Wont Fire

Hello all. So I am new to the motorcycle world and I bought a European Spec 1981 KZ500 4 cylinder to play with. When I can get it started it will only run on the right 2 cylinders and they fire fine. I checked spark and fuel on the left bank and everything is fine. Is there a difference in timing for each bank or could there be another issue? I have tried doing a Google search and I am not coming up with much. I have also found an old manual online but it tells me to check fuel, spark, and timing. all of which, as far as I can tell are fine. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I would first check to be sure that the spark plug wires are hooked up properly. One coil fires cylinders 1 & 4, the other coil fires 2 & 3.
My guess is that the wires for 1 & 2 are mixed up.

I'd pull the carbs and do a full cleaning (ungang, soak in carb dip, replace gaskets and O-rings). Then adjust the valves, replace/clean the air filter, make sure the gas tank is clean and do the clear tube test on the carbs to assure there is fuel. Check spark of course. Do these things and there is a very good chance the bike will fire right up.

Thanks for the advice. I will check it out. is there a good tech manual for this bike that is recommended? or online resource? Thanks again.

The genuine Kawasaki factory service manual is best. Be sure to get the one that covers your exact year and model. If you regularly search European eBay and similar selling sites, you should eventually find one. In the mean time, a Clymer or Haynes manual can get you by.

I am not very familiar with the 500cc bikes, but a factory service manual (fsm) for U.S. models may be good for the major systems on Euro bikes as well. The differences may be in minor items like fenders and mufflers. The Clean Air System, used in the U.S. to reduce exhaust pollution, would not be present on yours, but it is of no consequence.