TOPIC:

Been having a hard starting issue with my 1981 KZ1000, it seems to take a lot of cranking to get it going, but once it's going it runs perfectly. Mainly happens at cold starts or if I take a long ride and let it sit for about 30-60 mins, starts fine if it's still hot. Has a 4-1 exhaust and K&N pod filters, Dynojet stage 3 carb jets, 165 main if I'm not mistaken. Not sure if it is either an issue of the starter using too much energy to get a good spark or if something is wrong with the enrichment circuit. I've taken the carbs off and cleaned them but it didn't make much of a difference. Checked the compression and valve clearance, all within spec, kinda stumped. Any ideas?

If not already doing, be sure and don't even touch the throttle grip when attempting to start a cold engine.
The enrichment circuit is designed to best perform with a closed throttle.

The enrichment circuit might be obstructed.




Would also clean the passageway in the float bowl.






The above is for CV carbs.
If using manual slide carbs, the same "no throttle while cranking" applies, but the circuit itself is different.

Good Fortune!