1978 kz200

girlnamedgo · 07-14-2008

Hi, I just bought a 1978 kz200. It's in pretty perfect condition, it's only got 1700 miles on it. It runs fine, for a while. Yesterday I went for a ride after work, but maybe 20-30 minutes into the ride, the rpms just dropped. I could kick start it, but it wouldn't keep running. The push start wouldn't work. After about 15 minutes I could push start it again, and it would keep running. About that time, my boyfriend showed up with his truck to load it up. I turned it off, but wanted to see one more time if I could push start it again.. and it wouldn't start up. Started up just fine again this morning.
What could be wrong with it? Clogged fuel filter? Bad gas? Something with the heating/cooling?

Thanks for any help!

LoudFastUgly · 07-14-2008

ckeck fuel filter and lines first.

bobbyjim · 07-15-2008

I have a factory original Kawasaki KZ200 Service Manual for sale. If needed let me know.

slow bike · 07-16-2008

I just got a KZ200 and got it running good, but I could use a little more top end speed. Can I replace my 17 inch wheel with a 18 inch wheel from A KZ400. I need to know if this will work, and if not what do you recomend.

Vulcan900 · 07-16-2008

This could be a tank vent issue. As gas leaves the tank air is pulled in the vent. If the vent is clogged no air can get into the tank, and eventually no gas can get out due to the vacuum created.

Try opening the gas cap when symptoms begin to appear, if this solves the problem then a removal and cleaning of the tank vent is in order.

girlnamedgo · 07-16-2008

there's a screw missing from the carb. i'm guessing this is the problem.. the screw missing is where the carb goes into the engine, so the hole is in the engine. other than that, i need a new battery.

StarGate · 07-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow bike

I just got a KZ200 and got it running good, but I could use a little more top end speed. Can I replace my 17 inch wheel with a 18 inch wheel from A KZ400. I need to know if this will work, and if not what do you recomend.

You need to start a new thread with your problem instead of posting it in a current and ongoing thread. It would be more practical to change the gear ratio with a sprocket change than a wheel/tire change.

slow bike · 07-17-2008

Sorry about that, this is the first time I have used a forum. I am also having trouble finding a back tire that is the right size, I thought I could get two birds with one stone. Could you recomend a place to get a 3.25-17 4PR If you could that would solve my problem, and I could just change the sprocket, much easier.

StarGate · 07-17-2008

Check the sticky thread at the top of this section for a list of suppliers.

07-14-2008	#1 (permalink)
girlnamedgo Newbie Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: newark, de Posts: 15	1978 kz200 Hi, I just bought a 1978 kz200. It's in pretty perfect condition, it's only got 1700 miles on it. It runs fine, for a while. Yesterday I went for a ride after work, but maybe 20-30 minutes into the ride, the rpms just dropped. I could kick start it, but it wouldn't keep running. The push start wouldn't work. After about 15 minutes I could push start it again, and it would keep running. About that time, my boyfriend showed up with his truck to load it up. I turned it off, but wanted to see one more time if I could push start it again.. and it wouldn't start up. Started up just fine again this morning. What could be wrong with it? Clogged fuel filter? Bad gas? Something with the heating/cooling? Thanks for any help!

07-14-2008	#2 (permalink)
LoudFastUgly Got KZ? BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ontario Kanata Posts: 934	ckeck fuel filter and lines first. __________________ KZ550A4

07-16-2008	#5 (permalink)
Vulcan900 Vee-Too-Kay BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,544	This could be a tank vent issue. As gas leaves the tank air is pulled in the vent. If the vent is clogged no air can get into the tank, and eventually no gas can get out due to the vacuum created. Try opening the gas cap when symptoms begin to appear, if this solves the problem then a removal and cleaning of the tank vent is in order. __________________ 2006 VN2000 LT - Fire Breathing Dragon 2006 VN900 Classic - Mellow Kitten

07-17-2008	#9 (permalink)
StarGate Navy Vet Search & Rescue BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NE Arkansas Posts: 6,117	Check the sticky thread at the top of this section for a list of suppliers. __________________ Mike Original Owner 1981 KZ1000-K1 LTD 2000 Suzuki King Quad Refurbish Photos

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07-15-2008	#3 (permalink)
bobbyjim Banned BTK Beginner Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 48	I have a factory original Kawasaki KZ200 Service Manual for sale. If needed let me know.

07-16-2008	#4 (permalink)
slow bike Newbie Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3	I just got a KZ200 and got it running good, but I could use a little more top end speed. Can I replace my 17 inch wheel with a 18 inch wheel from A KZ400. I need to know if this will work, and if not what do you recomend.

07-16-2008	#6 (permalink)
girlnamedgo Newbie Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: newark, de Posts: 15	there's a screw missing from the carb. i'm guessing this is the problem.. the screw missing is where the carb goes into the engine, so the hole is in the engine. other than that, i need a new battery.

07-17-2008	#8 (permalink)
slow bike Newbie Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3	Sorry about that, this is the first time I have used a forum. I am also having trouble finding a back tire that is the right size, I thought I could get two birds with one stone. Could you recomend a place to get a 3.25-17 4PR If you could that would solve my problem, and I could just change the sprocket, much easier.

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