The Bill I speak of is Bill Miles, my stepfather. He kept his 1978 KZ650 C in the walk-in basement that also served as my residence when not away at college. I marveled at the great shape the bike was in even back in the mid-80s. As the years went by, the bike remained ageless. Bill was meticulous about storage and maintenance, and his work schedule allowed him little time for riding. I made it very well known that I was interested in the bike every time we spoke. Finally, after ten years of incessant why-don't you-sell-me-your-bike blather, he broke down and agreed to the transaction.

For the next couple of years in Asheville, the little KZ served admirably as an everyday commuter and it opened up a whole new world of mountain roads for my wife and me. Even after the purchase of the much more road worthy BMW K75S, the Kawi managed to see plenty of daylight. Kathy and I never ceased to be amazed at the comfort and nimble qualities the 650 offered. The constant "nice bike" comments didn't hurt its status either.

Change is Inevitable
Despite the awesome riding in the Asheville area, it just wasn't home. When Kathy was offered a great job opportunity in Winston-Salem, we jumped. Our rather abrupt move landed us in a rental house that offered no covered storage areas. Refusing to let the Kawi spend the winter exposed to the elements, I asked my father-in-law if I could park the bike in his garage "for a little while."

Long story short, that little while became six years. Thankfully for the faithful KZ, the very vintage section you are now reading saved it from an even more protracted period of improper cold storage. When Christian learned of my bike, he gave me a deadline to have it ready for this feature. That lit a fire under my butt and got the ball rolling.

Once I got the bike home to my own crowded garage, the teardown began. I had all but forgotten how much fun it is to work on older machines. A little common sense, a few free Sunday afternoons, and a good ballgame to listen to can add a breath of new life to any project. I felt like I was getting reacquainted with an old friend.

As is typical of older Japanese bikes, getting the motor running was no big deal. Points, plugs, oil, battery, and a surprisingly easy rebuild of the carburetors had the motor running but not quite purring. I'm guessing that a carburetor synchronizer and a timing light will do wonders. Both are tools I do not own - yet.