Insight?: kz250 Starting and RPM fluctuation problems

[kRAYz]

Hello,

I just purchased a 1980 KZ250 as my first bike and am excited to get into the sport! The bike is in great shape asthetically, only 850 actual miles on it, but I don't have a lot of mechanical experience and am reaching out to ya'll for some help.

1 - Starter. There is only electric start on this bike. Is there an after market for a non-electric starter? Also, when using my starter, there is occasionally a loud mechanical clank or two after I release the starter button. Is this normal? What is it and is it harmful?

2 - RPM fluctuation. When I start the bike, I need to use the choke and it often will wind up for a second or two to between 3000-4000 RPMs then go really low and die. After doing this (dying) a few times, I am able to start it, let it warm up for a bit and it seems to ride fine. What's going on? How do I either prevent the dying and RPM flucuations or fix it completely?

Thanks for your insight. I'm loving the bike and hope that these aren't major issues.

[StarGate]

No the sound is not normal. I had a 175 Honda back in the 70's that did that and later on the starter clutch went out.

When you get the bike warmed up and at idle spray some carb cleaner all over the rubber boot that connects the carb to the engine. Listen for the rpm to jump. If it does you have a leak/crack in the boot and need a new one. Spray it from all directions (top/bottom/sides). If it has cracks get a new one.

[kRAYz]

Thanks for your insight. I'll try and get some carb cleaner at some point this week.

That said, I googled 'starter clutch problems' and found your response to another post by another rider. Is this a frequent problem on older bikes? I know that this is the point of forums - to disseminate knowledge - but I appreciate your time and insight.

=KZ

[StarGate]

I don't know if I would call it a common problem, but it's definitely not uncommon for someone to have to replace a starter clutch.