Questions About My 81 Kz650

[jmh249]

I originally posted this in the regular forum last night but someone suggested i post in here as well....

Hi I just picked up a KZ650 and the motor turns over but won't start. There's new spark plugs and a new battery, any ideas on what i might need to do. Someone suggested the "coils" but if anyone could elaborate on that point that'd be great also.

I got suggestions that the carbs needed cleaning, they're now clean but it still won't start. Someone said if i pull a plug and ground one to the case then turn it over, if it sparks my coils are good, but if not it could be them. any other ideas? this is my first project so i'm very open to any and every idea that might help.

[herk]

My bike is the 81 KZ650-CSR.
When the bike is cold, you should have to use the Choke to start it.

The carbs are "now clean"? How so? How bad were they?
If the bodies weren't soaked overnite or something, then the passages may still be gummed up or clogged.

Fresh fuel - tank & carbs. Verify fuel flow to the carbs.
Clean airbox & air filter. Good airbox ducts - not hard or cracked.
Good or new spark plugs - B7ES & properly gapped.
Redo the spark plug wire connections - the wires unscrew from the coils.
Good battery - properly filled & charged. Verify the voltage.
Coils - check the primary & secondary resistance.

Other stuff: Good carb holders w good vacuum nipple caps. Make sure the air injection system tubing isn't cracked. Lubricate the timing advancer. Redo any electrical connections at every opportunity: the connections become poor over time from oxidation. Compression check. Valve clearance check sometime soon.

[jmh249]

Lots of great info, thanks so much.

[rstnick]

Congrats on finding a kz650!
Check out the kz650info site as well.
Specific info on the 650s.
There's also a Haynes Service Manual download in the forum section that could be of some help if you don't already have a service manual.

KZ650.INFO

[jmh249]

Thanks rstnick, i saw the pics of your KZ, looks awesome. Could you link me to the service manual download? Thats awesome theres one, i was gonna go to this salvage yard that has tons of motorcycle manuals and see if i could find one... but itd be nice to just download it....

[vinnye]

The only thing I would add to the above advice would be to change the plug leads and caps - they may be the original ones!
You couls by some 7mm auto cable and make your own leads - its cheaper.

[jmh249]

Hey I wanted to put the "pod" style air filters on my bike but i'm not sure what size to get for the 650. Any help? thanksss

[rstnick]

Here's a link to the Haynes manual download:
Haynes repair manual for 1976 to 1980 KZ650

I can't remember what size pods to get. I had them on for years, but did have some issues with wind gusts bogging the bike down, and rain was a pain.
Jetting will have to be changed anytime you make intake or exhaust changes.
Most find the stock air box the most reliable, myself included.

There are some pods listed on ebay for the kz650s. This may help you with the sizing info.

[jamel88]

Originally Posted by jmh249

I originally posted this in the regular forum last night but someone suggested i post in here as well....

Hi I just picked up a KZ650 and the motor turns over but won't start. There's new spark plugs and a new battery, any ideas on what i might need to do. Someone suggested the "coils" but if anyone could elaborate on that point that'd be great also.

I got suggestions that the carbs needed cleaning, they're now clean but it still won't start. Someone said if i pull a plug and ground one to the case then turn it over, if it sparks my coils are good, but if not it could be them. any other ideas? this is my first project so i'm very open to any and every idea that might help.

did you ever get your bike going because am having the same problem with my 81 kawasaki kz650

[kawpaul]

Originally Posted by jamel88

did you ever get your bike going because am having the same problem with my 81 kawasaki kz650

Maybe try posting a new thread in here or the mechanics section. Lots of knowlegable people on this site who are more than willing to help out.