My 1970's Kawasaki 750 Fix up/rebuild/project

My father recently purchased a 1970's (not exactly sure on the year) Kawasaki 750. I only saw it for a bike when I went home to Illinois from Colorado for winter break. during the break I rebuilt/cleaned the carbs and after some work got it to fire up and although it was snowing I rode it up and down the driveway with no big problems. It did run really rough and the low beam didnt work.

This fall I am planning on haveing a friend ride it down to Florida and up the east coast accompanying me on my XT600. I want to tune it up and get it running good so we dont have any issues (major issues) along the way. I am looking for some reccomendations on what to do to it to get it ready and what typicall goes out on these the quickest.

Right now all that has been done it this:
-Sealed Gas Tank with liquid sealer stuff
-Cleaned Carbs
-Installed New Battery

I was thinking my first move would be valve clearance adjustment, but I am looking for advice as to what to do.

I also got alot of ideas from people at advrider.com and I realized that I need to replace the exhaust gasket and sync the carbs. I am really unsure how to sync the carbs so I am looking for advice on that.

Here are some more pictures of the bike:

Your bike is either a '78 or a '79, they were pretty much the same.

The only really big thing I would warn you about is the starter clutch. If you're going on a long tour like that, I would encourage you to READ THIS and consider checking yours out first.

...oh, and of course, do all the regular stuff, like brakes, tires, floats, etc....

Ok, well the consensus over at advrider.com is that it is not an exhaust leak but and oil leak from the valve cover.

I am still looking for advice on the project and also the procedure for syncing carbs.

Hi, first thing is to remove that windshield, it'll start running better...he he he...as for synching the carbs, there is a tool for that(of course). it uses 4 tubes with mercury or a new blue liquid along with 4 hoses. there are home made one on the net, but if you aren't using the manual and plenty of patience this jobs will make you eat paste......or the mercury...or the carburetor...but if you have cleaned the carbs well, this is without a doubt one of the most important things in gewtting it to run "right".
how long has it been sitting? check all rubber...hoses, wiring for cracks, gaskets for leaking...and don't for get a fresh supply of cold beer. I would also bleed all the fluid from the brakes and refill with fresh fluid, as brake fluid is real good at absorbing water and causing internal corrosion.

good luck and happy trails.

MadKaw500 wrote:

Hi, first thing is to remove that windshield, it'll start running better...he he he..

An old windshield with *any* scuffing on it will completely blind you at night the first time you meet an oncoming set of headlights! :ohmy: