first bike where do i start

im getting a 1982 kz550 ltd for $400 and it has been setting a year and a half i was just wondering if anyone has any suggestion on what i need to do before i start it its been covered in a garage he says it runs fine the carbs just need cleaned. any suggestions.

After sitting a year and a half, it probably needs a battery, it could use some fresh gas (I'd drain the tank & carb float bowls) oil change and fresh spark plugs. Run some Seafoam gas treatment in the first few tanks of gas, lube the chain and all the cables.

Safety equipment... must have good gloves and a helmet!

Ride safe, have fun!

DO nothing for the time being...

Obtain a service manual.
Read & study service manual.
Get to know the ins & outs of you're new KZ.

Then go after whats wrong with her... Translation, if you know what it's supposed to do then troubleshooting the cause is a hell of a lot easier...

In the back of the OEM service manuals, they provide a fairly efficient troubleshooting guide.

Assuming the engine isn't siezed...

Insure a good charged battery.
Insure oil is filled to specs.
Fresh gas and the tank isn't full of rust.
At least check carb float bowls aren't all gunked up.
New plugs.

Try to start her then go from there.

Change the oil and filter, clean/replace the air filter, pull the carbs and clean them thoroughly. Lube cables, check brakes for proper operation, tighten the cam chain, check your points (if it has them), check for spiders, check the tires, wear a helmet, wear a jacket, wear long pants, wear boots, wear gloves, wear out the tires and repeat.

thanks guys

i noticed they have 4 different carbs and ive looked at the forums for some info about them and got some good insight but anything special that i might need to look for when cleaning that a manual wont have in it.

and i still have like a month before i get it so i have time to go over the manual any ideas where i could get one for cheap or nothing (like a .pdf)

Carb Cleaning 101

Carb Cleaning 102

there is also a picture around here somewhere outlining simple clean that involved spraying in some holes and plugging some others up...maybe somebody knows where it's at else i'll have to get back after i find it again

as far as the manual some internet searching may turn one up...i found an pdf owner's manual for my 650 at kz650.info, i'm sure there's one for your 550 somewhere

Cleaning the Pilot Circuit

thanks smokin i appreciate the help i was on yesterday and looking and found an owners manual in .pdf so that will help. again thanks guys

now those are fun bikes..maybe the funnest bikes ever!!!!mine was an urban assault tool...i could do more/better on that bike than on bigger bikes....no fuss engines,no fuss handling,great bike...air pressure in tires is a great place to get your bie to suit your riding, settings right..people vary on their preffered p.s.i...i like 34-36 with 36 in the back...but find a base setting and go up and down 2 psi between rides.till your happy.....great bike...welcome....