Kawasaki KZ650/Z650 B1 1977 - FINALLY, Well Almost 

Hi Keith, Glad to see you got it started. Check each exhaust pipe at the head with a laser thermometer it will tell you which cylinder is not working properly. I had the same issue with a new set of carbs. install the airbox and sync the carbs, it doesn't take them being off much to have 1 cylinder not running good. That first ride is going to be great.

Check your HT leads, plugs and caps. Also check leads are in correct firing order.

So happy you've got her started ..... I owned an SR 650 in the 70's and the coils were a problem !! changed them for Z1000 coils sorted it for a few mile then same problem running rough .... Do yourself a favour and chuck the points and the coils in the scrap bin Invest in Dynatec coils and electronic ignition will save a lot of heart ache !

I had this problem before on my 77 kz650 and now with my 79 kz650. I just converted the points into an electronic ignition. I found these items on eBay. Instead of purchasing the Dyna I bought the aftermarket Chinese brand. It was a $100 less and it works fine now. Best of luck!

This is awesome to see, even if it doesn't fire on all cylinders or for very long. It's great to see that your progress is going in the right direction.

Good news on it starting Keith. Try removing the left hand plug caps one at a time while your bike is running. So that you can find out which cylinder is not working, then swap the plugs over and see if it affects a different cylinder. If it is still the same then it could be down to a faulty plug cap, HT lead or coil.

I'm so happy for You, finally got it running! 🤩 When You check the temperature - check it on the downpipes! Then You can target which ones are firing, and those who aren't. And, make sure You have an extra, good set of spark plugs! I'm curious to hear what You've done since last time, except for adjusting the contact breakers. Sounds a lot like unbalanced carbs, now. But hard to tell for sure, from a video - on my crappy laptop! BTW! As soon as You get it running good on alll 4, do another compression test. You probably want to ensure that all the good work You've done, will last a long time! Oh, and now, is the time to clean Your fuel tank to 100% clean and rust free! You're going to need it pretty soon! I hear rumours of sunny days all the way until saturday night, where You're at! 🌞🤩

Float levels are low, use the "clear tube method" to make the adjustment. Timing is off, adjust with a timing light.

Great to see it running chap, definitely need carbs setting up. Left Side sounds by your comment saying its not very hot sounds like it needs more fuel that side, when carbs are sync all down pipes will be same temp

sorry for typos...I can't find my glasses but wanted to pop something on the thread..

Also whilst its running squirt some WD40 or engine starter into the carb feeding cylinder(s) that aren't firing. if it "picks up" you know it's your carbs not metering fuel

That noise is the starter clutch.

Good to see it starting to run! On all my z's I need to be all over the choke lever on startup to keep it running, carefully balancing it. I notice you don't seem to touch yours?

Is it a dual point set up? If so look at the points while it running to see if they are both firing up. It sounds real close. Keep plugging away at it, it's probably something simple stairing you in the face. Good luck with it, I will be watching.

Daft question but you have plugged off the vacuum inlet from the carbs that feeds the petrol tap? This is on the left hand side of the carbs, so if its pulling air in there, it will struggle.

DON'T pull your carbs off again or put the airbox on yet