Featured My Vintage Jap’s That Are Companion To The Thruxton R.

Haha. Yes more Far Eastern machines then is obvious. I’ve not confirmed it with the frame number but the KZ650 may have been produced in the US. Kawasaki was one of the first of the big four to set up manufacturing in the States during the 70’s and the US market 650’s an early model “assembled” there. Haven’t got any Latin blood machines though (long sigh).

 

Just add to the pain

 

You’re right it would have been good to buy back in 70’s. It was on my short list but when the local K dealer pissed me off for not letting me try his demonstrator I went around the corner and bought a 550 Honda instead. The (K)Z650 goes and handles well even by today’s standards and, as you say, is well proportioned so very manageable for a wee pensioner like me. Wouldn’t want to be without it.

 

Even those 1000 miles must have been completed with care. The condition is remarkable for its age and I suppose that model was only intended to be a cheap workhorse. Saying that probably someone has circumnavigated the globe on one.