New Rider, 80 KZ440 LTD A

Hey all, i've been lurking for a couple of weeks since I got my bike, just reading up on the different topics with great interest. Up until recently I had never ridden a bike let alone tinkered with one, so I still have lots to learn.

Im English but live in Wisconsin, took an MSF basic rider course to get my license then picked up a 1980 KZ440 LTD from a Craigslist contact. Was $550, bike had 5500 miles on it.

Runs a little rough when first starting, though from what most people here have been saying thats par for the course. Pops and such until it has warmed up then idles at about 1000rpm. After it gets real warm it seems to idle higher, at 1300/1400 rpm.

Anyway, ill probably be asking questions in the respective forums, just wanted to introduce myself and my bike!

Nice machine! Welcome.

Welcome to the site Robjb84, the 440's are good machines, and if you post your popping question in the engine forum someone will help you. Another site you want to explore is www.kz400.com

welcome, Rob.
hey, i like that fancy custom emblem job!! (just teasing)
actually, bike doesnt look too bad.
you should be able to get the idle problem sorted out with a few questions in the appropriate forum.

so where in Wisconsin are you??

Robjb84 wrote:

...Runs a little rough when first starting, though from what most people here have been saying thats par for the course. Pops and such until it has warmed up then idles at about 1000rpm. After it gets real warm it seems to idle higher, at 1300/1400 rpm.

Welcome! "Dirty Limey", eh? That's funny...

It sounds like it's running a bit lean at idle. You may need to adjust the carbs to make it run a bit richer, either by adjusting the floats or the pilot system. I read your last blog entry and see that you added fuel filters and are starting to explore the bike - that's great! I'm not gonna kid you though, I don't know anything about your specific carb, though others here surely do. You prolly outta get a Kawasaki Service Manual from eBay, or directly from Kawasaki - it'll be your best friend...

Cheers! (there's my "limey" reference for you)

Cool ride and look at your smile! Welcome!

hehe thanks, i wanted my tank to be 'eyecatching'

Just kidding, guy that sold me the bike was worried about the Kawak logos falling off or the screws falling out so he taped up the logos. I have since removed them, I have a spare tank that I just kreemed a week ago, just waiting for it to dry good. Might be able to put that on tomorrow and get some new pics up, with logos and all!

Bike is doing good but im choosing not to ride it until I can replace the fork seals. Right one is leaking real bad, got oil all over my front tyre/rim

hehe yup, Dirtyliemy is me Maybe its running lean since I have the "DIY" air filter on the bike? Thats my next area of attention once I put the new fuel tank on and replace the fork seals. Already got a Haynes manual for the bike so that should be able to help in my newbish mechanic attempts

Cheers!

(Im in Kenosha, WI)

Nice looking ride, and at a good price too.