Motorcycle Repair: Engle Idle issue, kawasaki kz 650, filter clean

Question
Hi Chris,

I have spoken to you before about my 78 Kawasaki kz 650 before.  You were a great help.  After all of that, it turns out that it was just the battery.  Now I am running into another type of situation.  When I try to start the bike there is a loud grinding noise.  I have taken out the starter and everything checks out on it fine.  Sometimes it takes me a couple of tries to get it started.  When it does start, It idles really slow and sometimes dies.  It also sometimes dies when I come to stops and have it in neutral.  The engine is also Idling really high if i open the throttle too much and It doesn't go down until I brake to a stop where I have had the bike sputter and die on me a few times.  Since I have purchased the bike I have taken off the carbs to give them a good cleaning.  Do you have any ideas to what I could do?

Thanks

John

Answer
Hi John.

Is the Air filter clean?  Are the carbs all in proper synch?  How about the valve timing and gap?
 Make sure that the throttle cable moves freely and doesn't stick.
 Make sure that the choke opens and closes completely and doesn't stick partially closed when you open it up after the bike is warmed up.

Now, as far as the grinding noise;
When you pulled the starter motor, did you inspect the gear on the end of the starter to see if it is worn away in part or whole at all.  It is also possible that the starter gear in the engine is worn in spots as well.

Start with those and let me know what you find.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON