TOPIC:

Grab a beer
and take a look at this KZ/Z adventure

Simply marvelous!

Very nice. Did you wind up reworking the petcock?

ayeckley wrote: Very nice. Did you wind up reworking the petcock?

The short answer is "No"
I kept getting asked this question on the YouTube video so I've written a detailed reply within the listing text.

"I've had so many questions asking if I fixed the high speed power loss issue.
During the trip provided I kept my speed below 65mph the bike was fine, so I tried to use smaller road and therefore slower speeds.
I was also scared if I tried to fix the issue I would waste half a day on the roadside, and perhaps make the issue worse.
Basically I could live with a slow top speed, its my riding style.
I still haven’t fixed the high speed power loss issue,
2020 and the Covid pandemic restrictions meant the Old Zed had very little use, simply short local low speed Sunday afternoon trips.
When Covid restrictions are lifted I’ll fix the issue"

Cool trip. Did you perform a valve clearance check before leaving?

Great video..

I'm surprised no one suggested you connect the vacuum line to one of your test ports. A piece of vacuum line would be an easy fix and answer the question. Cool video.
Steve

TexasKZ wrote: Cool trip. Did you perform a valve clearance check before leaving?

Time to confess, this old Z650 runs on a cocktail of Love and Neglect
I've owned this bike for over 30 years and always serviced it myself.
I can only once remember adjusting the valve clearances, buckets and shims.
Although the top end isn't too noisy !
The engine is leaking oil like an old English motorcycle, one day I will have to take it out and give it a very big over hall.

SWest wrote: I'm surprised no one suggested you connect the vacuum line to one of your test ports. A piece of vacuum line would be an easy fix and answer the question. Cool video.
Steve

Thanks Steven
Only 2 days ago on YouTube a Gerald Scott who uses this forum gave me the same advice
(Test Ports = Vacuum Gauge Ports)
He's the reason I've just restarted visiting this forum

Ian T-J wrote: .......................
The engine is leaking oil like an old English motorcycle, one day I will have to take it out and give it a very big over hall.

Leaking oil? From where? I bought my 1977 KZ650 new in 1977 and with more than 62,000 miles it doe not leak a single drop of oil. Is the oil leak where the tachometer cable attaches to the engine? If so, that's very easy to fix. BTW, I owned a BSA for many years, so I know how an old English motorcycle can leak. Ed

650ed wrote:

Ian T-J wrote: .......................
The engine is leaking oil like an old English motorcycle, one day I will have to take it out and give it a very big over hall.

Leaking oil? From where? I bought my 1977 KZ650 new in 1977 and with more than 62,000 miles it doe not leak a single drop of oil. Is the oil leak where the tachometer cable attaches to the engine? Ed

Hi Ed
It's mainly leaking from the gasket between the barrels and head.
It's leaked for years and years.
I wear black jeans and boots and simply top up the oil !
I do recall replacing this gasket at one point and have torqued down the head several times subsequently.

Ian T-J wrote:

SWest wrote: I'm surprised no one suggested you connect the vacuum line to one of your test ports. A piece of vacuum line would be an easy fix and answer the question. Cool video.
Steve

Thanks Steven
Only 2 days ago on YouTube a Gerald Scott who uses this forum gave me the same advice
(Test Ports = Vacuum Gauge Ports)
He's the reason I've just restarted visiting this forum

It's Steve. I changed it when I turned 18. They only used it when they were mad or wanted something from me. I got my family to stop calling me Steven but some still did when they wanted my attention. My reply was YEAH WHAT DO YOU WANT? That would shut them down.
If you open the petcock (I'm not suggesting it) you'll find a small hole where the fuel bypasses the valve to fill the bowls. When vacuum is applied the valve opens allowing full flow of fuel. Never liked them. If it were me I'd use two ports with a tee so the petcock gets a constant vacuum signal. Having just one seems to me would overwork the diaphragm at idle. I know they only use one port usually on the #3 carb just in front of the slide and my 33's have it not my 28's.
Give it a shot and let us now how it worked out for you.
Steve