Newbie -Picked up 84' KZ550 F2

[84_KZ550_NewB]

~1984 Kawasaki KZ550 F2 - 13,xxx miles

Just picked up a 1984 KZ550 F2 for $450.

Doesn't run at the moment. Cleaning out the carbs(been sitting for 5 years). Carbs are sticky really bad. As I was taking the airbox and filter and all that out, I had a hard time doing it. But I managed to get it out and the carbs. I have a question, instead of replacing/using the bulky airbox and filter, can I just get individual filters for each carb and a small filter for the small hole that is in the transmission that attaches to the bottom of the airbox? Something like this...http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...s-100_1464.jpg ??? If I did this, do I need to adjust or make any other mods to let it run right with the individual filters? What is a good size diameter of a filter would be perfect to fit 4 of them in there?

I have so many other questions too about this bike but I'll ask them later in this thread and keep one thread going for me.

Will post pictures soon! I'm looking forward to learn about this bike and other stuff too. I'm sure I'll enjoy it here!

Thanks
Jay

Pictures added

05/26/08 - Carbs missing, currently working on cleaning them.

[aaronrkelly]

Those individual filters are referred to as "pod filters". If you switch over to pods your going to have to rejet.....which isnt a huge deal considering your already going to be into the carbs anyways.

I have K&N pods on my KZ1000......and I H*A*T*E them. They look cool and MAY be great for making quick runs.....but they suck for general ride ability.

If they get wet your screwed....so no riding in any decent rain. If its windy the bike will lean out.....cause the excessive wind blows directly into the carb thru the open filters.

About the only thing they are good for is it cuts down the carb removal time in a HUGE way.

Skip them.

They were on my bike when I bought it....if I could find a stock airbox I would probably do away with them.

Its not a huge deal anymore cause I got a newer bike and this is my beater bike for around town.

......but if you do go pods whip out the thigh master. Your going to need to build up the thigh muscles so you can clamp your thighs around the air filters to keep the wind out on windy days.

[antiq]

Spend your money on new rubber boots to the air box. It makes the job a lot easier. With the stock set up wind and rain have no effect on how your bike runs.

[84_KZ550_NewB]

Originally Posted by aaronrkelly

Those individual filters are referred to as "pod filters". If you switch over to pods your going to have to rejet.....which isnt a huge deal considering your already going to be into the carbs anyways.

I have K&N pods on my KZ1000......and I H*A*T*E them. They look cool and MAY be great for making quick runs.....but they suck for general ride ability.

If they get wet your screwed....so no riding in any decent rain. If its windy the bike will lean out.....cause the excessive wind blows directly into the carb thru the open filters.

About the only thing they are good for is it cuts down the carb removal time in a HUGE way.

Skip them.

They were on my bike when I bought it....if I could find a stock airbox I would probably do away with them.

Its not a huge deal anymore cause I got a newer bike and this is my beater bike for around town.

......but if you do go pods whip out the thigh master. Your going to need to build up the thigh muscles so you can clamp your thighs around the air filters to keep the wind out on windy days.

Well if its going to be a pain for general riding then I'm prolly going to end up just keeping the stock airbox. Thanks for the tips.

Originally Posted by antiq

Spend your money on new rubber boots to the air box. It makes the job a lot easier. With the stock set up wind and rain have no effect on how your bike runs.

Where can I order some stock rubber boots for the airbox? Cause it seems that the boots on the airbox now are really hard/stiff. I would think they would be nice and "rubbery" and be easy to work with. I tried Z1 website, but I can't seem to find any boots for the airbox. Thanks.

Jay

[84_KZ550_NewB]

Is there a link on this forum or some other place about what should be tuned/looked at on a bike before you start it up for the first time after the bike has been sitting for years? Like what should be replaced and all that?

Thanks
Jay

[StarGate]

There are several old threads on the subject that you should be able to find if you search for them. Generally it was when someone was buying a bike and needed to know what to inspect/replace that some lengthy conversations followed.

[84_KZ550_NewB]

Question about the floats in the carb.
How do I know where to set them at?
I don't have a manual yet(coming in mail couple days).

[StarGate]

You can hope someone with a service manual or experience with those carbs comes along and post the info or wait on your manual. I'm sure the info is posted somewhere on the net but finding it usually presents a challenge.

P.S. Do you know what model carbs you have?

[84_KZ550_NewB]

^Where do I look on the carbs for the model?
I can go take a look real quick. Going to go continue working on cleaning the carbs out.

P.S. Pictures of my bike are posted/added to the first post.

[StarGate]

The model won't be on them. Post a few closeup pics of them from different angles and I'm sure someone can identify them for you. Bike looks like a modified Spectre.

[84_KZ550_NewB]

Originally Posted by StarGate

The model won't be on them. Post a few closeup pics of them from different angles and I'm sure someone can identify them for you. Bike looks like a modified Spectre.

Will do on the pictures.

I was looking online around and stuff and I was thinking it might be a Spectre. Is there a different code/model for that? KZ500 ??? And what do you mean modified?

[StarGate]

It has chrome and thats pretty much a No-No on a spectre. Other than that theres not much difference between them an another KZ of the same size that I'm aware of.

[antiq]

I'm pretty sure all the Spectres were shafties which his appears to be. Some LTD's were also shaft driven as I've read.

[84_KZ550_NewB]

Originally Posted by antiq

I'm pretty sure all the Spectres were shafties which his appears to be. Some LTD's were also shaft driven as I've read.

It is shaft driven, is there a real way to tell what bike model I have?

Also here are some pictures of the carb cleaning in progress...
Have two of the four carbs cleaned and waiting for the rebuild kits to come in the mail. Also waiting for new oil filter, air filter, fuel lines, fuel filter. I ordered clear fuel lines, will that make a difference from regular black fuel lines or is clear lines fine to use? Also would it be good to mount the fuel filter right after the peacock on the tank? Or is there a stock fuel filter on the bike somewhere(I don't know where its at)? And would it be a good idea to do the chemical kit to clean and coat the inside of the gas tank before I try to start it for the first time?

[84_KZ550_NewB]

[aaronrkelly]

If you give us the numbers on the neck of the frame we can tell you exactly what you have....

[84_KZ550_NewB]

Will get those numbers tomorrow!

Thanks
Jay

[JG6_oddball]

nice cleaning job, CAREFUL with the rubber on those sliders.

S!

[84_KZ550_NewB]

Originally Posted by JG6_oddball

nice cleaning job, CAREFUL with the rubber on those sliders.

S!

Thanks ^_^

You mean the diaphragm?
If so, I am, keeping it away from the brake cleaner
Spraying the cleaner on the rag and then cleaning just the metal parts on the sliders.

[84_KZ550_NewB]

Originally Posted by aaronrkelly

If you give us the numbers on the neck of the frame we can tell you exactly what you have....

On the neck of the frame it says

Kaw0330550

Under the seat, under Model(s) it says

KZ550 - F2