Hello from the Chicago Burbs-Looking for some help

Hi All,
New member. I was thrilled to find the kzrider site.
I own a 77 KZ650C that has been parked for over 10 years. After some "prodding" from my neighbor, a Harley rider, I have decided the time has come to put my bike back on the road. She brought me lots of great memories, and I believe there are more to come.
It was stored properly, and I have done my best to bring her back to life. As of last night, she runs but is a "hard start". Been doing everything on-bike so far. I'm not confident tearing things off until I can confirm that it really needs to happen. I know there is much work left to do...
I'm wondering if there is anyone in the Chicago area with experience that would be interested in giving a fellow rider some help. I've never been afraid to tinker with smaller stuff... I'm the "go to" guy in the neighborhood when someone's lawn mower/snowblower/chainsaw won't run, but I'm not as confident going too deep into the bike without some experience backing me up.
I'm more than willing to trade hours to help someone else out and learn more about working on bikes, if someone with experience is willing to show me the ropes. I'll buy the water/pop/beer! lol
Send me a message if you think you can help!
Thanks Tons!
Paul

Sorry I'm not close enough to help. Do you have a fully charged fresh battery? When you try to start the bike be sure to turn the choke on and do not touch the throttle. Also, you may find the bike starts easily using the kick starter rather than the electric starter. Do you have fresh fuel in the bike, and were the carbs drained before storing? Ed

Welcome Paul,

Where do you Live, how may miles on the bike ?

How about some pics.

JD

Hi,

I'm in Schaumburg. 19K on the bike... 1 pic attached, more to come.

Well... A nice Saturday afternoon made it's way into Chicago today. I was out messing with the bike and decided "enough is enough", these carbs need to be pulled and cleaned no matter what! It wan't difficult at all. I was concerned about float bowl gaskets, but they all released with no problem. I did not take the slides off, I decided to do the lower half to see what that would net me. Re-assembled everything, turned the key, hit the starter and she fired right up... just like the good old days, maybe even better! I didn't ride as I'm still digging up my title for plates and need insurance, but I'm thrilled with the effort. I should have done it right from the start. Much more to do, but I'm excited about getting out and riding again!

Cool! I know you are smiling big time! Ed

Do you own a Kawasaki shop manual for your bike ?
If not I can tell you where to find a free PDF copy on line.

Please don't try to ride the season on old tires, especially be careful on cornering, old rubber may look fine but it isn't.

Get a big bottle of brake fluid and purge the old stuff using a tube into a clear jar until it looks fresh, clean off any spills right away with lots of rubbing alcohol.

Go to a bike shop and buy some cable lube, follow the instructions in the manual for lubing.

The fork oil is probably original and needs to be changed, also in the manual, no big deal.

I highly recommend this product for cleaning "all" the electrical connections,
store.caig.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.188/.f
Fry electronics carries it for about 16 bucks a can, plenty for 2 or 3 bikes.
"Do Not" use WD-40 as an electrical connection cleaner "ever"

Clean or replace your chain and sprockets then ride for a while to warm up the chain and spray it with chain wax while it is still warm.

I do need to get my hands on a manual. I did own one back years ago, but we flooded the year of the big tornados that ripped through here and mine was ruined. Well noted on the the maintenance that needs to be done, it's part of my plan. The manual would be a great help. Thanks!

Here you go

www.vintagebikeforum.org/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item148

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationHere's one that is at a good price delivered and includes the KZ650-C1. Kawasaki service manuals that include the C1 can be hard to find. Ed

Opps,just checked the link , I think you have to join to get the downloads, no big deal , friendly people and it don't cost nothin www.vintagebikeforum.org/index.php?action=forum

JD