TOPIC:

I also have a question or 3 about buying a 1300.

I'm familiar with lots of older Kawi's like 2 stroke Triples, Z1's, KZ900's, 1000's, etc. Not so much with the 13's though!

I have a line on a '80 B2 Touring model. I haven't seen it yet. I've just seen some pics and messaged back and forth with the owner.

My questions revolve around converting the B2, to the look of an A2. Can it be done simply, or am I into some deep water here? I'm most concerned about the rear bodywork, fender and seat issues. Are there any?

Thanks Gang! I already posted a little comment in the "New Members" section as well. Sorry for "doubling up"! I figure this would be the best place to get some answers!

Thanks!

Hello Drew and welcome to the forum:

individuals in the past have done this mod, some easy some difficult.

It really depends on your availability of parts, or on the worst case it would depend on how fat your wallet is.


In quoting recent eBay auctions:

A clean KZ seat can go from 500.00 to 800.00 bucks.

Tail pieces can be reasonably priced.

Lighting can be pricey.

I would guess the fork lobes, and headlight, along with the seat to be the priciest group of items.

A new NOS fuel tank (They rarely come up for sale) can be 500.00 to 1000.00 bucks. A used one much less. However the used tank will need to be refurbished.

For my Z1R, I recently paid 1,000.00 for an new fuel tank.

Before you do all of this work, thoroughly evaluate the bike your possibly spending this money on. i.e.

Is the engine solid.
Are all of the electrical components worth salvaging?
This assumes you may need to do a frame off refurbishment.

when looking for a bike, don't just look local.

Go to www.yakaz.com for nation wide craigslist searches, to hopefully find the bike you are looking for. You may even be able to start with a good condition KZ.

They are out there, be patient and keep looking.

Keep us posted.

Todd.

Thanks for the info and advice Todd! I kinda figured this might be a "no-go". I think it would be money better spent to find a decent A1 or A2.

I'll keep looking!

Drewski wrote: I think it would be money better spent to find a decent A1 or A2.

I'll keep looking!

Hi and welcome.
finding a decent A1 or A2 is a very good idea, as Todd said, finding the parts will be a big challenge and costly.
its just as bad here in the UK.
you seem to have more Voyagers on that side of the pond, we have more naked 13s
good luck
Ian

Thanks Ian, good insight. It seems like long-haul touring rigs and cruisers are definitely 'king' over here in most parts of this continent.

I'm more of a 'standard' kinda guy though!

I'll keep at it. I gotta fall into something SOME day.

One of the bigger problems you would have is that the rear part of the frame on a b2 is different than the standard KZ. The part where the seats mount is shaped differently to fit the double seats of the B2. The headlight on the B2 is mounted into the fairing also rather than with fork ears.