kz 1100 carb boots

Hello all hope I can get some help. Just inherited a KZ 1100 and it needs some work. This is what i know. the bike lost power over about 10 miles. it sat for about 6 months. i cleaned the carbs but the owner said that he had had it done, they were spotless. the bike wont start on its own but if i prompt the air box with some gas it will run for a few seconds and sounds strong. the boots that go to the air box are hard as a rock and i am have a problem getting them back on. are they supposed to be hard. The vacuum hose on the bottom of the box that goes to the case is cracked and probably needs to be replaced. Any help would be awesome. 5304

I dont know much about the 1100, but if the boots to the air box are hard, chances are the manifold boots are shot as well. replace them all. Could be a real lean mix not allowing it to run? Doe's it run with the choke on? How is the spark? May also make sure the ignition advance is free to move, and lube it.

Dont know about the ignition advance i will look through the book. The boots on the intake side of the carbs are soft and easy to work. will the bike run without the air box hooked up?

The bike will not run right, or maybe not at all, without the air filter hooked up. New boots are soft and easy to install, so your best be is to replace the old ones. Ed

OK it started without the air box hoses on but ran like crap. new hoses ordered thanks all. cant seem to find the hose that goes from the bottom of the air box to the case. anyone know where i can get one?

That part may still be available from Kawasaki. If so, any dealer can order it. Ed

I soaked mine in xylene and winter mint oil for abotu 24 hours. The boots were soft and plyable and east to work with. The will harden up again after about a week.