Kawasaki SR650

Got this SR650 back in mid 2009, something on an impulse purchase which I really shouldn't have done.

But it was local, was fairly cheap and was basically all there. Even had a private registration plate GEZ1438.

At the time I'd just finished the restoration of a Kawasaki Z650 C2 (UVW 782R), was working on restoring another Z650 C3 (JFP 244V) plus working a couple of Suzuki GTs, so really didn't have the time or space for this one as well.

At its heart it's basically the same setup as the Z650s but with various modes to frame, panels, suspension and wheels. So the idea was to check it all over, change fluids etc. and have this as a run around when weather was bit iffy or else can be used as spares for the other projects.

I rode it back to my house and it was ok, but definitely needed some bits sorting as suspension and brake not great plus other odds and ends I'd spotted on the 20 mile trip back.

Got it up on the bench as took off the main parts to see what's what and what needed attention.

First thoughts being this is too good to become a donor bike and just get it running and riding properly and keep as a hack around.

Engine was a bit noisy so drained and changed the oil. Also found the camchain adjuster screws were lose and wrong size so replaced those and adjusted the tension. Also spotted the timing was out, so retimed. Started the engine and it was much better with no nasty smoke coming out.

Tyre pressures were well out and needed a longer clutch cable, easy fixes.

Found a duff wire in the ignition which caused some intermittent issues. Once replaced that was fine as well.

Carbs off, cleaned and checked then refitted.

Front brakes stripped checked and refitted.

The headlight brackets needed to be replaced.

Forks seals and oil replaced.

Replaced various fasteners but rest all seemed to be good enough.

I only road a bike for a while and thought it was ok. Engine was good, brakes as good as something 30 years old, handled well etc. Just never really like the looks or the riding position on it.

By the time I'd done this, and been working on the C3, I was sort of bored with bike. I'd had a lot of Z650s by this time and felt I wanted a change, plus I needed some space back in the garage. So in Feb 2011 a friend of mine got it as a 'classic' run around. I lost money on the bike but that's the problems somethimes. . I think he didn't get on with it and may have had some issue later.

In fact by the end of 2011 I had sold the C2 and that was the last Kawasaki 650 I've had.

Not sure what happened to this one after that as it looks like the registration was swapped onto another vehicle and no idea how to trace whatever plate this now carries.