Any backyard mechanics in the Ottawa Ont area?

I am starting to get fed up with my 1984 KZ550 LTD. I have been fighting to get it to run properly for two years and I am at the point where I need someone new to look at it. It runs rough, and switches around on the cylinders it is running on. It also needs the front brake bled. I spent hours and cannot get full pressure. The motorcycle dealers have no interest in working on old bikes, unless somebody knows of one around Ottawa.

Thanks

Kevin

Have the valve clearances been checked?
Carbs synced?

You can try wrapping a bungee chord or something similar around the brake to keep it real tight. Let it set over night and it should allow the last bit of air to escape and leave you with good brakes.

The valves were done prior to the prvious owner - my father in law - storing the bike for a couple of years. The brake has pressure, but it pulls in all the way to the handlebar, I will try the bungee trick tonight. The carbs were gummed up and I put rebuild kits in them and blew compressed air through all the passages, but they cut in and out. I have had them on and off 15 or 20 times - I'm pretty quick doing that now. Perhaps a new set might be in order, although if I buy used I could be dealing with the same problems.

BTW - you guys always ask for photos - here they are.

oops - too big

Success! I cleaned the carbs last weekend and installed them tonight. All four cylinders are firing. I have a bungee cord around the brake and we will see if that helps.

Thanks for the advice - and motivation.

Kevin, you could try to contact Steve Darlington (username darlington). I believe he is in your area. He might be busy as he races in the VRRA , but he might be able to point you in the right direction.