Chain Cleaning question

The bike I just purchased sat for a number of years and I am wondering if I need to and how to clean the chain off the bike? It is the original chain with just 10K miles on the bike but it looks like there is alot of dust and build upon the chain.

I was thinking of just buying a new one but I wanted to ask first because could not find anything specific while searching the forum.

I will try and post pictures after I get home from work.

Chain technology has improved greatly in the last 35 years. I'd ditch that old chain/sprockets and get new. Z1 Enterprises in a good source. If that's not an option then you can clean the old chain in solvent such as mineral spirits, diesel fuel, kerosene, or stoddard solvent. Dry well and lube with chain lube or gear oil.

ThanK you Nessium for the fast response. I think replacement will be what I will do. You stated to replace the chain and sprockets?

If you replace the chain you really should replace both sprockets, otherwise you are wasting your money. Sprockets wear. The wear may not be very noticeable, but it's there, and as the sprockets wear the pitch between the teeth change. So when you put a new chain on old sprockets the pitch does not match. That difference in pitch, even though it may not look like much, will cause the chain to wear prematurely because it must soon match the pitch of the sprockets. Ed

Wow, thank you for that. That is why I like this forum , I usually learn something new everything I post a question.

On the subject of sprockets, what would be a good ratio for riding interstate? I will be commuting at least once a week on the interstate 50+ miles one way. I have looked at some post and seen different ratios.it will be a around town bike mostly but I would like to be able to do a long ride without it being wide open.

From the diagrams at Partzilla for the 1982 KZ750-M1 CSR, stock is a 530 x 106 chain w 16T Fr & 38T Rr. Z1Enterprises.com should have the parts. On a 750-Twin, I don't know if you should consider going with a different setup. bountyhunter or steell may have suggestions in a reply here somewhere. Z1Ent searches = 530 chain. 16T sprocket. 38T sprocket.

JT Sprockets. According to their info 17T & 18T Fr sprockets are available, but I don't know if they'll fit. I'd guess yes, but that is just a guess. again, though, I don't know if you'd want to change the setup. 18/43 is similar to stock. 2.39 ratio.
JT Sprockets -->> catalogue -->> search w text -->> type KZ750 -->> choose your bike

I would recommend staying with the stock sprocket sizes. With stock sprockets, at 70 mph the engine is turning 4500 rpm. That's right around half of its redline rpm. At 4500 rpm it's making roughly 36 hp and its fuel economy is slightly better than it would be at somewhat lower rpm. Also, stock sprockets sizes will ensure the bike continues to have decent acceleration from a dead stop. You may want to take a look at the specs on pages 5 - 8 at the link below. Ed

www.kzrider.com/modules/ServiceManuals/K...l%20KZ750%20Twin.pdf

If an 18T Fr fits, then he might be able to go with an 18/43 setup & get a slightly longer chain. the ratio is about the same as stock. This should help in the parts life department.

Thanks 650ed. I did not know the stock rpm range because I have not had it on the road yet. I am going over it completely before I put it back on the road.