Complete newbie (obligatory pics included)

Well, first I'll just say a simple hello. I'm completely new to riding, always wanted to, never had the opportunity. I'm also very, very not mechanically inclined, so of course I picked up a 28 year old bike that needs some work.

I got a 1980 KZ550 LTD with 13k miles from a guy in exchange for an old laptop I hadn't used in months. Seems like a pretty good deal to me. She needs a new battery and the clutch cable seems to be frozen up, so those are the first two items on my list, and I'm sure plenty more will crop up. I plan on learning a lot about working on a bike over the winter as I take this as my free-time killer.

Oh, and I already know...MSF course before I ever even think of considering maybe riding.

With all this out of the way, here's the pics:

[img=http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/6898/img0784fb5.jpg]

[img=http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7460/img0785gl8.jpg]

[img=http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/1769/img0786br8.jpg]

[img=http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/1323/img0787oo9.jpg]

Welcome to KZR, nice 550 LTD you scored there. Sounds like you have a good plan and were here to help.
Mark

looks like a good score i'd have traded every computer i have to work with to get that bike.

Good looking bike. These bikes are good for killing free time with!. Welcome to the site

any ideas how much batteries for these run? Also, any advice on where to get a good manual (with lots and lots of pictures) for this model? KZ550 for dummies would be beautiful :laugh:

mattsand wrote:

any ideas how much batteries for these run? Also, any advice on where to get a good manual (with lots and lots of pictures) for this model? KZ550 for dummies would be beautiful :laugh:

A battery for your bike should be about US$40.00 delivered (check www.z1enterprises.com ) but you'll have to find a local autoparts store that sells acid (batteries are shipped dry). For the manual, buy the Kawasaki manual (better than any other manual) and there are several currently on eBay...expect to pay about $US30.00 delivered.

And welcome to KZR...

Welcome sir, nice bike indeed!!!

My 82kz550 also came with a troubled clutch cable. Motionpro has them in stock and at a good price(under 20.00). At least yours is broken now and not downtown with the wife on back....fresh out of moto school!!

Good ol Vice-Grip plyers on the clutch arm well to tell you what is stuck, the clutch itself or the cable.

On a side note, its a new bike, clutch or no clutch, should take her around the neighborhood.

Mat, welcome. Agree w/mcdroid, Kaw manual is best, tho even it is a little primitive. You've done well for your' first bike, The 550 in all its' guises is/are remarkaby hardy. ride safe, have fun.G

Welcome bubby. You should have fun with that one and you got penty of folks here that can help you along the way.

Hey, GOOD trade!
Now instead of playing a vidio game about rideing a motorcycle, you can do it for real!
When you're first going to practice rideing, get to a empty parking lot, or cemetary, or some area that no cars or distractions will interrupt your consentration.
If you can, have a friend to drive you to that area, then get off and let you take over and practice, do it a few times a week untill you get used to the power of the bike.
Don't be like me and do a down hill wheelie, down my dads driveway on my 175 enduro! :S Because I wasn't used to the clutch :silly: I saved it somehow!
Be Safe, small motorcycles can hurt too.

My next question:

I know it's been at least 1 year since this bike has been started. I've got all the lights etc working, new battery in, clutch cable lined out,changed the oil. everything seems ready to start it up....

But I want to know if there's anything I should do as a precaution since it's been so long since the bike has run.

I have some seafoam, should I add some to the first bit of gas to start it, spray some in the carbs, or any other idea?

mattsand wrote:

My next question:

I know it's been at least 1 year since this bike has been started. I've got all the lights etc working, new battery in, clutch cable lined out,changed the oil. everything seems ready to start it up....

But I want to know if there's anything I should do as a precaution since it's been so long since the bike has run.

I have some seafoam, should I add some to the first bit of gas to start it, spray some in the carbs, or any other idea?

If not already done - - -

Would drain all carb float bowls to remove any old stale crummy gasoline remaining in them so it won't be immediately sucked on up further into the carb internals.

Would also completely drain and flush out the fuel tank by sloshing some fresh gasoline around inside, and drain it again. Best method imo is to remove the tank, turn upside down to dump fuel from filler hole, add some fresh gas, and repeat. Tank removing and reinstalling are quick and easy processes that are involved in much of the routine maintenance on these bikes.

And install an inline fuel filter.

Good Luck!