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The_Proletariat 550 project

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31 May 2016 09:04 #729341 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic The_Proletariat 550 project

The_Proletariat wrote: Do I need to re sync the carbs if I remove and then reinstall them without making any carb or engine changes?

In my experience, they never go back to the same sync position. It shouldn't be far off, but won't be perfect.

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31 May 2016 09:37 #729348 by The_Proletariat
Replied by The_Proletariat on topic The_Proletariat 550 project

loudhvx wrote:

The_Proletariat wrote: Do I need to re sync the carbs if I remove and then reinstall them without making any carb or engine changes?

In my experience, they never go back to the same sync position. It shouldn't be far off, but won't be perfect.


I checked and they were pretty close. I left the sync alone.

Hopefully I can get some color on these plugs soon so I can make a jetting assessment.

1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD

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02 Jul 2016 16:34 - 02 Jul 2016 16:36 #733636 by The_Proletariat
Replied by The_Proletariat on topic The_Proletariat 550 project
I have a chassis question.

Last summer I properly aligned my rear wheel using the tape measure method. Before this I was using the notch marks on the swing arm and the bike was pulling to the right side and the rear tire was starting to wear funny. Anyways I was happy with the result and I have not had to adjust the chain since then therefore I have not touched the wheel alignment.

Most of the roads here are crowned therefore I would expect the bike to want to slightly pull to the right however I feel this bike is starting to pull more than it should. I have checked the wheel alignment (tape measure method) and it looks good. I have not noticed the rear tire wearing funny. What else can I check?

Also let's talk about tar strips on asphalt roads. I know they can be slick however I was never really bothered by them. Lately they seem even more slippery. I felt the front tire (3 year old Kenda Kruz) slip on one today. Scared me pretty bad. Paranoid or related to the pulling issue?

1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD
Last edit: 02 Jul 2016 16:36 by The_Proletariat.

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02 Jul 2016 16:57 #733642 by SWest

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02 Jul 2016 17:11 - 02 Jul 2016 17:14 #733644 by The_Proletariat
Replied by The_Proletariat on topic The_Proletariat 550 project

swest wrote: Is the front end straight? Swing arm tight?
Steve


Have not checked the swing arm.

The front end, I am not sure. This bike has been dropped, and was in an accident. Most of the time the forks appear to be relatively square when riding straight. On some roads they appear to be very slightly turned to the right. Right after my accident the front end was way out of alignment. It is nowhere near that bad.

I believe the forks are straight. Both forks turn smoothly in the right side tree clamps. The left tree clamps is not as smooth. I have been considering replacing the triple tree but I am not sure how to determine if a ebay triple is straight before I order one.

1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD
Last edit: 02 Jul 2016 17:14 by The_Proletariat.

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02 Jul 2016 17:17 #733645 by SWest

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02 Jul 2016 17:31 #733647 by The_Proletariat
Replied by The_Proletariat on topic The_Proletariat 550 project
I have not checked the rear wheel bearing.

The front bearing feels smooth and the wheel spins for a long time.

1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD

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02 Jul 2016 17:55 #733651 by SWest

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09 Jul 2016 17:56 #734382 by The_Proletariat
Replied by The_Proletariat on topic The_Proletariat 550 project

swest wrote: Could be a wheel bearing going out too.
Steve


How does one diagnose a bad wheel bearing?

1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD

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09 Jul 2016 18:50 #734390 by SWest
Replied by SWest on topic The_Proletariat 550 project
Tire wear is a good indication. If you still have the stock ones, it would be a good idea to replace them.
Steve

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09 Jul 2016 21:42 #734414 by The_Proletariat
Replied by The_Proletariat on topic The_Proletariat 550 project
I have more tire wear on the left of the tires. I have been told this is because one takes left turns at a higher speed than right turns.

1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD

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