Newbie qustion...what to look for...

Hi everyone. I put a post in the introduce yourself section...I jumped on an ad in the local craigslist and scored a 1980 KZ440 for free. It started right up when I jumped it (bad battery--and for that matter, it sure would be nice to have a kickstarter). Anyway, I haven't ridden it yet due to the battery issue and the seat is pretty much gone, BUT it idled smoothly and didn't have any hitches in the revs. What are some things I should check for, etc? The bike was last tagged in 1985, no rust and has (according to the tach) only 3255 miles.

Thanks

I can't really help you on what to look for, there are others here who know a lot more than I do.

But let me be the first to say: Nice Score. Let's see the picsB)

Things to look for:

1. drain gas and look for rust in the tank. If there is surface rust, flush the tank with a phosphoric acid solution to deaden the rust and then refil the tank with gas (after flushing at least once with gas and blowing it dry with compressed air). Use an inline gas filter
2. replace the carburtor intake manifolds
3. buy a manual and go through the tune up and lubrications steps... all of them.
4. check compression to ensure it is within spec
5. lubricate mechanical ignition timing advance assembly
6. change brake fluid and check brake pads
7. replace cables if ends are fraying and lubricate thoroughly, if they are in good shape.
8. lubricate swingarm and steering head bearings
9. replace tires even if they still look great; old rubber cracks! Replace the tubes (if installed with tubes) and rim strips.
10. open up electrical connectors; clean with spray contact cleaner and apply dielectic grease

Although many of the components will look fine, the age mandates replacement for safety reasons. With a little TLC, sounds like you have scored a great deal.

Thanks...this is what I was looking for!

del