Feeding My Addiction

So currently have have a 2015 Vulcan S (daily rider), '77 KZ 650 (restoration complete) '67 Samurai A1 (Restoration started) and yesterday I picked up this 1980 KZ 750E. (for my next restoration project)
Luckily I have an understanding wife.
 

Welcome to the site. Nice bike. Looks to be pretty much all original. Exhaust, turn signals paint, even the shocks.. 

nice find

"Welcome to the site. Nice bike. Looks to be pretty much all original. Exhaust, turn signals paint, even the shocks.. "

I've been here for a few years, mostly lurking and researching.
Yes the bike is mostly all there but has high mileage and some engine issues.
The warm compression is 120, 130,160 and 165. I'm hoping its just valves not sealing as the rings were changed not too long ago.
The other concern is the crankcase noise. At low RPM just before it stalls, it sounds like a bunch of chains and pop cans rattling around in the bottom of the engine. I'm guessing the primary chain might be stretched with too many miles on it? My 650 does that the odd time but not nearly as pronounced as this bike.

The good part is the bike came with a mint (driven maybe one year) like new complete exhaust system, spare fuel tank, fender and side covers so that I can repaint one set original red and the other original silver. The exhaust on the bike does look like it just needs a good polishing as it is solid with no rust holes.

How many miles/km on the bike?  Primary chain noise is normal to some extent, and it's greatly exacerbated by unbalanced carb sync, and poor running at idle in general.  Also, shrunken/diminished rubber bumpers in the clutch hub and secondary shaft sprocket will increase noise.  I upgraded those when rebuilding my 750.  

Oops!  A senior moment with the welcome bit.

Hopefully the compression will come back up with a valve adjustment and some running time.

The 750/4s are known for  crankcase noise at low idle . A carb synch which you will probably do may help lessen the rattle. Mine sounds the same - a tin can of nuts an bolts - at low idle but not to bad at 1100rpm. After 21 years I no longer worry. The 750 motor is pretty solid. I have 99,000 km (just over 60,000 miles) on it and hope to rack up many more.

looking forward to seeing pics as you bring it back life.

This is my 8th restoration since 2020. This addiction started as a Covid project with an H1E 500 Triple. I used to do old Porsches. See the link below. All are under 5 minutes long.
My KZ650 video isn't completed yet so it isn't there.
Every restoration has been a complete, every nut and bolt tear down (frame, engine, driveline, everything), clean, polish, rebuild, repaint or replace. Because this one had a fair bit of engine work done within the last 10K? I was hoping to do a good assessment and if a valve adjustment brings up the compression, then only do minimal engine work.

Doug's Restoration Videos

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