1978 Kawasaki KZ830 turbocharged

Ezio Covelli has a nice little business building custom motorcycles. Like any builder, he’s always trying to hit that sweet spot, the right combination of modifications, color, stance and performance and then bringing it all together in one bike and it looks like he did it with this one. What started out as a very ordinary 1978 KZ650 has become an extraordinary KZ830 turbo, showing a strong genetic link to the old Z1R-TC, but maybe even better because it’s pretty much all brand new.

Kawasaki KZ830 turbocharged

Many of the modifications are based around period parts, the cylinders were bored and sleeved to 830cc with an MTC big bore kit from the 70s. The turbo kit is from ATP, same as used on the Z1R-TC. Power is twice what the stock engine delivered.

Then he really got to work. Let’s see, Dyna-s electronic ignition, Martek ignition coils, Metzler Lasertec tires, forks with stiffer springs, the list just goes on and on.

Excellent work all around in this beautiful custom build

Custom seat and pan, custom paint and pin stripes, custom wiring harness, custom rear fender, new lithium battery, clip ons, new gold chain, LED lights, there’s really nothing left to do except ride it and then getting used to all of the compliments whenever you park it somewhere.

It would be really hard to duplicate what he’s done, just trying to find the rare big bore kit and turbo kit would be a challenge. This looks like a winner and he’s got it for sale on eBay. These old Kawasakis make a great base for a custom, and this one is proof. You ought to check it out.