Buying a KZ...what should I do first?

Hello. I'm new here. I am buying a 1976 KZ400 this weekend and I was wondering what maintenance I should do first. It runs, but has been in storage for the past 2 years. Also, is there a link to a downloadable owner's manual anywhere? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

There's the obvious:

Thorough Carb Cleaning

Oil & Filter Change

Fork Oil Change & Chassis Lube (incl. chain and brake fluid)

Spark Plugs (& possible ignition system maintenance - points/condenser)

Clutch, Chain, and Brake Adjustment

Tires if necessary (at least a pressure & condition check)

Oh yeah - I generally like to do a tightness check on ALL critical bolts and fasteners.

Post edited by: chopstar, at: 2006/08/11 10:31

Post edited by: chopstar, at: 2006/08/11 16:09

Thanks. Being new to motorcycles I have no idea where to get parts or what type of fluids to use. Any suggestions?

Also from Louisville here...there's a great cycle shop up on the north end of Dixie Hwy (the sketchy end, just north of Hill St., I think) called Magnum Cycle. They kind of specialize in older Japanese bikes/maintance/parts. They'll give you great advice, a fair price, and they have a metric butt-ton of used parts (fasters, wheels, exhaust, signals, etc, etc). I'm sure you could build a whole bike out of what they have behind the counter, out back, and upstairs. Go check 'em out. It's looks like a hole in the wall, but they'll shoot ya straight.

There is a little place you can go that you can find everything you need, E-Bay! My sugestion is search your bike year and model, and save it so you get daily updates of what new parts are available.

Best thing to do at first is to spend a few hours and read thru some posts on here. Next you should get a shop manual off Ebay or local bike shop. Since you are new to bikes there will be things that are common since to some of us but will be news to you. This is not a bad thing and you will gain experience as you go.

Your quickest resource will probably be Clymer manual for your 400. You'll probably be able to get it at the local bike shop and it will have a section on maintenance. In the longer term you will want to get a copy of the actual owners manual as it will be more comprehensive than the Clymer. Finally, if you wish to really work on your bike, need torque values, carb jet specs, etc., then the factory service manual is the only way to go. With all three you will really begin to understand your bike.

Use common sense. If something seems bent, or binds it probably needs looking at. Check cable ends carefully and if they show any sign of fraying, replace them. Also lube the cables as specified in the manual. Cables don't get much mention, usually, but they are your lifeline with regard to control of the machine, When you replace a cable destroy the old one so you're not tempted to use it again.

Lube pivot points with a good lithium grease. I picked up a small tube of white lithium grease a couple of years ago and it is far from empty, not because I don't use it, but because "a small dab'll do ya!"

Once you go through it carefully, you'll know that machine like the back of your hand. You'll know what every part does and you'll know instantly of something is out of place.

Enjoy!

- Nate >>

www.kz400.com has a whole bunch of info, parts fiche etc.