1976 KZ400 Carbs

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1976 KZ400 Carbs

26 May 2026 05:19
#924247
Hello all, I have a 76’ kz400 I picked up recently. I was able to get it running with a pair of carbs from a 77’. It sat dormant for 10 years (5k original miles). My question is.. what is the best or affordable pair of carbs to use on the bike? I saw an equivalent on summit racing for Mikuni VM30-83’s. Will this work? Thank you in advance! 

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  • Wookie58
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Re: 1976 KZ400 Carbs

26 May 2026 05:21
#924248
What is wrong with the 77's you have now ?
 

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Re: 1976 KZ400 Carbs

26 May 2026 05:26
#924249
I have a feeling they need to be tuned and also the push & pull throttle cable do not match exactly right. I’m only using the pull cable currently. I want to know how to tune them or get them running so the bike is not lean or rich. 

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Re: 1976 KZ400 Carbs

26 May 2026 05:40 - 26 May 2026 05:43
#924250
People here will be able to help you with that and it's probably easier and cheaper than starting with something completely different. A good starting point would be to strip them, give them a detailed clean and replace any rubber components ("O" rings, manifolds etc) 
Last edit: 26 May 2026 05:43 by Wookie58.
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Re: 1976 KZ400 Carbs

26 May 2026 05:43
#924251
I was thinking the same thing but I still need a set for my other 76’ as well. The current one I’m working on is in better shape so I feel like a new set would be nice in my opinion! How can I find the help? Attached a photo for reference - Looks the same on the other side as well. 

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Re: 1976 KZ400 Carbs

26 May 2026 05:47
#924252
I was thinking the same thing but I still need a set for my other 76’ as well. The current one I’m working on is in better shape so I feel like a new set would be nice in my opinion! How can I find the help? Attached a photo for reference - Looks the same on the other side as well. 
Doesn't look like there are any clamps on the intake rubbers so that won't help - the ones you showed from Summit require a "split" throttle cable (like on 2-strokes) I think would be a PITA to get running right IMHO

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Re: 1976 KZ400 Carbs

26 May 2026 05:50
#924253
Yes I need clamps and the throttle cable isn’t a big deal for me. Just smells rich at idle. 

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Re: 1976 KZ400 Carbs

26 May 2026 06:24 - 26 May 2026 06:27
#924254
How can I find the help? . 
You just did! Post a question, somebody answers.

Also, the Filebase here at KZR contains quite a bit of good info. For example--

www.kzrider.com/filebase-alias/category/...l-carburetor?start=0

There is also a section of the Filebase specifically for the KZ400 that includes a copy of the factory service manual.
www.kzrider.com/filebase-alias/category/11-kz400
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
Last edit: 26 May 2026 06:27 by TexasKZ.

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Re: 1976 KZ400 Carbs

26 May 2026 06:45
#924255
Thank you! If you see the carb photo, which is my fuel mix/ pilot screw?

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Re: 1976 KZ400 Carbs

27 May 2026 06:44
#924303
The brass screw circled in red is the pilot mixture screw. There is one on each carburetor. 
it is one of the last adjustments to do when tuning the bike. Several things can cause a rich idle mixture and all the others need to be taken care of first.  Trying to use the mixture screws to mask some other problems will lead to increasing frustration and sadness.

 
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
The following user(s) said Thank You: ThatGPzGuy

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