A recently started renovation project is a Kawasaki Z 650 from 1978. In Sweden, the Z 650 has not reached the “cult status” that its big brother Z1 / Z900 has, but in several other countries the really nice objects have started to go up in price quite a bit. The Z 650, which is now to be renovated to mint condition, has a somewhat exciting history. It was bought new by a man from Gothenburg and has since passed through many hands before the “original owner” bought it back about ten years ago. He did a “surface renovation” which consisted of new paint, new upholstery and a bit of polishing here and there. It was purchased in the latter part of the winter of 2023 and the renovation will hopefully be completed in 2024. Most of it was in good condition but most of it will require hand laying. Like its “big brother”, there are some reproduction parts on the market, but on a much smaller scale. As always, you try to avoid reproduction parts, but in this case it will probably still be necessary to deviate from strictly original with genuine/NOS parts. Previous owner managed to find an original exhaust system on Ebay and it is not rusty or dented, but the chrome is very worn and currently I am in a process, trying to persuade two Surface treatment workshops, preferably would rather not re-chrome the exhaust system. Well, we’ll see…
The previous owner had left the tank and panels to a professional varnisher ten years ago, but they will receive an extra layer of clear coat.
The “buffet” is laid out! Pretty much all the parts needed for assembly are now ready. The majority are NOS but also some reproduction parts of good quality. A number of original parts such as bolts, nuts and various other details came home from electro-galvanizing the other day. As soon as the frame leaves the paint shop, the most fun phase of the project begins. Something that makes me happy is that I finally got in touch with a company that does fantastic chrome work and at the moment the exhaust system is there and will be better than new when I get it back. Not free but what can you do for a little perfection…
final assembly begins. There will be some aftermarket parts, but the renovation as a whole will be solid and as uncompromising as possible. I’ve noticed that many people who renovate these seventies paint the frames with a full gloss and that’s not what the frames looked like when they left. Gloss around 80 usually gives an authentic result that satisfies even an “original freak”. The next step is now to start pulling and hooking up the new fine wiring harness that I had manufactured in England.
The previous owner put a lot of effort into trying to save the original wiring but apparently had to give up and after a number of attempts to “restore” it to original condition I gave up and ordered a new one, which cost half a fortune. Other electrical components were mostly salvageable. In a few weeks I should be able to pick up the rechromed original exhaust system which will be in perfect condition. Not free but what is…
Now the engine is in the frame and the final is approaching. No effort has been spared on the finish. The entire electrical system has been “test driven” and everything works as expected. A little additional assembly work and I’m still waiting to receive the exhaust system from the chrome company. They do nice work but you have to have the patience of an angel…