New project intro: Meet Barney - some before pics!

I am a fairly new member her- been lurking for the most part. I finally started some work on my KZ project. This bike has been named Barney due to the odd purplish color the tank faded to. As you can see Barney has not had many friends in recent years - rather neglected.

Overall, the bike is pretty complete. All I have really done so far is to tear the carbs off and start cleaning them. I attempted to start the bike previously - at one point it seemed close... but just could not get there. At least I know I have spark and good commpression. Stuff I have identified in need of attention so far are:

- Carbs need cleaning, and rebuild. Seems I can not find rebuild kits to fit the 1980 models though - up to 79 are easy to find. Any suggestions as to source for carb rebuild kit for a 1980 KZ750G? I attempted to remove the black paint from one of the carbs - got the majority off (the sides of the carbs facing inwards were not painted fortunately). It will be a total pain though to get the last bits of it off. I am open to suggestions as to how to best do that.

- Brake master cylinders and calipers, I assume need rebuilds. that will come after I get the beast running though.

- A prior owner painted the motor flat black. Sprayed right over the carbs etc. You can see in the pics where yet another prior owner attempted to get the paint off the side case. I am not sure which way to go - do I mess with trying to get all the paint off? or do I clean it up, and touch up the paint? What paint is on there, seems rather well attached! Again - open to suggestions on which way to go - and if it is to strip the paint - how to best get it all from between the fins etc?

- Exhaust was painted as well - same issue - repaint or strip? Dunno yet! One pipe someone tried to remove baffles - the other is not molested. I am not sure if I will try to get a baffle back in, or replace the system. I dont care for loud bikes.

- Lots of detail work needed to - new paint on the body parts, tires, etc etc.

Anyhow - there he is in all his purple glory! My time on this project will be limited, so it will drag on for quiet some time I am sure - but I will periodically post back here my progress.

Mike

here is a closer up shot of the painted over engine (I tried to post it with that first post, but for some reason this pic did not work?)

welcome to z-jungle,i think wired george might have that name patented for a kz1000 anyway!:laugh:

the only bike ive ever named was called barney and i won a championship on it so that bike is kind of special to me. the only suzuki i've ever really liked.gs1000

To strip the paint from the cabs use some brake fluid. It's a slow acting stripper. Get something to catch the old paint with(piece of plastic) as the old finish on the carbs will slowly come off. An old coffee can and a small soft paintbrush works well.

As for carb parts try these websites:

1. www.nrp-carbs.com
2. www.motorcyclecarbs.com
3. www.carbparts.com
4. www.carbkitscapital.com

If all else fails www.wgcarbs.com (he rebuilds old bike carbs but does not sell parts).

Thanks guys. I am sure there is room for another Barney. I name all my bikes. Right now the garage has Barney, Larry, Twitch, Alex, Eli, Ted and Bob. Prior rides were Conrad, Arnold, Leon, Connie, Fred, Clyde, Henry, Belinda...the list goes on!

Thanks for the links on the carb parts! Great idea on the brake fluid as well - never thought of that. I have certainly had it remove paint a few times when I did not what it to!

Oh, sorry for the double post - not sure how I did that. Is there a way I can delete the other post?

let it go we get confused easy around here so it could be fun to see how many hits it gets

Another way to remove the carb paint is to soak them in lemon juice. Just be sure to clean them well and then repaint. Eastwood has some silver and bronze carb paint.

I used some paint stripper from walmart on a set of carbs, worked great and didn't eat up the metal at all. Just make sure you completely disassemble first and don't miss any orings, stripper loves to gelatainize plastic and rubber. As far as repainting, I would recommend powder coating them. I've never got paint to hold up very well on carbs.

Just my $0.02

Sarge