Never expected to be here

I've spent the last day trying to figure out what exactly to write here. I am the owner of a 1981 KZ650 H1 CSR. I came by this bike by way of my 26 year old son who died on October 2nd of this year. It is bittersweet that I now own a bike because our long term plan was to both have bikes and ride together. Joshua(my son)bought this bike back in August. He had for a grand total of about 15 minutes before he laid it over. He then proceeded to park it in his driveway, and there it sat until his mother and I went to pack his belongings.
I guess in some way this bike will be therapy for me to deal with his loss. You see, he took his own life, and left all the remaining parts of his life lying about for the rest of us to sort out.
I will be the first to acknowledge a limited machanical capacity, but i am a quick study. I will try to the best of my ability to adhere to the practices of this forum. All I ask is that on occasion you indulge me as dealing with this is all still quite fresh. I look forward to gaining not only knowledge, but a sense of accomplishment in bringing this bike to its fullest ability.

sorry for your loss and please feel free to ask for what ever help you may need it will be given gladly and freely, these guy's on here are a great bunch of guy's and have an incredible amount of knowledge to give away. welcome to the site, brother

Condolences. With our help and his we should be able to set the bike right. Looks to be in nice shape as it is. What damages were done?

welcome to z-jungle

I have a laundry list of problems already identified.
1. The needle on the tach appears to be broken.
2. The wiring is horrendous, a new harness is probably the best fix
3. Needs a new oil seal at the tach cable connection.
4. Needs a new front brake lever, master cyclinder is shot, light control switch is broken(gone).
5. Distinct knock on the right side of the motor when running.

Almost certain the carbs need to be at least cleaned and adjusted.
Thats for starters

have you got a shop manual yet?theres nothing terribly complicated about these bikes,just start with the small things and work your way up the ladder if you cant figure something out we will find a way to make it work for ya.

Hi butch and welcome.. Hey by chance is the smaller cover on the right side of the engine(ignition/timing cover) damaged or pushed out of flush with the housing behind it,,,if he laid it over on the cover you could have some parts knocking around against one another( crank end bolt against timing cover.... small chance..i would find out where the knock is coming from before any thing else....take a big flat head screwdriver and touch it around the motor next time you start it..hold it listen and move on doing it again ..this may locate the area...i have the correct tach for you and will donate it to your bike just let me check this weekend and reply on this thread ...and very ,very sorry for your loss... peace craig

that knock could also be something as simple as your carb's being out of sync. that tach seal is an easy fix.master cylinder is easily rebuilt kits are available, if it was running the wiring can't be that bad just take your time and breath deep anything can be fixed. we are all here to help butch. and look at that free stuff already.

Ther is a Clymer manual packed in one of the 20 or so odd boxes of stuff along with all his tools and furniture in a U-Haul storage unit. The plan is to rummage through boxes this weekend and find it. As far as the wiring goes, lots of electrical and even some duct tape on wiring behind the left panel beside the battery box. I'm afraid to look!!!!

like i said before there ain't nothing that can't be fixed just step back take a deep breath then dive right in. don't let fear and common sense stand in your way. that bike has been on this planet for thirty years it's not going anywhere by itself is it. it will be there tomorrow or a month from now so don't sweat it. i teach mechanics and i have found over the years that if you think too much about it it will only make you nervous about trying something new.
remember we can't do it for you but we sure will have a lot of opinions about how to do something.

Hi Butch:

I have restored several baskets over the last twenty years so if there is anything we can help you with the guys on this forum are excellent!

You may have to beware of their sense of humour from time-to-time but on the whole they are knowledgable and friendly.

Hopefully working on the bike will help you through the greiving process but for my two cents worth I wouldn't reccommend alienating the rest of your family. I say this based on the knowledge that I spent endless hours consumed by my bike.:blush: A couple hours a day is pretty normal but if you find you're out there for the whole day and haven't been around your family...well that's your business anyway... but just my way of condolences.

Welcome to the forum

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. I used that analogy on my Z1 as it was a basket case. Divide it into sections kinda like the manual does. I found it overwelming at times when every part was on the bench then you say what did I get myself into.Then I realized one thing at a time. Its a proud moment when it is finished. Sorry about your loss, this may be your way of grieving, which I would probably be doing the same. Good luck and don't be shy to ask questions.