1981 KZ550 pods to airbox

Hey everyone
I recently put the carbs back on my 81 KZ550 after the previous owner took them off to be cleaned.After putting the carbs back on I tried to turn the bike over and it wouldn't run without being fully choked. Even with the full choke it revs up to 6k rpms and I shut the engine off to prevent damage. The previous owner threw away the factory airbox and converted the bike to pods without rejetting the carbs. I found a used airbox for 30 bucks on ebay and bought it. I'm still waiting for it in the mail so I haven't been able to test it yet. Would not having the right air system cause the bike to run like this or should I be looking for another problem?
Thanks
Nick

If not already done, would check for air leak where carbs fit into the carb holders, perhaps loose clamp(s) or damaged carb holder(s).

Also, might be air leak(s) through old worn out carb holders.

Using pods greatly increases the stress placed on the holders by weight of the carbs hanging from them without the carbs being supported at their intake sides by hoses from an air box.

This example -- Not the best seal anyhow, and worsened by increased stress due to using pods instead of the stock air box and air box hoses.














Good Fortune!

I suspect it will run better once you have put the airbox & filter back on. It always makes me wonder why anyone would throw away an airbox, especially before they can get the engine running properly. Ed

Thanks for the replies. I just took the carbs and carb boots off to inspect them. The boots actually seem brand new. I squeezed each of them and couldn't find any cracks or rips. Hopefully the air box will fix the problem

650ed wrote: I suspect it will run better once you have put the airbox & filter back on. It always makes me wonder why anyone would throw away an airbox, especially before they can get the engine running properly. Ed

+1 I just got the stock airbox setup back on my bike. The PO removed the airbox and threw it away and put pods on the bike. I think that was the first thing he did after the bike had been sitting 25 yrs! He got the bike running but just barely. Luckily he got frustrated with it and sold it after only owning it a few months.



To the PO, I would say get that airbox back on the bike and then go from there. If the carb holders are available for your bike I would just change them. It sure wont hurt to change 30 yr old rubber parts that are exposed to extreme temps anyways and then you know they are good.