New Old Bike

I just got ahold of a 1980 kz 650 e-1 ltd its been sitting for about two years but worked well before it was parked. I need some info on what to look for and what needs to be done to a bike like that to insure a good ride and I don't want to damage anything else before i get to the fixing part.

Any ideas would be greatly appericated

Its my first bike and I have a lot of old car know how but i've never messed with a bike like this before

tires and oil are first priority.

good tires may save your arse

and good oil may save the engines arse

check the forkseals and brakes/brake fluid too.

plates, tabs, running lights ect.

First of all..Welcome to KZR! Pictures are a must!! If it has been sitting for 2 years the carbs will need to be cleaned nad some fresh gas of course.

First you need to take it all apart have it sit for 2 years while you post like crazy. Next check ebay and go into debt over the next 3 years. when you finally get everything you need to put it together. Cut and chop the frame w/newer swing arm and mono shock. Then find out have you are going to fit a hybusa front tripple on just using bearings in a different size by looking through the arcives. Then finding the offset sproket to get the chain almost straight for the 230 rear tire. :pinch: :S :whistle:
Sorry just a littlte humor:blink:

Oh yea welcome to KZR!

Hello! Welcome to this crazy KZ place!

I have a 1980 KZ750 LTD that I just got back in January. I had to take apart all the brake calipers and clean them well, got new brake pads while I was at it. Had rebuild kits for the calipers but did not really need them, could have just cleaned up all the gunk, put in new brake fluid and been fine.

You will want to get a service manual for the bike and look through the regular maintenance tables to see all the things you'll want to check. The Clymer's manual I have for my bike is really nice

Snakebyte wrote:

...Sorry just a littlte humor...

That is the funniest monologue I've read in a while.

Welcome, Zeo.

Here's my advice: Change the oil and filter. Try to start. Adjust the carbs. Clean the carbs. Try to start. Fix what's wrong. Then, change tires, tubes, seat cover, o-rings, brake pads/shoes, fork seals, steering bearings, wheel bearings, air filter, fuel filters, all cables, brake fluid, oil seals, paint, change the oil and filter again since a year has passed, and ride.

Enjoy!



:whistle: :laugh:

So what would be the best thing to use to clean the carbs??? And any tire requmendations

Ok and should I change the fluid in the drive train and what kind of fuel treatment should i use

If its not real bad just take the bowls off and remove the pilot jets, main jets and air screws. Use some spray carb cleaner and compressed air. Make sure you can see thru all the jets.

Yes remove the jets and clean them well, and dont clean them with any kind of wire. Also if they are damaged due to taking them out and deforming the jets in ANY WAY replace them. I would just go and get a set. Last time I bought pilots they were $3 and the mains were $5.

Just wanted to say thanks you guys are awsome.

It wouldn't hurt to run some sea-foam in the fuel for the first tank or so, that'll also help clean things up. You can get it at most any store, I got mine at auto-zone