Is the Kawasaki KZ650SR the World's Best Bike? 5 or 8 Reasons why I think so!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
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ความคิดเห็น • 82

  • @evilwestsidefan9249
    @evilwestsidefan9249 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I owned a 1978 KZ650, it was a great looking bike with the chrome fenders. I had a Kerker 4 in 1 exhaust and K&N HV air filters. The bike was rated in the mid 60's hp wise and would do 126 mph. It was clocked on the salt flats at 141 mph and with mods could do the 1/4 mile in the 12 second range. It won the 6 hour 750 class endurance race in 1978 and 1979, it holds the Daytona 750 class endurance record running 117 mph for 24 hours. Great motorcycle, rode it all over the USA, only thing I hated was the seat let you know you had an ass, it was like an ironing board. Bullet proof just like my Vulcan 800 Classic and Concours 14, Kaws rule.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow, thank you for the history lesson - I knew the specs, but not the racing history - too cool! :D And yes, Kawasakis are awesome :D Thanks for watching & sharing that!

  • @mikematthews2985
    @mikematthews2985 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Just hate how a lot of people will chop these old bikes up and make them look like shit-cafe bikes- and look like Frankenstein bikes. Leave them alone and ride them

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm with you - they look great right from the factory!

    • @1badombre82
      @1badombre82 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I just got 1 for free and I'm in the process of doing a stretched hard tail on it lol. I understand appreciating them for what they are but I've always wanted to do a bobber and this is the perfect opportunity.

  • @phoenixarizona8441
    @phoenixarizona8441 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Badass bike i found one for $2500 mint condition Kirker 4 in 1 exhaust and these old Sports bikes are what started today's kawasaki zx6r and zx636r

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That's awesome! What a find - mine is not mint, LOL.

  • @1badombre82
    @1badombre82 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I just got a free 81 csr650. Always wanted to do a hardtail bobber build so im taking this opportunity to do so. Bike wasn't running but all it needed was battery, starter solenoid, brakes torn apart n cleaned, carbs flashed and a manual cam chain tensioner. Running mean on all 4 cylinder now 😎. Im half way through the harley style dual side pipes and then on to the hard tail and lowering the front forks

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Wow, that's awesome! Have you posted pics of it anywhere?

  • @michaelbove4244
    @michaelbove4244 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I was a motorcycle mechanic in the 80s I had a KZ650 Moon Dust Silver, it had saddle bags, fairing with 50 watt stereo. I miss that bike, it was great.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That's awesome! Ever thought about buying another one and building it like the one you had?

    • @michaelbove4244
      @michaelbove4244 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @RoadReality After having heart surgery and I'm 66 now. Not feeling like my old self. Don't want to take a chance.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@michaelbove4244 Yeah, can't blame you there! Stay healthy!

  • @rokkimason4199
    @rokkimason4199 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for this video! I have a 1979 KZ 650 D, and I just love it. It has been garaged since 1991, keep getting calls about selling it. But now I think I'm going to get it running again and transport myself back to the days when I first bought it!!!! Thank you again Sir!

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  ปีที่แล้ว

      That is awesome! You're welcome - and thanks for watching!

  • @theodorstravels
    @theodorstravels 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I like how you solved the lack of the second camera with the reflection.

  • @philv930
    @philv930 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I still have my dads, that he bought new back in 1978, it has less than 5,000 original miles too.
    Needs new tires, and a good polish but it runs great!

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow, that's so cool! I wish I still had my dad's KZ!

    • @korbendallas9317
      @korbendallas9317 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Awesome!

  • @philtheheaterguy951
    @philtheheaterguy951 18 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I bought one brand new in 1978. Mine was red. Never had an issue with it. Beautiful bike and very fast.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  18 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Thanks for sharing!

    • @philtheheaterguy951
      @philtheheaterguy951 18 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@RoadReality I guess I should have said that I’d still have it if it wasn’t stolen.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  18 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@philtheheaterguy951 Now that's a crying shame. I despise thieves of all kinds, but especially bike thieves. Sorry that happened to you.

  • @Iancad1
    @Iancad1 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Happy days! Owned one when living in Groveland. Many, many wonderful trips over the Sonora Pass to Bridgeport and down Hwy 395 to Lee Vining then back home over the Tioga Pass.
    California ain't all bad.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds like great rides - and that you stayed out of the city!

  • @Soldier9811
    @Soldier9811 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I’ve got a kz650 cafe racer and it’s beautiful. Its my first bike, first crash 😂 and first love

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Oh, so cool! They look GREAT as cafe racers!

  • @boxwoodgreen
    @boxwoodgreen ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I bought a '77 KZ650C brand new in my home in Canada near Detroit. Right after the break in period, I rode with 2 buddies to Denver, through the mountains into Utah. Hiked the Grand Canyon. Visited Las Vegas, crossed deserts into Los Angeles. From there to Houston, then back north home. Needed a new back tire after the deserts. Had to change brake fluid. Other than that, it ran perfect for over 5000 miles. Downside was that the '77 "C" Model (C for Custom) had early generation mag wheels ... way too heavy. I had to sell it to go back to college. Not a week goes by I don't miss it.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  ปีที่แล้ว

      Man, you might not have the bike, but you've got some awesome memories! Thanks for sharing your ride with me!

  • @ChopperFett
    @ChopperFett 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It’s a great looking bike that will run forever with basic maintenance. I’ve been looking for a 70s Z around here and the 650s tend to pop up the most. Great one Jon, now I’m gonna go ride my Z

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      There's lots of 650s for sale all over, and most of 'em are cheap - but the 750/900/1100/1300 - well those are a LOT more expensive. Especially restored! Enjoy your Z :D

  • @GVPARTS
    @GVPARTS ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great vid, I had a 79 sr650 back in 79, it was red and so pretty, had a slightly different tank than the 78. Bought it brand new when I was 19 and I road the hell out it. Great bike, I wish I still had it.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Nice! My dad's 78 was that same red - beautiful bike! Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

    • @daniellargey8430
      @daniellargey8430 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      persimmons red if memory serves me right as I rolled off the showroom in the spring of 1979

    • @christophertyacke6019
      @christophertyacke6019 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I bought a 79 650sr from the original owner in 95 for $650. Had 11.000 miles and the full faring. If you lived in Yorktown, VA, back then, you might be that guy. I wish I had that bike now as well. My bike was the color of his side covers.

  • @1kzrider
    @1kzrider 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I have one I put loads of money into due to getting ripped off by shops sadly . But, it has a 750 top end bored to 810cc. V&H 4 in 1 pod filters with electronics vs points conversion. Dyna super coils. The bike sounds wild. But, do to the shotty work done engine was leaking at the cylinder base after 500 miles or less after al the money invested. I pushed to side and been siting ever since. I can't wait to get it back up and running again. I had to buy but, never got to install new clutch plates since the rebuild the bike had to much power and was slipping.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Wow, that's quite the upgrade! Too bad the shop didn't do the work properly :(
      I hope you get it up and running soon!

  • @dylansender5032
    @dylansender5032 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    great vid i love the energy

  • @msteingart
    @msteingart 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I had a 1981 CSR 650. I rode it from San Diego to NY when I was on leave from the Navy.
    That bike would have been perfect if has a 6 speed transmission. 5 gears got you there, it really needed a 6th for it to be a bona fide cruiser like the LTD’s. This bike was more of a street fighter in cruiser garb.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Wow, that must've been one heck of a ride!
      I agree, a 6-speed transmission would be great on these bikes... but heck, even my Vulcan 800 has a 5-speed. Come to think of it, I don't know of any non-bagger cruiser that has a 6 speed.

  • @BlackphoenixEntertainment
    @BlackphoenixEntertainment 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    as someone who is also bad at math, I approve of this video lol. the old bikes were so awesome and simple.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks BPE! Yes, old, awesome and simple, like the creator of this video :D

  • @carlthomas3074
    @carlthomas3074 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    yes! smooth and tame. you can ride all day! mine went thru coils quickly for some reason??

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yep, that 4-cylinder is SMOOOTHHHH. I once went out for "a quick ride" and came back 4 hours later sunburnt and happy.
      Coils? Do you still have the points system, or did you convert to digital ignition? I've not put but 2k miles on the Dyna S2 ignition, but it seems to be working just fine, so far.

  • @phoenixarizona8441
    @phoenixarizona8441 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I prefer older sports bike's over new sports bike's they are all around great bikes awesome beginner bikes as well

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  ปีที่แล้ว

      So true! They're very forgiving, even if they don't have today's tech.
      Thanks for watching!

    • @phoenixarizona8441
      @phoenixarizona8441 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@@RoadRealityif you don't mind me asking where is this looks like Michigan or Indiana

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@phoenixarizona8441 Maryland! :)

  • @MisplacedMotoVlogger
    @MisplacedMotoVlogger 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Cost me $500 for mine back in 2000. Was a great bike to learn on, and a joy to ride. If I came across another one nearby, I'd probably pick one up.

  • @stevecalovich3682
    @stevecalovich3682 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The SR-650 is the second favorite of eight. The bike I wish I could've purchased at the time, was a Kawasaki H2. My current bike and favorite is a 2019 CBR 650R.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The CBRs are great bikes! I have several friends who own them. The original H2 was a monster bike - and the current one is no slouch!
      Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you dig the SR :D

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh, and if you liked this video, you'll probably like THIS one even more! (more KZ650SR riding!) th-cam.com/video/mrVvi2Juk7I/w-d-xo.html

  • @DeweyRides
    @DeweyRides 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love old bikes. It is a different experience than the modern bikes. I mean, I like the modern bikes as well, heck. I just like bikes.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +10 Internets to you, sir! Yep - those old bikes have more personality, but all bikes are great :D

  • @Rozys-l1q
    @Rozys-l1q ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Had that exact same SR. 42 yrs ago. Paid 900$. At the time though it was bulky. Prefered the. 500xt

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dang! I think I paid $1,250 for it about 5 years ago, that's wild! Hopping off my Harley or my Vulcan 800, it seems like a featherweight :D
      Thanks for watching!

  • @RRatedCustoms
    @RRatedCustoms 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thay driver just wanted to be in the review! Wasn't the 650s the bikes of choice of Toecutter in the first Mad Max movie? If they can last the apocalypse then they should work forever!

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      LOL, I bet they did! I don't recall if the 650 was there, but given how little riding and maintenance I do on/to this thing, I'm surprised it runs as well as it does. At this point it's been sitting for 8 months... so it's a 50/50 shot she fires up whenever I DO get a chance to pull her out from under the cover.

  • @NooBiker
    @NooBiker 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Ah yes, cool classic bike. In the UK, because it's 40 years old it would also be exempt from yearly vehicle tax and road worthiness checks.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      No MOT, right? I hear about that on the KZ groups. We have Historic tags here that do the same thing, essentially.

    • @NooBiker
      @NooBiker 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@RoadReality yes, no VED (often incorrectly called "road tax") and no MoT (Ministry of Transport yearly checks for roadworthiness)

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@NooBiker Cool! Thanks for the clarification - nobody ever mentioned VED.

  • @EasyRiderGreg
    @EasyRiderGreg 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Most Japan bikes clutches are easier to adjust than Harleys. But they use weird screws though and most people strip the heads 'cause they don't know they are not Philips heads.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ahh, the old JIS screw! Yes, I have bits for both, and I test fit them before applying any torque to any cross-head-lookin' screws! Been down that stripped screw path WAY too many times :D
      Good to know about the clutch adj. vs. Harley... the Kawis I own each have 3 adjustment points for the clutch cable.

    • @EasyRiderGreg
      @EasyRiderGreg 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@RoadReality Harley has 2. 1 is inside the derby cover and must be done first before the cable is adjusted. And it is a pain. At least I think so.

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@EasyRiderGreg Good to know, if I ever get a Harley with an adjustable cable - my Glide has a hydraulic clutch - no adjustment.

  • @KrakensGarageandAdventures
    @KrakensGarageandAdventures 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I can find 5 reasons to buy any motorcycle! 🤣

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Absolutely! Except maybe a Vulcan 800 Classic/Bobber... or is that a preview of what's to come on my channel? :D

  • @Hanksupermotofield3
    @Hanksupermotofield3 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I gave 200 for 1977 kz650b

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Nice! That's quite the deal :D

  • @MotoMango
    @MotoMango 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This would be a perfect bike to café out... JUST SAYING 😜😜😂😂

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, EPIC COLLAB opportunity - show up with tools and parts and you can cafe it out :D I agree, every cafe-d KZ I've seen looks badass.

    • @1badombre82
      @1badombre82 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm doing a stretched hard tail bobber out of 1 right now. I've already got a 75 cb750 cafe.

  • @darrenlingerfelt5879
    @darrenlingerfelt5879 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    👍

  • @Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez
    @Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It is the ugliest of the kz650's.

  • @GoofyBastard
    @GoofyBastard 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Such a great bike!!! Love seeing it on the channel. Get a new battery for that and show it off more on the channel!!

    • @RoadReality
      @RoadReality  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks GB! I'll give it a shot :D