I thought I should start a build thread to show some progress this far. I bought a 78 kz650 about 3 weeks ago as a basket case for $125. The engine had the head and pan off, but the guy assured me all of the parts are there!
Should have said most of the parts are there. Long story short, after 2 weeks of scouring the want adds, I found another basket case engine for $100, it had the starter shaft out as it was NFG, so I was told. Engine arrived greasy, full of dog hair and missing all of the side covers. No problem I have two engines I am bound to make 1 good one.
Here is the first engine, clean but as I found full of rust.

Here is engine 2 upon arrival

and of course a box o parts to go with it. But they were all there and I managed to assemble and clean it up some. After a rattle can of semi-gloss black and a little elbow grease I now have this.


On to the frame and tank. Here it is in my shop after a little sanding to see just how much paint is on this old girl.
It seems like quite a bit, but we'll take care of that later. I have since stripped the frame completely and have proceeded to cut the center stand and passenger peg doohickeys off. I am going to look at this donor bike tonight and will post some more pics tomorrow.

I look forward to your comments, good bad or indifferent. Be honest I have broad shoulders I can take the weight!
Should have said most of the parts are there. Long story short, after 2 weeks of scouring the want adds, I found another basket case engine for $100, it had the starter shaft out as it was NFG, so I was told. Engine arrived greasy, full of dog hair and missing all of the side covers. No problem I have two engines I am bound to make 1 good one.

Here is the first engine, clean but as I found full of rust.

Here is engine 2 upon arrival

and of course a box o parts to go with it. But they were all there and I managed to assemble and clean it up some. After a rattle can of semi-gloss black and a little elbow grease I now have this.


On to the frame and tank. Here it is in my shop after a little sanding to see just how much paint is on this old girl.

It seems like quite a bit, but we'll take care of that later. I have since stripped the frame completely and have proceeded to cut the center stand and passenger peg doohickeys off. I am going to look at this donor bike tonight and will post some more pics tomorrow.

I look forward to your comments, good bad or indifferent. Be honest I have broad shoulders I can take the weight!