TOPIC:

On top of all the other advice, I'd add the following:

1. Make damn sure your petcock doesn't leak a drop first.
2. Keep the bike on its center stand if it has one (that way the right side of the bike won't corrode faster than the left. Easier on the tires too)
3. Spray everything that might rust with WD-40 or something similar.
4. Consider keeping the battery someplace above freezing and on a trickle charger.

If you are going to be starting it up once a month, then I wouldn't bother draining the carbs. Just keep the tank topped up with fuel (so it doesn't rust) and have some stabilizer in that fuel.

Found the drain plugs you guys were talking about:



From the looks of it the screw has been used, but looks in good condition still. There's a gas station 20 minutes away that sells 100+ octane racing fuel, so that shouldn't be too much trouble, but I'll still probably drain the carbs out like that last owners have. I mean if the technique works why mess with it right? I really like that there's a nice exit path for the drain hole when you drain the carbs, the drain is long enough you can get a hose on it to drain the gas into a separate container, making it a really clean ordeal.

The petcock is in excellent condition, I haven't a clue as to how. Any tips on keeping it that way?

Oh btw bought some touch up paint, all custom to match and stuff....2 ounces cost $20. Guess what? Doesn't even come close to matching...better luck next weekend.

Oh btw I've decided my tolerance for morning commutes to work, no lower than 55 F. I know, I know....seems a little high, but I only have a exceptionally perferated summer jacket, a 3/4 hemet, finger cutoff gloves and no windshield. My speed for over half the 35 minute commute I'm going 70mph+ too on the highway. I can really tell a difference in the wind when I'm following somebody, especially a semi. Helps when I need a break from the cold. I usually wear an extra shirt too, but I can't find any decent gloves that allow decent padding and finger articulation. It looks like my commutes to work are coming to an end, but weekends are still very much on the table.

Back when I was a kid my old BSA was my only transportation for about 2 years. Here's everything I learned about riding in the Winter - COLD SUCKS! Ed

Those drain nipples will make the clear tube test easy.
Steve
Oh, and get some good gloves, helmet and leather jacket. It doesn't have to be a genuine Harley Davidson jacket (made in china in 87) like mine but it will keep you warm.

Like 650ed , when I was a kid, 22 yrs. old, my 1st streetable bike was an 1978 Yamaha DT 400 street /dirt bike, that I rode in rain, sleet, snow, I didn't care, I just wanted to ride all the time, .....now at 57 yrs. old I wont even think of getting on the bike if it's less than 60, or if there is a chance of rain, unless It's an emergency,
Pete

I lived in Wisconsin for 15 years and always just put a bottle of fuel stabilizer in the tanks, worded like a charm and started right up in the spring.

pete greek1 wrote: Like 650ed , when I was a kid, 22 yrs. old, my 1st streetable bike was an 1978 Yamaha DT 400 street /dirt bike, that I rode in rain, sleet, snow, I didn't care, I just wanted to ride all the time, .....now at 57 yrs. old I wont even think of getting on the bike if it's less than 60, or if there is a chance of rain, unless It's an emergency,
Pete

I sat looking at Bossie for 15 years. Wind, rain, HEAT, nothing can keep me off my bike. Lightning? That's a little different.
Steve

SmokyOwl wrote: So it begins....

Hey everybody, I'm the proud (and nervous, I ain't gunna lie) of a 1982 KZ1100. Bought it for $1,000, and it was the first bike in two months of searching for a bike $1,000 or less that was in working order. Wasn't exactly thrilled it was an 1100, I was looking for something a bit smaller to start out on like a 250 to 500. But it was an awesome deal I just couldn't pass up, the bike was in fair shape and I'll post some pictures soon on my profile. Lots of scratches and a couple minor dents on the tank, but runs quite well with no rust that I have yet to find (I just brought it home 3 days ago).

I got rider classes in August, and I've been backing it up and feeling the clutch out on my 40 foot stretch of driveway. Practicing starting up, putting feet on the pegs, and coming to a stop, as there's not much else you can do in 40 feet. My plan is to just practice enough to not make a complete fool of myself when class starts up. When I'm not practicing I'm cleaning the bike up, it has some very light oil leaking from the head gasket, not something I'm particularly worried about but something to keep an eye on if a gasket needs replacing.

So onto a bit about myself. I'm 31m, in southern Wisconsin. I do work as a quality technician, and I'm single, no kids. Oh and TennesseeZ referred me here from another forum, thanks TennesseeZ!!

You are Welcome!!!
Ed aka TennesseeZ

swest wrote:

pete greek1 wrote: Like 650ed , when I was a kid, 22 yrs. old, my 1st streetable bike was an 1978 Yamaha DT 400 street /dirt bike, that I rode in rain, sleet, snow, I didn't care, I just wanted to ride all the time, .....now at 57 yrs. old I wont even think of getting on the bike if it's less than 60, or if there is a chance of rain, unless It's an emergency,
Pete

I sat looking at Bossie for 15 years. Wind, rain, HEAT, nothing can keep me off my bike. Lightning? That's a little different.
Steve

Hail, Steve, Hail, I remember once about 38 yrs. ago I was riding in Chicago & It started to rain, no problem, ....I was doing about 35 & all of a sudden golf ball size hail started coming down, it felt like rocks being thrown at me, I couldn't get off the bike & run for cover fast enough, I literally had welts on my face & the top of my head, , It's funny now, but not back then
Pete

That would be a show stopper for sure.
Steve

Looks like you are off to a great start with a super nice ride.

You also have CRAZY GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY skills, what's you camera and lens setup? And do you shoot pro?