TOPIC:

There is one thing overlooked by people when they get a bike that's been sitting for a long time. Valve guide seals. If you're fouling plugs and it smokes at start up, you need to replace them. I rode mine for a year and a half before I was ready to do it. Put in new valves and springs too. Always had a mysterious tick at start up and valve clatter. Now they sing like they did when new. Throttle is crisper and more ponies.








I'm not saying you need valves but springs get tired and can test good but can fool you. /
Steve

DOUBLE POST AGAIN. DAMN IT.

[Abracadabra!]

Regarding the excellent advice already offered regarding compatibility of ignition coils and generator rotors --

The '82 coils likely have lower resistance than the '78 coils and should not be used with the '78 points ignition.

The generator rotors may have ever so slightly different tapers that might seem to fit, but won't sufficiently tighten onto the crankshaft.

Good Fortune!

I was afraid of that. The taper is different?
Steve

Am uncertain about differences in rotor tapers among KZ650 models, but suggested the possibility in light of known differences among the large Kaws and KZ750's.

www.kzrider.com/forum/4-electrical/59205...or-what-is-it#615170

www.kzrider.com/forum/4-electrical/57472...00-alt-rotors#574721

www.kzrider.com/forum/4-electrical/54931...ystem-changes#549341

www.kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/447092-kz...ical-question#447114

www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/340793...uild?start=40#347492

Good Fortune!

Try to get her going after cleaning the carbs using the points first.
As mentioned above, one step at a time.

Yes, you can just swap on the Ignition bits, and forget about the charging system.
I have done what you are trying to do, and the links below show how to.
You will need the IC Igniter, the mechanical advancer, pick up plate, coils too if they are in good shape, and all related wiring.
Keep your stock wiring harness, just mount up the EI parts, only new wiring you'll need is power and ground wires for the IC Igniter.

These links have some info:
kzrider.com/forum/4-electrical/12453-tes...n-into-a-kz650#15558
forums.kz650.info/index.php?topic=12.0

Hey Steve, nice bike man !! Yea it seems like the repairs, upgrades, and general fussing over the bikes never ends !! It is an ongoing process.... BTW what kind of header, 4 x 1 exhaust do you have on your bike ?? Does that run under the center of your bike, or is it off to the side ??

Thanks for all your info concerning the work I'm wanting to do to my bike !!

It's the V/H meant to keep the center stand and have access to the oil filter. I bought the pro street baffle and the full race one. Too loud and my top end fell off. The stock one sounded good but the pro street a lot better. With the 33mm Miks, 1X cams, Z2 750 crank(welded) and 1015 over bore, I have all the ponies I need. I ruined one Wiseco 10.25/1 piston, so I bought 1015 barrels and stock pistons used. My barrels were no good anymore. The head will come off one more time when I buy another piston. Soon I hope. That is unless some 1075 or larger set ups become available. Yeah I guess we're never done.
Steve

zed1015, swest, Patton, rstnick, thanks for the great information each of you posted for me !! I appreciate every bit of it, and all of it will be beneficial to me. I can't thank you guys enough !!

It's going to be a couple more months before I actually get to tear into this thing. You're giving me the knowledge to tear into the project, with some confidence, and a good idea of what I need to be watching out for. If I find that I might need to do something with the charging system, I will for sure be using the few specialty measuring tools I have, and if I'm not able to measure accurately with my tools, there's a machine shop close by that will be able to help me out.

Again your help is appreciated. rstnick, I'm going to be printing off all the info from the posts you referred me to. I will have it all memorized before I get to working on the bike !!

Hey zed1015, I almost overlooked your post. I kind of got lucky with the bike as far as it setting. It luckily wasn't setting outside. It was in a barn. Not completely closed in from the elements, but pretty good. It has the original Kawi seat cover. I put a few coats of Armorall on it, and softened it up pretty good. I'll be surprised if the cover gives out from riding when I get it on the road. The gauges are in good shape. I think it has the original factory tires, and there's no weather checking in them either. It had a good cover of dirt on it though...

Here's what I have......

Re crank nose tapers yes, also the z1000J R zx1100 rotors have a different crank tapers. It seems at least one pattern parts manufacturer is unaware of this.

Also beware of subtle crankcase differences between the years, you may need to slot the mounting plate holes to get your timing set. Certainly was the case on my 550.