Switching Carbs on KZ700

Thanks to luvmykaw for his insight on a previous post that the the carbs used on the KZ700 was ONLY used on the KZ700.

My question is, even if the carbs on say a KZ750 are slightly different, can I use them?

the kz700 was Kawasakis answer to the duty the US/HarleyDavidson imposed in the 80's it is no more than the 750 with a smaller bore.

if it were me I would look for a set of 81-84 gpz750 carbs as they are mikuni.

just my .02

The answer is a little complicated. The carb spacing on your 700 is the same as a KZ650/750/900/1000/1100 so in theory, ANY of these bikes could donate a set of carburetors. The 700 uses Keihin carbs... CV34s I think and these are a bit hard to find parts for. Jets are an issue so making any changes to pipes and intake on your bike can create challenges... If you fit a set of VM carburetors, you will have to change throttle cable, install pod filters and change intake manifolds. This is going to add at least $100 to your carburetor project. I suggest you consider using BS32 OR BS34 carburetors which are common to some KZ750 models, KZ1000 cop bikes, KZ1000J and some KZ1100 models. Since these carburetors are used up to the present, parts are easy to buy... especially the BS34. The Mikunis are a drop in swap. You can use your factory airbox, intake manifolds and throttle cable. I think the BS32 version is a bit better choice for a smaller displacement bike as these are more tunable and offer better rideability but are much harder to find than their bigger BS34 cousins. I put a "how to install CV carbs" write up in the Filebase under the non-model-specific section.

Thanks for responses.

I found a set of GPz750 carbs on eBay that I might be able to pick up cheaply...I'll probably try this just to see if it helps at all.

What size of pod filter do I need for the BS32/34 or the GPz750's? And would I need to rejet my carb and change the clip position if I went this route?

I found out that the GPz750 uses a 110 mainjet and a 37.5 pilot, compared to my Kz700's 105 main/37.5 pilot.

(My stock airbox has old crusty hoses and a new set of them costs $41)

Post edited by: masospaghetti, at: 2005/11/17 16:02

Post edited by: masospaghetti, at: 2005/11/17 16:16

If memory serves, the GPz models used various version of the BS family of Mikuni carbs... I can't say if spacing is the same but I am guessing it is. I also believe they made BS36 or BS38 carbs (I have a set up in my shop) and those would overwhelm a KZ700... you just would get too much gas/air... If the carbs you got are BS32 or BS34 (either would work well), then you need 52mm pods. You can get them from www.z1enterprises.com - These are Emgo pods and there is some question as to whether they are covering the small holes on the venturi edge. I test using these filters are these are the most common in use and haven't noticed anything negative. As to jetting... find out what OEM jetting was originally for the carbs you bought. It varies widely in the BS family...

Go up one size pilot jet and 2 or 3 sizes main jet from what came originally if you also have 4 into 1 pipes and are using the pod filters.

The GPz750's main jet is a 110 compared to my Kz700's 105. The pilots are the same. Strangely, the GPz550 uses a larger main jet and a smaller pilot than the 750, and the carb looks a lot different entirely.

I heard that riding on the rain with pod filters is a problem because they will suck up water - is this true?

Post edited by: masospaghetti, at: 2005/11/17 17:10

On a different note, what size pods would I need for a Kz750-G1 with the inline twin? I think its running rich now, maybe pods would help.