KZ650 KAWAZUKI
It’s always risky business when you sell something to a friend. But this is one of those cases where all parties ended up pleased as punch. When our garage mate Devin Bousquet was ready for a few more CCs, he expressed an interest in one of three non-running 1978 Kawasaki KZ650 SRs that Greg and I scored this summer. A deal was made and soon Mr. Bousquet was a semi-permanent resident in the already crowded garage — welding, wiring, using all my shop towels and grinding wheels… A handful of weeks later, another Classified motorbike had hit the streets. The intent was to keep the front end stock, but it just so happened that we had an immaculate ’04 GSXR 1000 front end in the vault. Devin got the friends and family discount. Once again, everyone was happy. Devin’s amazing personal seamstress (and mom), Pamela Bousquet crafted a real seat cover — a rare and beautiful thing in the Classified garage. As ever, thanks to Greg and Cindy for all their help bringing this silky smooth Kawi to life in the garage, and to Adam Ewing for doing the same in the studio.
SPECIFICATIONS
DONOR: 1978 Kawasaki KZ650
FRONT END: 2004 Suzuki GSX-R
FRONT WHEEL: 2004 Suzuki GSX-R
FRONT BRAKES: 2004 Suzuki GSX-R
REAR WHEEL: Stock K650
TIRES: Metzeler ME880 (front), Kenda (rear)
TANK: Stock KZ650 stripped and clear coated
EXHAUST: Mac 4-into-1
GAUGE: Acewell Digital
SEAT: Custom upholstered, Devin’s mom
REAR SHOCKS: Aluminum piggyback gas shocks