in front of, not under the fork. This Model also had the North America only "Chopper Styling" which was the raised and swept back (Chopper) handlebars, the fuel tank had a rounder shape and the saddle much more sculptured.

1981 KZ650-H1

Starting frame # JKAKZEH10BA00001- - - Starting Engine # KZ650DE033101- - - Colors Available - Luminous Passion Red, Ebony, Sundance Blue

This was the first "CSR" model. Similar to the '79 SR650-D2 but used wire spoke wheels and a single front disc brake. It had conventional carburetors and electronic ignition. The engine was based upon the E1/F1 modell and it produced 60 Hp. The tail light lens is round on the bottom.

1982 KZ650-H2

Starting Frame # JKAKZEH1CA012601 - - - Starting Engine # KZ650DE046701 - - - Colors Available - Luminous Passion Red, Ebony, Sundance Blue

Then in 1982 the KZ650CSR -H2 arrived: From now on the CSR had the same engine as the F3-model and power was up at 67 Hp. It got new CV Carbs, a clutch upgrade (after JKAKZEH1 CA012600) The chain cover was slightly upgraded, the forks internals was updated. It got new switchgear, side and rear reflexes changed from H1. And the tail light was rectangular. The rear shocks were replaced.

1983 KZ650-H3

Starting Frame # KAKZEH1DA017301 - - - Starting Engine # KZ650DE051401 - - - Colrs Available - Luminous Passion Red, Ebony

Last out was the KZ650CSR -H3 in 1983: The big updates here was the same engine covers as the Z650F4. And much unlike Kawasaki CSR models, the H3 had forged wheels. Actually the H3 had a lot of minor updates like modified battery/tool case, slightly updated CW carbs. Minor update to cylinder head & head cover. It got new pistons with 4 rings. Different in frame fittings and updated forks internal and externals, air valves at top of fork. Mid year 83, generator details changed. Small change to starter engine. And the colors: Luminous Passion Red, Ebony

Together with the F4, this was the last KZ or Z650.

1983 Z650-F4

Starting Frame Number: KZ650F-014301
This was the last of the 650 models because Kawasaki was now concentrating on the GPZ range and there was no place for this previous best seller. The F4 was offered in two colours, galaxy silver or candy wine red. The outer engine cases were similar to the Z750L model.

References

Kawasaki 1977 full line sales brochure part #99968-0004 Kawasaki 1978 full line sales brochure part #99969-0091 Kawasaki 1978 condensed sales brochure part #99969-0094