Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum. I've been posting on an alternate Kawasaki vintage bike forum for a little while, but thought I'd also come over to KZrider! Been browsing a bit and realize there are many knowledgeable folk here!
So when inheriting our home from my late father-in-law came an 81 KZ305 that had been left to sit for a while. The cover had turned to dust pretty much and the bike has seen some of the elements. Not sure how long it's been sitting, or when it last ran and how it was when it was in working order so I'm starting from ground up. Here is some photos I took on my flikr page -
Some photos of the bike
Began at the fuel tank. After trying to clean it up a little bit I found that the tank is a loss. There is a large portion that has rusted completely through. I've been looking for a tank for some time now. Just got a KZ750 tank I ordered yesterday which I felt might work given parts diagram comparision but unfortunately it will not fit. It's a bummer as it's quite a nice tank! So still searching for a replacement tank.
I got some oil into the bike (as it had none when I got to it). Opened the valve covers and inpected into where the oil is filled and really everything internally I could see looked good. No rust of any sort that I could see. Did seem like everything had a nice coating of oil on it though it had been sitting. No moisture or anything. Went and put some oil in the cylinders and after a few days gave the crankshaft a spin and it turned nice and easy for me. So really happy that the engine is moving.
Front brakes engage and hold tight though they don't want to let go so much. But at least function. Will get to rebuilding them in a little bit. The tires, chain, and cables I'm sure need replacing.
I removed the carbs and they are gummed up and wreak of varnish. I have had the main and secondary jets soaking in carb cleaner for a while now. Unfortunately the pilot jets were completely stripped. Pretty severly. I've been trying to extract these jets and have not been very successful. Had them sit with some PB blaster for a few days. Then went to using left-handed bits and extractors on them. One side I unfortunately have turned the jet into nothing but metal bits. Some remains sticking to the side. Really dont know what I can do... figure I have to replace the carb now. The other side still has some left. I didn't drill as much of it but still can't get it out with an extractor. I figure I will try and give it some heat via a torch to hope to losen enough to get it out. But fear I'm looking at new carbs which I didn't want to have to do. Why is the metal so silly soft? Just disintegrated on me.
And that is where I am right now. I am enjoying the learning process but am getting a little frustrated at where I am right now. I don't really have too much experience with mechanical dealings, but love learning new things. And would certainly love to get this bike running! Really dig these older japanese bikes!
