New member - 78 kz650

Hello everyone,
I've been looking at this board for several years now. Finally decided to join after taking the first steps to get my 78 kz650 running again. It was my first bike, and my introduction to riding motorcycles. Unlike some other folks who sell their first motorcycle for whatever reason,I kept mine. Only problem is it hasn't been ridden regularly over the years. I've got the carbs off to clean them, and with a new rear tire and state inspection, she'll be ready to roll. I'm looking forward to riding it again. Thanks.

Welcome aboard! There is a lot of great info on the forums. Ask questions, many of the members are very Knowledgeable.

Post edited by: z1rick, at: 2007/01/31 00:20

Welcome and look forward to helping if I am able!

Welcome to the site, we're here for ya guy! As a new member... YOU bring the beer! :woohoo:

Happy reconstituting. . .

Maybe a couple things to check besides the carbs;

Flushing / lubricating clutch and throttle cables so they don't bind. You might also want to lubricate the other cables (speedo/tach) to assure smooth operation there as well.

Checking brake pistons to verify that they aren't binding in the calipers.

Remove the mechanical advancer lobe and lubricate what it pivots on. If it sticks, the bike runs poorly. You can test it without taking it off the shaft, but you are probably going to be cleaning the points so a little more time invested here pays dividends. If you take it off, be careful to note which side the lobe is on, because you can reinstall it 180 degrees out by accident, and then the bike wont start.

Verify air pressure in the tires. Bike tires are really stiff, so low pressure isn't noticable. Have fun.

Good for you Conrad.
I still have my KZ650 that was my first bike. I've had it longer than I've had my wife!

Welcome Conrad.

I've also had my '78 650 for many years although she was my forth bike. Also longer than my wife. :laugh:

Great bikes indeed.
Do give us some pictures of her, as we like to see KZs in any condition.

Welcome!
Not many KZ riders can say that they raised their bike from a pup. Your 30 year anniversary is just around the corner. Good on ya!

I can say I had my 650 longer than my girlfriend and if I move to a next state I am going to use my 1000 to tow it to Florida. My 650 is a very special bike to me, since its a SR and all. To bad I am fixing it more than riding it