kz 650 hasn't been started in three years

Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum and purchased a kz650 yesterday for 300 bucks. It hasn't been started in a few years, but I feel that it wants to. no rust in the tank, good battery power, and the pistons feel like their moving when I move the bike backward in second gear. I don't want to hurt the bike by firing it up right away. any thoughts, thanks, ryan

Change the oil and filter before starting and I'd shoot a little lite oil in the cylinders before hitting the starter. Fresh fuel of course and an inline fuel filter wouldn't hurt in case there's stuff in there you can't easily see. Once started, I'd let it warm up and change the oil & filter again to flush any old junk from engine. Once you get it running be sure to change the brake fluid & fork oil and lube the chain, cables, and any pivot points before riding it. (and check the tires) Good luck with it.

Ryan-Be sure to take a real close look at ALL of your gaskets!!! I had a few extra leaks after 3 years of sitting myself.

If it has been sitting for three years with gas in the tank and carbs then I would say the carbs are rally gummed up and will need a good cleaning. What does the gas smell like in the tank?

You can sit for 150 yrs and the gaskets don't care. Actually they are happy with the rest. Gas in the tank and carbs is another story.