Compression being funny

Hi.

Just bought my first bike. It's a 76 kz650. When I bought, I heard the engine kick start and run. But but I have not been able to get it running since. I know it had carb problems. The owner said it would die as soon as given gas. But that's a whole other story. I'm kinda worried about the compression. When I kick it over, it has compression but only most of the time. Every couple kicks or so, it has no compression and my foot goes straight to the floor. What's going on here?

Also I don't know if it means anything, but when I drove it home I had to lay the bike on its side I order to fit it in my car. Please help me if you can! Thanks

Welcome
The clutch may be sticking. You can't kick it with the clutch disengaged. You'll need to clean the carbs and get a new battery. Check the valve adjustments. Get a manual too.
Pics?
Steve

You laid it on its side? :blink: What did you do to prevent battery acid, brake fluid, oil, and fuel from spilling out? Also, there's no such bike as a 1976 KZ650. If it was built in 1976 it is a 1977 model. No different than if you bought a 2016 Chevy in December 2015 - it is still a 2016 model. Ed

that was a typing error. It's a 77/78 model. I'm going to have to check out/ probably change the clutch. Right now I the electric starter has a similar problem in that whenever I use it, the engine turns over but the starter motor intermittently starts to grind really bad. Im guess that a problem with the clutch? Or would that be unique to the starter clutch?

Two different animals. Take the sprocket cover off and see if you have compression. If so, clean and grease the actuator and check the cable.
Steve