Installing battery/starter

I’m a 20 year old kid trying to get my dads bike that’s been sitting in the shed for 8+ years. I can’t afford a bike and so this is the best option, I took the bike into the shop and it needs a new battery and starter. The labor cost was very high for installing these because it’s so time extensive and tedious that I have no choice but to do it myself. I don’t have a lot of experience with bikes or vehicles but I want to learn some new things without creating more problems by disassembling the bike.

I couldn’t find a lot of information that was helpful in helping me figure out where to even start with this process so any advice or documents would be much appreciated!

Great to get new young blood into these bike but the models are very differen't over the years so we really need to know which model and engine size you have.
They are all very easy to work on and you will get all the help you need on this site so don't be afraid to ask even if it is the most basic of questions.
Changing a battery for example could be as simple as undoing 2 terminal bolts, lifting it out and then reverse with the new battery.
Starter motors are not much more complicated and any shop that tells you otherwise has seen you coming.
You get a lot more satisfaction and save a load of dosh by doing it yourself anyway.

Servce manuals are downloadable from the articles tab above.

Howdy. What motorcycle is it? It helps to know the year & exact model. If unsure, post a pic.
CycleChaos.com has the frame & engine numbers for many Kawasaki models.

It is a 1981 and a 1/2
KZRider 440 LTD
It is an internal starter that’s why I think it’s so time extensive because you have to take some of the engine apart I believe.

Is this an Ltd Belt? There's a Kawasaki FSM pdf available for the KZ440. It may be linked here in the Filebase. The KZ400.com site has it. warning: the forums there may harm your computer.

I would make sure the problem is the starter & not something simpler, such as the start button or starter solenoid or loose connection or something. If it is the starter, from a quick check of the manual, removing the starter motor doesn't look too involved. get a new gasket beforehand. Make sure the problem isn't something else first. The motorcycle needs a good fully charged battery to start & run right.

edit: The starter clutch would be more involved.

Think he's talking about starter clutch martin. He references internal starter. If it is the starer clutch dont be tempted to buy a kit. Get the whole unit from a reputable dealer or you'll be doing it again in a few months.

Brockton wrote: It is a 1981 and a 1/2
KZRider 440 LTD.

Take a look at the link below. Using the frame and engine serial numbers you should be able to positively identify the exact year and model of your bike. You need this information if you plan to work on the bike because there are differences between the various years and models. Ed

www.kz400.com/ModelidentificationFrameset.html

Warren3200gt wrote: Think he's talking about starter clutch martin. He references internal starter. If it is the starer clutch dont be tempted to buy a kit. Get the whole unit from a reputable dealer or you'll be doing it again in a few months.

Would you suggest this for all models? I replaced the one on my 1100 and it is making noise still.

Yes I would. I get 3 or 4 a year bought to me to fix a cheapie fix properly. I had a bike brought to me this month where a shop charged the guy £650 to fit a repair kit that lasted 2 months.