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).
I can well remember the Z650 being launched. It was heralded as a 650 with the power of a 750 but . . . they never said which 750!!! At the time, the CB750 of the day was making 68 bhp (or PS - can't remember) and the Z650 came in at 64 and so not strictly true on that comparison but I fell in love with the thing because it just looked right. The proportions of the bike and overall design just seemed spot on to me but then, I was only 18 and at the time, riding an MZ ES150 which on the kelvin scale of "cool" was only marginally above absolute zero - that spot being occupied by my brother's CZ175 single. Sadly, I had no money and the 650 remained a fantasy
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.
I picked up this '73 CT90 shortly after I bought my Street Cup. It's still got the original tires with 1000 miles on the odometer.
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.
