TOPIC:

Well i recently picked up a 1980 Kz550a that i found in a barn.It has 20k miles on it and hasnt been run in at least 10 years. I have rebuilt the starter that was fried cleaned everything up and put new coils on it and i finally got it running and it runs pretty good.

Now here's the ? do i tear it down and go thorough it or just clean it up give it some paint and hope there is no other problems? I dont mind having a winter project but i dont really know what im geting into im kinda new to motorcycles but i am a mechanic.

I welcome any opinions and advice please!!
If i do a complete rebuild i would like to put dual disk on the front,Pods,and new 4in1 exaust also i need to lower the bike about and inch

if your a mechanic fly in to it and see what makes it tick that's best way to learn from what i've seen myself personally do your self a favor and get plenty of good info and do some investigating it what is still available as far as parts supply's and then fly into it if you hadn't picked up this bike it would still be in some rotting so any you do will be an improvment right

Good for you!

Now first thing to do is... now pay attention to what we're telling you is as follows....

GET THE KAWI SERVICE MANUAL!

Study and learn your beautiful girl... KZ... Love her

Now that you have that accomplished...don't cheat... Accomplish a compression check, leak down check and valve clearance measurements... This will inform you that you have compressions within specifications...

Change the oil and filter...

You may also need to re-build your carbs... Hell, if they have been sitting there for 20 years, definitely open them up for a good cleaning.

Tank, rusty or clean internally! Kreme if required...

Install new fuel lines and in-line fuel filter...

Sprockets and chain, good or worn! Replace if required!

Brakes, at least bleed and change the fluid...

Electrical charging system, regulation and voltage measurements & checks....

New Battery...

Check your ignition timing... Replace points & condensor... Or replace with EI if available... Not sure on a KZ550 others can chime in... If not, for as little as they costs, replace them and re-set the timing.

Tires? cracked, bubbbled etc... Ah hell, just replace due to age and dry rot...

Jeff @ Z1 for parts...
Z1enterprises.com

Let's see guys, I forget anything?

Way to go...

Ok I already have the manual and have checked on lots of parts as for the basic maintenance i have already done all of that but the compression,leak down, and valve clearance check planing on doing that this weekend. Oh and it does need new tires BAD lol thats the only thing keeping me from driving it LOL

Old Man Rock wrote:

Let's see guys, I forget anything?

Clean lube and inspect cables

Kawickrice wrote:

Old Man Rock wrote:

Let's see guys, I forget anything?

Clean lube and inspect cables

LOL funny you mention that if only i would have asked this question before i started it would have saved me $30 i checked brakes and clutch and adjusted and lubed but forgot about the spedo and tach now i have to replace because they were rusted and broke!!

Live and learn right!!

Oh and this might be a stupid question but why does the ignition switch have 2 lock positions it goes lock off on lock ???

Parking lights. or fork lock probably

Change fork oil.

You know what fellas, That list could be very helpful To any one, trying to figure out where to start a rebuild or, resto project. I know I've seen that question posted numerous times, maybe in a F A Q section. what do you guys think?