1981 KZ 750 LTD

New to this board so figured I would start off with a few pics of my bike. Was back in the early 80's while I was in the navy I purchased a new KZ 550. I simply loved that bike. Had it for 4 years and got transferred to a ship and had to sell it. A few months ago I was browsing Craigslist and this bike jumped off the page at me. I called and purchased it the next day. It has 33 thousand and change miles but it still runs like a champ. The case has never been cracked! No knocks, pings or other strange sounds coming from the motor. The only issue I found so far is the center stand is missing and one of the front brake pads is loose and rattles a little going down the road (ordered replacement pads but have not arrived yet). Changed all fluids, lubed the chain and I am off and cruising! The master plan is to drive it throughout this driving season (usually ends in November). Then I am having the motor completely rebuilt, top and bottom. Found a shop in North Carolina that specializes in old KZ's. and build race bikes that will rebuild it for me. I want it to remain as stock as possible (my racing days are years behind me). I know there are some who prefer a unmolested bike but the thing is I don't know who well it was treated before I got it and don't want a breakdown on the Blue Ridge Parkway (or anywhere else) and I want to keep this one for many many years so I decided to have every nut and bolt removed, inspected and replaced if necessary, inside and outside of the motor. It is a job beyond my capability to do so these guys are supposedly the best. Expensive, you bet. Worth it, most definitely! Anyway, any advice for keeping it running strong for the next 6 months? Thanks in advance.

You can't keep gas or oil in it like that. :woohoo:
Steve

Must be an Australian model :silly:


Nice catch, Hyneman.

Nice find! those tyres must be really sticky :laugh:


Then I am having the motor completely rebuilt, top and bottom.

These 550 mills are really strong and durable, maybe a service and tune up plus compression test first. You might just be throwing your money away here. I've built several of these and the cranks are still in spec 50 000 miles later.
Don't ba alarmed if it sounds a bit clanky when idling cold, they all do that.

Why would you want to rebuild the engine if it only has 33k on it and runs well? Is it leaking and/or burning oil? With proper maintenance the engine should last 3x 33k miles.