Motorcycle Repair: fuel system, kawasaki 550 ltd, starvation problem

Question
I have a 1982 Kawasaki 550 LTD. I am having problems with the motor starving for fuel at highway speeds (45 to 55 mph) it idles okay and runs around town in lower gears okay, but balks on the highway. I am guessing it is the fuel filter or something to do with fuel, but I can not locate the fuel filter. Any ideas on where it is and how to get to it?

Thanks.

No I am not very knowledgeable about mc repair. I have managed to replace cables, tires, ignition coils, and a clutch cable, but that is it so far.

Answer
Bob,

There's a filter/screen locted on the petcock in the gas tank. Otherwise, nothing from the factory. Fine rust particles will pass right through the screen and settle in the float bowls. Visit: "www.buykawasaki.com" click the green text "Vehicle Information" and then click "View Parts Diagrams" when the link opens, select your MC info from the menus or enter your VIN to see a history of your MC. Great resource website.

The starvation problem may be from a restriction in the fuel hose (pinched) as if not refilling float bowls quickly enough for higher speed fuel consumption. It could be obstruction of the fuel hose (varnishing). I would suspect this if the carburetors were recently cleaned.

Also check the air filter, airbox, and ducts. Ensure all are unobstructed and the filter is clean. Mice, birds, and insects like to build nests in motorcycles. And lastly, a guy stored his wallet over the intake opening on his MC while riding. He had similar symptoms..idled and slow speeds were ok.

Keep me advised.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively