1981 KZ550A2 Update

I'd say.
Steve

So I started looking closer at coils and connections. Each connector was worn out and loose. Both coils are TEK coils so I assume they are stock. Spliced in new connectors and shrink wrapped em red for + and black for -. I have a pretty severe color blindness so unfamiliar wires seem more black and white tones. Anyway, connectors solidly fixed and waiting for spark wire and plug caps in the mail. I tore apart the seat and cleaned the seat pan. It was rusty and pitted with minor corrosion on the drain hole areas. I took the wire wheel to it. Three upholstery tang created using a small drill to make the tang and the careful bending and filing sharp leftovers. But then I said to myself why not paint. Yes it's WI and it's just freezing but what the hell. So I got some old moving boxes and tape and suspended the pan inside by wire. Used gloss black enamel primer/paint combo stuff. When it dries I will put some pics up. It won't win any awards here on KZR but will keep the pan alive for a long time. My guess is ten years sitting outside not running is bad for any bike but the seat pan rust and cover deterioration is from the rain soaking it. Also the foam smells worse than my beloved golden retriever Sandy when she rolled in dead fish on the beach. R

A cpl pics. Will show upholstery too. R

Did you have a cover made? Damn it's cold down here. 20* this morning. Should be in the high 50's later today. What's it like up there?
Steve

Its nice now 18 degrees. :laugh:

Looking at a winter storm 6-12" expected. Really been a mild Nov/Dec so we are already ahead of the game. Usually avg a high below freezing for Dec Jan AND Feb here.

I bought a cover of ebay, not here yet. Handmade for the A model seat with pleats and no Kawasaki stencil. Has a bit of padding added as well. Guaranteed to fit. :woohoo:

Happy New Year. R

40* at 8:00. Just moved the bike around front. Will venture out at 9. Will be in the 50/60's the rest of the week. OK down here but in the high desert it won't get past 40. At least I can ride. I'll be doing a valve adjustment this week plus a few other things. New tire for the rear on the 1st. This one is almost bald. Can't wait for spring. :woohoo:
Where did you order your new seat cover? It's funny, people look at the fender, then the tank and the seat. If they look good, the rest doesn't seem to matter. :whistle:
Steve

ORDER: KAWASAKI KZ550A 1980-83 Custom Hand Made Motorcycle Seat Cover
ebay.

The strap came off the seat really. I put some armor all on it l. Hopefully it's age won't look to much in contrast to the new vinyl. R

Armor all dries out the cracks the vinyl. I use baby oil.
Steve

I have linseed oil that I use on my leathers. Also have some mink oil somewhere. R

Well I dug into the top of the carbs to put in a hi idle adjuster and inspect the choke flaps. The adjuster is slick and easy - thanks LOUDVX for the mod. Every choke flap was unstaked and on the verge of being sucked in the motor. I am thinking some epoxy over the pin ends will work great. Solder is probably a no go as it is aluminum. JB weld should be fine here as it is mostly air contact not fuel. What says ye?

A short vid, may take a bit to upload. let is perk it's 1080 60p

R

What about super glue on the pin ends?

R

UPS man brought my NGK plug caps and new 7mm spark wire. Pics. Later R