1980 kz650f

So, not only am I new to this forum, but I am also new to the motorcycle world.
I've been wanting to get into riding for a little while now, and this opportunity fell into my lap:
I just acquired a 1980 Kz650f. It belonged to my uncle's brother, who stopped riding about 15 years ago (parkinson's), and it has sat in their family's junk yard in Wisconsin ever since. So after 15 years of sitting untouched through wisconsin winters, it isn't running and is needing some rebuilding/updating and repairs.
I figured if I want to begin riding, what better way than rebuilding a bike and learning everything about it mechanically beforehand. (I will be taking motorcycle riders course and getting my license in the meantime).
I do have my buddy who is a big motorhead assisting me on this project, but was hoping you guys would also be willing to provide some insight, advise, and what have you as well.
I'm getting a server error when I try to add photos, so you don't get to see the bike yet.
But I have already pulled and cleaned the carbs.
Thanks ya'll

The pics might be too large. If you can post them, it will help. Is it a rust bucket?
Steve

Let's try this again.

Welcome, looks like you got some good complete bones to start from. You are in the right place. Good luck!

Pump nozzles. You may already know this, but test the accelerator pump by supplying fuel to the carbs then actuate the throttle pulley vigorously: fuel should squirt straight out the nozzles without hitting the carb bore walls.

Rear brake. I would replace the rear brake shoes. The adhesive that binds the linings to the shoes can fail over time, so a lining can separate from a shoe then get jammed between the shoe & drum, locking the rear wheel. It happened to me when rolling the bike off the center stand, so it does happen. I would get oem shoes or Vesrah (made in Japan). It has been reported that some aftermarket shoes don't fit right.

I'm just jealous... so many of you folks all seem to find these easy rebuilds and have two car garage shops with all that room to work on them in !!!
I'm standing on my head in the drive way or along side the garbage cans most of the time.... LOL

Welcome.
Nice looking F model you've got there.

I think the engine might be from an earlier model, a '77.
You can check the engine #, stamped next to the oil fill hole, here: www.jarlef.no/Kawasaki/Series/Z/650/z650.htm

Accelerator pump carbs came out in '79,.

There's those shark teeth again. Cool. :evil:
Steve

This is awesome! I'll be joining this project soon. Got an old beater for $200. It's a KZ 650 C1 I think. Cleaned the carbs and got it started. Motor seems ok so now it is all the time to make it look good

That's half the battle. I started polishing and painting parts that have not been touched in 30 years. No money, just time. Glad I did. When I finally got the money for the engine, I was half way there. PLS excuse the yard. I had a almost terminal case of the F it's. The bike brought me out of my FUNK. :woohoo:
Steve