TOPIC:

I just got my KZ650 this past weekend and it had been sitting for a few years. PO had pods on it but had taken them off. When I picked up the bike it cranked and ran pretty well with no leaks.
Well I put the pods back on it yesterday and it wouldnt stay running. So I took the pods back off and then it still wouldnt idle or rev. I dont think I moved anything on the carbs themselves so I dont understand why now it wont run. Any suggestions? Also, I may be opening a can of worms, but would it be better to put a stock air box back on it?

If they are high quality filters ( K&N, APE, Uni) and the carbs were properly set up for them, it might be easier to go that route.

If they are cheap filters (Emgo, non-name, etc) and /or the carbs were not properly set up, the factory air box is the way to go.

Unless there are other modifications like high performance exhaust system, cams, et cetera, you are most likely to get the best overall performance with the factory filter system.

I've known the original owner since I was a kid. He said the dreaded, "it was running good when I parked it." But he had put the pods on years ago and its got an aftermarket exhaust. They look like some no-name pods. He probably put them on in 80's. LOL
I'll try cleaning the carbs and fresh gas before I tear into them but I'm leaning towards the stock air box.
Thanks!

I'm not a fan of pods and I don't know about 650's but my KZ1000 and my wife's KZ550 are a real beotch to put carbs on the stock airbox. I put a Z1 intake and filter on my KZ1000 to make it easier to pull the carbs. I get the added bonus of easy access to the battery, along with some extra storage room.

Knucklehead wrote: I just got my KZ650 this past weekend and it had been sitting for a few years .....

Take the carburetors apart and remove deposits, clogs & debris. Make all necessary adjustments, then see how it runs.

I like the look of the pods but it doesnt sound like they are worth the hassle.

Hey I have a 1978 kz1000 that has a torn boot and otherwise in pretty good shape. What year z1 parts did you use and how do you retrofit them?

This thread is really about a KZ650, which is a different animal. However, to your question, the Z1 used the same air filter box for all three years. When the KZ900 came out in 1976, it had a completely different setup.