Hi all, first post, hope I get this right.
I have a 1978 KZ-650. I think its a B model, or D, can't ever keep that straight. For the last 2 years it's been getting worse and now I can't ride it unless I have at least 15 minutes notice!
This is what I mean: Until its been idling 10-15 minutes and it completely warmed up, it only idles, and idles a little rough. If I try to open the throttle a little, it sputters and misses like crazy and will die. Oddly, when you first hit the starter, it zooms right up to 5000 rpm if you want but you can't hold it for more than 20-30 seconds because it will die at that throttle opening until warmed up.
Once its a little warmed up, it still stumbles around for the first few miles, at low throttle openings. If you can get the throttle opened up without stalling it, it roars and takes off like a banshee. It can jerk you back in your seat.
Even when I've been riding an hour, it still runs much better at wider throttle openings.
What I did before this: Tore down all 4 carbs and stood over a parts washer for days, with a toothbrush. Seemed like it was running very rich before I did this, so I moved the clip on the needles to lean it out a little. After that, the low-opening problem was still there, and it ran noticeably hotter.The plugs came out whitish-tan.
Since I still had the issue, I tore them down again, cleaned them on a bench (no parts washer at hand) with carbo-clean and put the clips back where I had them at the start. I haven't looked at the plugs after that. There's little change in performance except that the gas milage is way down- from about 40 to about 33. I have a new air filter, and new plugs.
I often smell gas but can't find and liquid gas puddling anywhere on the bike or floor.
I'm wondering about fuel flow-- why would that be related to temp?
Help!