78 KZ750 Unrealiable start

I have a 78 KZ750 that I have been working on. I rebuilt the carb last week, synced the butterfly valves, and fixed a vaccum leak so the bike finally sounds and runs like it should. The battery is pretty much new, only a bit over a month old. I am now having issues starting the thing cold. It will start cold, but it usually involves a bit of starter fluid and excessive amounts of kicking. When warmed up, it easily starts with the electrical starter. I think there is something wrong with the starter motor or clutch. I have a video of the noise it makes. Anyone know what this might be?

Here is the video of the problem:

Doesn't sound like the starter clutch to me, I think you would hear a lot more metallic noise. Sounds like it's cranking but not starting. Could be a weak coil/condenser, etc or carb problems. If the choke (richener) circuit is not working, it really won't start cold.

Can that be adjusted on the carb?

Another thing that will make it a bugger to start is timing and /or timing advancer problems. Also valve clearance too tight can make them hard to start.

pazzadelivery wrote: Can that be adjusted on the carb?

The richener circuit is inside the carb, the choke lever raises the piston that lets the gas flow through it on both carbs. It's just a big jet that lets lots of gas in to start.

bountyhunter wrote: Another thing that will make it a bugger to start is timing and /or timing advancer problems. Also valve clearance too tight can make them hard to start.

I think timing might be a problem. I have been hearing a noise like a 9mm bullet from the exhaust when I shut the bike off, and my local mechanic said it could be a timing issue. How is this adjusted? Are there any guides you know of?

You need to get your hands on a Kawasaki Service Manual. It gives very detailed instructions on setting the timing and everything else you would ever need to know about maintaining your bike. Be sure to get the one for your exact year/model as there are differences. You should be able to find one on eBay. Ed

+1 I got a factory manual on CD from ebay for about $5.