Z650 frame

[MikeSB6]

Hello, I'm working on a Z650 frame from the mid '70s at the moment and have noticed that the lateral frame tubes don't seem to be aligned. For instance, if you look at the frame from the front, the cross member under the steering head is at an angle to the cross member in front of the upper shock absorber mountings, it also looks at a slightly skewed angle to the steering head itself, rather than at right angles.

The frame itself seems to be straight, and the upper longitudinal rear frame rails and tank rails are parallel crosswise checked with a spirit level. Are these misalignments likely to be due to 'expedient' manufacture or actual frame damage?

Cheers, MikeJ

[warren3200gt]

Not sure how you would achieve that by simply pranging it. If the frame is sitting on a flat surface (without the side stand mount interferering) are the left and right front engine mounts and lower rails at 90 deg to the steering head? It sounds to me like a Friday afternoon weld.

Checked both of mine, as best you can on an assembled bike, and it does appear to be level.

Out of interest is it a UK or a US frame? I've one of each and the build difference is unbelievable. The US frame has more weld splutter than enough. It looks like I welded it!

[Z1parR]

Know just what you mean Warren , my US 650 bare frame looks just like you welded it too XX

[MikeSB6]

Hello Warren,

yes, looking at it, it looks more like sloppy welding and I've had a professional mechanic look at it and he seems pretty happy with it. I guess even the Japanese have 'poets' days! It's probably a Japanese built bike as it was registered in the U.K. but it may have been imported at some time.

Cheers, MikeJ

[warren3200gt]

According to the US 650 forums all parts were imported from Japan and only assembled in Nebraska. It got around some import duty/legislation at the time. They say that frames were imported completely built but I don't see it myself. Why ship a built frame when you could ship 10 sets of frame components in the same space and then assemble on site?

[Charlie]

The only Z650's assembled in Nebraska were the B2a's.

You would know if you had one of those, they all say Made in USA on the headstock and came with only VM22 carbs .....as said, the parts came over from Japan though.