Motorcycle Repair: 1980 Kawasaki kz 440 ltd, kawasaki kz 440, kawasaki kz 440 ltd

Question
i recently bought a kz440 ltd it ran great until i blew the carb diphaframs it sat for a while then when i got the money i replaced them but the bike started to grind it seamed to be the starter so i replaced it and the start cluch chain. it still grinds and fails to start but i get backfire from the air box and smoke from the right hand pipe any ideas as to why

Answer
Kenny, don't know the specifics on a KZ440, but there should be a starter clutch hub with rollers and springs that need attention for the starting problem.

Backfires in the airbox are generally intake air leaks and/or electrical problems with ignition timing or weak spark at the plugs.

Start at the beginning... adjust the valves, check compression.... check/replace spark plugs and spark plug caps, ignition timing (and advance), then pull carbs to clean the jets and replace any o-rings inside. You may also find old fuel/water residues in the float bowls and/or the fuel tank, so drain the fuel if it is more than a month or two old. Today's gas will separate and do really bad things to old motorcycle carburetors.

Smoke can be: BLACK (fuel) BLUISH (oil) or WHITE (condensation) on start up. Depends on how many miles are on the bike, the kind of care it has had in the past and the condition of valves/rings.

Bill Silver