1978 KZ1000 Project - Part 9 - Jetting, Valve Cover, Brakes

[@texasj49]

She's looking really good! What a transformation from the rolling chassis!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Jeff!

[@timkis64]

its coming along nicely.i hope this nice weather continues in the northeast as well.its still beautiful riding weather when the sun is out.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I rode the KZ and XS1100 on test drives today. Gotta take advantage of the sunshine!

[@andrewnewman6510]

Really like the kz/ltd. Great looking bike. I may start looking for one.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It's my favorite looking bike and has been on my bucket list for many years.

[@terrywillis5784]

Nice machine. Thanks for the videos. I’m gathering parts to put together a 1979 ltd.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Terry! I just got back from a test ride on the KZ1000. Man, it's a pain to get these carbs 100% sorted! Almost there.

[@royvazquez1244]

great job on getting this project to where it is today, your videos are really very good, I have been enjoying the progress, i bought a brand new 1978 red LTD when i got out of the service, unfortunately, I had to sell it a few years later, I wish I still had it. Regards!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Roy! That's an awesome new bike to have had. 🙂

[@anthonygranato7748]

I've had good success with air pods and exhaust by also moving the throttle valve needle to its lowest position to get better throttle response when it transitions off the pilot jet especially if your going to 17.5 pilot.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Anthony. I've been playing with the jetting for two days now. I went back to 20s for pilots, needles on the lowest clip and a shim underneath (still lean at 45-55 steady cruising). 112.5 mains. It runs great up through the gears at anything beyond 1/16th throttle but doesn't want to idle well and has the aforementioned lean spot. I will bring the camera along tomorrow on a test ride.

[@scottwheaton9689]

Hi John,scott here again. Don’t forget your missing a very important tuning adjustment which is to also check/ensure the jet needle clip is in the 3rd slot position from the top of the needle on all carbs or it will still run too rich even though you reduced main & pilot jets. That’s because 80-85% of all mid range throttle (off idle) is mostly regulated by the needle jet & jet needle and that’s where most of your riding is done. The slightly smaller pilot will help lean it down a smidge but the majority of fuel calibration will be needle clip position (1/4-3/4 throttle position)which you did not check to see where it was like I stated to do which throws off the mid range fuel calibration for the setup your running. Most people that would have setup Kawi z1/kz big four carbs with 120 mains & 20 pilots would also have needle clips in too rich 4th from top of needle slots which is pig rich for your setup.m that requires 3rd from top needle clip position. So unless you checked to ensure needle clips are in 3rd slot from top of needle your new plugs will very likely be dark brown or almost black again. Main jet really doesn’t have much affect till you get close the 3/4 throttle position & from there all the way to WOT. Btw,the reason your bike has come together running so well to begin with starting from being in pieces is a testament to your wrenching skills on these older Gen motorcycles!😉 Good luck….Scott

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Scott, the needles were on 4th clip from the top. I changed them to third clip from top and it got worse. I then went down to lowest clip and it improved. So, currently I'm at 112.5 mains, 20 pilots, lowest clip plus a shim on the needles. It is closer and I may put new plugs in tomorrow. We'll see how the test ride goes.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Just found out yesterday that my carbs are VM29 smooth-bores so my base settings are different than stock. Now that I know what they are, I have a good baseline.

[@davidanderson4500]

brill jon. looking forwards to seeing ya do more with this bike. [ make the vids longer ]

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks David! I'm working on the carburation today (again) it seems like I'm getting close. It's a game of make a small change, test, repeat.

[@davidanderson4500]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 hi jon im sure youll get there. iver been through all that n more..... £££££......all fin now. but worth it.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@davidanderson4500 Thanks David! It's certainly driveable but more refinement is needed. I enjoyed taking it on a test ride this afternoon.

[@lend8947]

Jon, I enjoy watching your videos. I also live in PA. I am restoring a1982 750 LTD. Can you recommend a place that does chrome plating? (For a fair price). My header pipes need replating. Otherwise they are solid. Mufflers are nice. Keep up the good work. Len.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Len. I have not dealt with chrome plating at all. Maybe check with an auto restoration shop. Sorry I couldn't be of more help!