1977 Kawasaki KZ650 Cafe Racer | Restomod Custom Motorcycle Build

A 1977 Kawasaki KZ650 Cafe Racer project transformed into a custom restomod motorcycle, with upgraded suspension, modern electrics, custom fabrication and more. This Kawasaki KZ650 started life as a well-maintained, running motorcycle, but it's about to undergo a serious transformation.

The plan is to turn this classic 1970s Kawasaki into a modern cafe racer while keeping the character that makes the KZ650 such a great starting point. The build includes a front-end and fork swap, upgraded suspension, custom bodywork, a new rear end and seat, modern electrics, custom exhaust, new gauges and plenty of fabrication along the way.

There's also an alternative to the popular Motogadget m.unit Blue setup, along with a whole host of other ideas and solutions that may be useful if you're planning your own custom motorcycle build. This is a project that's taken a while to get moving, but the KZ650 is finally getting the Tink Customs treatment. Follow the build from the initial teardown and planning through to the finished cafe racer.

1977 Kawasaki KZ650 Cafe Racer

The Kawasaki KZ650 is a classic middleweight Japanese motorcycle from the late 1970s, with a 652cc four-cylinder engine and the unmistakable styling of the era. It's a great platform for a cafe racer conversion, combining a relatively compact chassis with a smooth four-cylinder engine and plenty of scope for modern suspension, braking, electrical and styling upgrades.

The KZ650 Build

Follow the transformation as we work through the major stages of the build, including:

• Front-end and fork swap
• Upgraded suspension
• Custom rear frame and seat
• Modern electrical system
• Alternative to the Motogadget m.unit Blue
• Custom exhaust
• New gauges and controls
• Custom bodywork and fabrication
• Wheels and tyres
• Paint and finishing

Follow the Build

Watch the individual videos as this 1977 Kawasaki KZ650 evolves from a stock classic into a Tink Customs cafe racer.