1978 Kawasaki KZ650 “190 kilometers from new”
€19,500£16,901US$22,659
Description
A Kawasaki KZ650 in Exceptional Condition
Now this is a true classic. And not just any classic — this is a 1978 Kawasaki KZ650, finished in the striking Candy Emerald Green. But here's what makes it truly special: this is number 10 ever built. Yes, the tenth motorcycle to leave the factory. How extraordinary is that?
Only 190 kilometers
You read that right — this Kawasaki has covered just 190 kilometers since new. One hundred and ninety. It's essentially brand new, as if it just rolled out of a 1978 showroom. This is nothing short of a time capsule.
Back in the day, the KZ650 (known in Europe as the Z650) was Kawasaki's ultimate middleweight — the little brother to the legendary Z900, but with its own distinctive character. Lighter, more agile, yet still packing that iconic four-cylinder, air-cooled punch. Under the tank sits a 652cc DOHC inline-four, delivering that unmistakable, raw Kawasaki growl. Fire it up and it sounds like four trumpets waking up on adrenaline. The 1978 model year was a special one, bringing a series of smart refinements: The front brake caliper was moved behind the fork leg for better balance. A rear disc brake was added for improved stopping power. And for the engineers among us: the swingarm bushings were upgraded to needle bearings for smoother suspension movement. Even the fuel petcock was redesigned to close automatically — a small but clever touch of Japanese ingenuity.
Outstanding Originality
What truly sets this machine apart is its remarkable originality combined with its near-zero mileage. It remains exactly as it left the factory — original paint, decals, documentation, and even the iconic California Blue Plate still attached. It has spent its entire life with one careful owner in California, preserved like a piece of mechanical art.
And that's exactly what it is: a time capsule from the golden age of the “Universal Japanese Motorcycle.” A period when brands like Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki built machines that could do it all: sporty, reliable, beautifully balanced, and brimming with character — motorcycles that quite literally changed the world.
Contact Gallery Aaldering
The Kawasaki KZ650 embodies everything motorcycling should be — pure, honest, and alive. And this example? It's among the finest we've ever seen. Interested in this exceptional Kawasaki? Contact Gallery Aaldering today. Active since 1975, we have extensive experience exporting classic vehicles worldwide. Ask us about international shipping options.
* Unique originality
* Very early KZ650-B1
* Number 10 built by factory as per chassis-vin number
* Completely original and preserved
* Livery in "Candy Emerald Green"
* Original 'Blue plate' California Kawasaki with one owner there
* Comes with the original US-registration document and booklet
Now this is a true classic. And not just any classic — this is a 1978 Kawasaki KZ650, finished in the striking Candy Emerald Green. But here's what makes it truly special: this is number 10 ever built. Yes, the tenth motorcycle to leave the factory. How extraordinary is that?
Only 190 kilometers
You read that right — this Kawasaki has covered just 190 kilometers since new. One hundred and ninety. It's essentially brand new, as if it just rolled out of a 1978 showroom. This is nothing short of a time capsule.
Back in the day, the KZ650 (known in Europe as the Z650) was Kawasaki's ultimate middleweight — the little brother to the legendary Z900, but with its own distinctive character. Lighter, more agile, yet still packing that iconic four-cylinder, air-cooled punch. Under the tank sits a 652cc DOHC inline-four, delivering that unmistakable, raw Kawasaki growl. Fire it up and it sounds like four trumpets waking up on adrenaline. The 1978 model year was a special one, bringing a series of smart refinements: The front brake caliper was moved behind the fork leg for better balance. A rear disc brake was added for improved stopping power. And for the engineers among us: the swingarm bushings were upgraded to needle bearings for smoother suspension movement. Even the fuel petcock was redesigned to close automatically — a small but clever touch of Japanese ingenuity.
Outstanding Originality
What truly sets this machine apart is its remarkable originality combined with its near-zero mileage. It remains exactly as it left the factory — original paint, decals, documentation, and even the iconic California Blue Plate still attached. It has spent its entire life with one careful owner in California, preserved like a piece of mechanical art.
And that's exactly what it is: a time capsule from the golden age of the “Universal Japanese Motorcycle.” A period when brands like Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki built machines that could do it all: sporty, reliable, beautifully balanced, and brimming with character — motorcycles that quite literally changed the world.
Contact Gallery Aaldering
The Kawasaki KZ650 embodies everything motorcycling should be — pure, honest, and alive. And this example? It's among the finest we've ever seen. Interested in this exceptional Kawasaki? Contact Gallery Aaldering today. Active since 1975, we have extensive experience exporting classic vehicles worldwide. Ask us about international shipping options.
* Unique originality
* Very early KZ650-B1
* Number 10 built by factory as per chassis-vin number
* Completely original and preserved
* Livery in "Candy Emerald Green"
* Original 'Blue plate' California Kawasaki with one owner there
* Comes with the original US-registration document and booklet
Specifications
- Year
- 1978
- Brand
- Kawasaki
- Model
- KZ650 “190 kilometers from new”
- Condition
- Used
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