Jammed Electric Starter?

So I bought this 1981 KZ750 for $450 off craigslist. It's in decent shape. Dents and rust galore but that's just cosmetic stuff I can deal with later. First thing is getting her started.

The starter button/relay wiring is broken. I'll fix that later. I hotwired the starter but it doesn't turn the crank. It just buzzes and sounds jammed. I took of the side case and checked out the starter clutch it looks fine but the electric motor should turn anyways right?

Tried kickstarting it. No go.

Today my friend and I pushed her down the hill and I let out the clutch to see if she'd start but no ignition just the sound of compression.

Perhaps there is a wiring problem with the ignitor. I'll take off the plugs and see if there is a spark when I kickstart it.

What do you guys think?

I'm no electrical guru, but sounds to me like you need a factory shop manual, a good volt/ohm/amp meter and a quiet Saturday to systematically follow the troubleshooting procedures in the manual. From your description, I'd guess ther is more than one problem.

Just give the bike to me and I'll give you what you paid for it. I will get her fixed.

mzandmz wrote:

Just give the bike to me and I'll give you what you paid for it. I will get her fixed.

haha don't tempt me. i'm kind of regretting the buy cause I don't know if I have the time or patience to fix her up.

the guy got the carbs sent to texas for a professional rebuilt and rejet w/ pod air filters too. they're pretty nice. if only i can get the engine to fire

Are you even getting spark? You need to start there. Have you pulled the tank and checked all the connections. How about fuses? Are you using new plugs? They might be fouled out. Are the carbs getting gas? Is the gas in the tank bad?...Russ

Will the battery hold a full charge? If it is weak, none of the electrical components will work correctly or at all.

I will hook up my trailer and be down asap and help releave all that tention thats building up.Its an easy fix for you.Out of sight out of mind kinda thing.That will give you time to renew your inner thoughts.:dry: There is always a better buy and more time.

Check your fire to the plugs and make sure the tank is clean. Wired George probably did the carbs so they should be good unless you had trash in the tank and cloged the carbs.

i got the engine to fire but it only runs with the choke on and it can't run for very long.

and after it dies I cannot start it up again.

I will take it off your hands and spend the 80 hours and $1000.00 to fix it. Just let me know when to show up at your house to rid you of the onging nightmare. :blink:

check your private message inbox chief.