Kawasaki Z650
Encyclopedia
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 was claimed with a dry weight of only 465 lb (210.9 kg), making a top speed of nearly 120 mi/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.
This four-stroke four-cylinder motorcycle boasted double overhead camshafts just like the bigger Z1 and Kawasaki claimed 64 bhp 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 disk 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.
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; disk brakes both front and rear with dual disks 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. Two colours were available: moon dust silver or metallic regal blue. 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.
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 triangular 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.
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 disks up front and a disk 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.
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.
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.
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.
The C3 was the first Kawasaki model to use the new all weather sintered disk pads and drilled brake disks 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.
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 disks and sintered pads from the C3 model of this year as well as the new "automatic" cam chain tensioner mentioned in the B3 writeup.
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.
No details for this model are currently available. Apparently it was a UK and Europe model only. Your submissions on this model are appreciated.
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.
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 disk 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.
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 disk on the front. For the UK market only, machines were fitted with dual disks on the front and a single disk 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.
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.
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. 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.
There was one major change for 1982, CV carbs were fitted. The larger 32 mm carbs also needed the accelerator cable and air box assembly from the Z750E/L models. The F3 was offered in two colours, ebony or passion red. The front fender was now also painted to match the rest of the bodywork. The indicators were changed from round to rectangular.
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.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
made by Kawasaki from 1976 through 1983. It had an engine displacement
Engine displacement
Engine displacement is the volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine in a single movement from top dead centre to bottom dead centre . It is commonly specified in cubic centimeters , litres , or cubic inches...
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 was claimed with a dry weight of only 465 lb (210.9 kg), making a top speed of nearly 120 mi/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
Kawasaki Z1
The Z1 Kawasaki was a motorcycle introduced in 1972 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. It has sometimes been described as the world's first superbike. The Z1, along with Honda's CB750 from 1969, introduced the four-cylinder, across the frame, disc-braked layout to a wider public...
' 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-000001This four-stroke four-cylinder motorcycle boasted double overhead camshafts just like the bigger Z1 and Kawasaki claimed 64 bhp from the 652 cc motor. Unlike the Z1, the 650 used a plain bearing crankshaft
Crankshaft
The crankshaft, sometimes casually abbreviated to crank, is the part of an engine which translates reciprocating linear piston motion into rotation...
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 disk was used up front with a 250 mm drum
Drum brake
A drum brake is a brake in which the friction is caused by a set of shoes or pads that press against a rotating drum-shaped part called a brake 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-000001This 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; disk brakes both front and rear with dual disks 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. Two colours were available: moon dust silver or metallic regal blue. 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-032200Two 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
Master cylinder
The master cylinder is a control device that converts non-hydraulic pressure into hydraulic pressure, in order to move other device which are located at the other end of the hydraulic system, such as one or more slave cylinders...
was changed from a round item to a triangular 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
Swingarm
A swingarm, or "swinging arm" is the main component of the rear suspension of most modern motorcycles and ATVs...
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.
1978 Z650-C2
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 disks up front and a disk 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
Motorcycle helmet
A motorcycle helmet is a type of protective headgear used by motorcycle riders. The primary goal of a motorcycle helmet is motorcycle safety - to protect the rider's head during impact, thus preventing or reducing head injury or saving the rider's life...
.
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-003440This 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.
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-022801The C3 was the first Kawasaki model to use the new all weather sintered disk pads and drilled brake disks 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-010601Rumour 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
Chopper (motorcycle)
A chopper is a type of motorcycle that was either modified from an original motorcycle design or built from scratch to have a hand-crafted appearance. The main features of a chopper that make it stand out are its longer frame design accompanied by a stretch front end...
' styling. Chrome plating
Chrome plating
Chrome plating, often referred to simply as chrome, is a technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal object. The chromed layer can be decorative, provide corrosion resistance, ease cleaning procedures, or increase surface hardness.-Process:A component to be chrome plated will...
was used on the headlamp
Headlamp
A headlamp is a lamp, usually attached to the front of a vehicle such as a car or a motorcycle, with the purpose of illuminating the road ahead during periods of low visibility, such as darkness or precipitation. Headlamp performance has steadily improved throughout the automobile age, spurred by...
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 disks 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-049701No 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-033001No 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-026001The 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-000001This 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 disk 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-000001The 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 disk on the front. For the UK market only, machines were fitted with dual disks on the front and a single disk 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-028101This 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-007201The 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. It was offered in three colours: red, green or blue. The kick-starter
Kick start
Kick start refers to a method of starting an internal combustion engine by pushing a ratcheting lever with one's foot. Kick start mechanisms were almost universally a part of motorcycle engines before the mid-1970s, and were phased out of production over the next twenty years or so as electric...
pedal and shaft was removed from the engine just like the Z750E. A passenger grab rail was also fitted.
1981 KZ650-H1
This was the first "CSR" model. Similar to the '79 SR650-D2 but used wire spoke wheels and a single front disk brake. It also used CV carbs and had electronic ignition. 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.1981/82 Z650-F3
Starting Frame Number: KZ650F-012401There was one major change for 1982, CV carbs were fitted. The larger 32 mm carbs also needed the accelerator cable and air box assembly from the Z750E/L models. The F3 was offered in two colours, ebony or passion red. The front fender was now also painted to match the rest of the bodywork. The indicators were changed from round to rectangular.
1982 KZ650-H2
No details for this model are currently available. It may have been a North America only model. Your submissions on this model are appreciated.1983 Z650-F4
Starting Frame Number: KZ650F-014301This 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.