Anyone want to collaborate on a GPz550 runs like crap flow chart?

I think it would be good to have one, and not just because I have one on my stand that runs like crap.

We could do it here and then if everyone is cool maybe make it a sticky?

Thoughts?

I could try to help. One of my Zephyrs (KZ550) runs, but the acceleration is abysmal. 

Start here...   www.kzrider.com/forum/forum-index/faq-wi...owner-things-to-know

The majority of running problems trace to (lack of) maintenance, or mods gone bad.  

Just my opinion, but making a flow chart that tells people to make sure they don't have rust in the tank, or to rebuild their carbs, properly, adjust the valves, etc, seems like a backwards way to approach the problem.

Let's start here:

A good battery should put out at least 12.8 volts (?)

Ignition coils should register (?) Ohms

 

<<Just my opinion, but making a flow chart that tells people to make sure they don't have rust in the tank, or to rebuild their carbs, properly, adjust the valves, etc, seems like a backwards way to approach the problem. >>

I wasn't going to make a flow chart about rust in the tank or adjusting valves.

Next: Minimum cylinder pressure should be 120 psi as measured with a compression gauge.

If I was gonna make such a chart, it would look like this……..

1. Do all of the routine maintenance items listed in the factory service manual.



2. Do ALL of the routine maintenance items listed in the factory service manual.





3. DO ALL OF THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ITEMS LISTED IN THE FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL!





4. DO ALL OF THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ITEMS LISTED IN THE FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL, YOU BLOCKHEAD!!,
 

chopper1963 wrote:

Let's start here:

A good battery should put out at least 12.8 volts (?)

Ignition coils should register (?) Ohms



 

I realize that you are trying to help, but this info is in the factory service manual.  People should ALWAYS use the manual as their bible.  Not some info they find on a motorcycle forum, which may or may not be correct.

BTW, no load tests on batteries are not meaningful.  Sorry...

TexasKZ wrote:

If I was gonna make such a chart, it would look like this……..

1. Do all of the routine maintenance items listed in the factory service manual.

2. Do ALL of the routine maintenance items listed in the factory service manual.

3. DO ALL OF THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ITEMS LISTED IN THE FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL!

4. DO ALL OF THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ITEMS LISTED IN THE FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL, YOU BLOCKHEAD!!,
 

I don't get it. What the heck are you trying to say??

<<I realize that you are trying to help, but this info is in the factory service manual.  People should ALWAYS use the manual as their bible.  Not some info they find on a motorcycle forum, which may or may not be correct.

BTW, no load tests on batteries are not meaningful.  Sorry... >>

Then why is that very information listed in the factory service manual/bible?

@chopper1963, please forgive this post.  It's NOT directed at you.  

All over the internet's motorcycle sites for older bikes, we see the same thing repeat: dude finds a bike that's been sitting for an indeterminate period of time.  He installs a new battery, changes the gas and maybe oil, then scratches his head when the bike doesn't start up and/or doesn't run right.  A Youtube video often follows, with the bike, maybe, running on half of its cylinders, while gasoline pours down from the carbs and/or airbox.  "Now what?" the caption reads.

Now that I think about it, my FSM has a troubleshooting section at the back of the book. It’s pretty close to a flow chart. 

I work in a power plant. I have tried to tell many folks it's like a giant car. It has a starter, it has a lube oil system, it has a cooling system. Hell... it even has a generator!  


The point I'm trying to make is this... when we do a "start up", we look at ALL the "systems".  First we need a solid connection to electricity. 15KV breaker serving the plant... check.
The hydraulic system needs to work, for the starter to work.
The cooling system & lubrication systems need to be up to snuff in this weather or we're stuffed...
Ad infinitum until you've covered everything involved.

The need to look at the bike system by system is vital for a successful start up!  As they say... "YMMV"!