Kawasaki Z650 C3

Kawasaki Z650 C3 (reg JFP 244V) from 1980.

The picture above is of the bike just prior to being sold after having it for 5 years.

Initially the engine wasn't running great but then it wouldn't even start. First job was to identify the problem, checking plugs, caps electrics and then carbs.

After I had got the engine running well enough, I started the strip down to get the frame and main blackwork powder coated at CTC n Maldon.

I had to replace numerous fasteners and small parts the bike mechanically wasn't in bad condition. Needed re-greasing and cleaning just about everywhere. The main issues were cosmetics and rust.

Engine top end was taken off and blast cleaned. Engine the painted black. Valves checked, new seals, shims adjusted and timing set and bike was running pretty good. 

The original online pictures of the bike made it look a lot better than it was. It was running, although not that great, but it needed a lot of work on the cosmetics and rust side of things.

Pictures below taken when bike was back in the garage.

Brakes stripped and cleaned, repainted with new fluids and several smaller parts replaced.

Handlebars were well past their best, so they were replaced as were the grips. 

Electrics were checked and uplifted where needed.

Replacement stands fitted.

Forks were taken apart, cleaned with new seals and oil.

Wheels taken out, checked & cleaned  with new bearings. C&S seemed ok as-is after a good clean and oil.

I wasn't happy with the the paintwork. The style wasn't that bad, but wasn't original colours and the paint was lifting and rusty in several places. Managed to source Blue C3 Tank and panel set for the bike and sold the old set on eBay.