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The "runs... can use a little TLC... tires have plenty of tread left..." Thread

Alright Cuh's, I'm going back to the airbox. The pod filters were cheap and an afterthought - I actually had to buy an airbox on eBay (how can an airbox be wrecked? Let me tell you) and a new K&N filter. I ran it today, and it just didn't perform, even with makeshift pod filter plates to block off airflow. It still has a flat spot and pops like Chinese New Year.

I'm like the biggest proponent in keeping away from de-engineering, good engineering... and here I am trying to be cool. Well, I'm not cool. Airbox it is, cousins!
 
gixxerjeff said:
Sorry dude,
I'm here to disagree.
What you're doing is very cool.....which makes you very cool by extension.
Just sayin':cool
Click to expand...

Appreciate that, man! As @augustiron says, by building this bike out, my labor fee was $0.50/hour, but now, it is $0.27/hour.
 
Rtmac said:
Resurrecting a dead bike = Very cool! :cool
Click to expand...

Thank you. As I'm going through this, I am perplexed and confused how - such a cool piece of machinery - was just left to die. The story is the seller got it from a guy who owed him money, so he just took the bike and left it in a field. It's crazy to imagine that back in 2009, somebody bought this thing brand new from a dealer, and probably was so stoked and happy, riding it around and having fun. Like, the day it was purchased, somebody was absolutely stoked. And then years later after being chopped up and rusted and neglected, was just tossed into a field to die.

I always think about the work that it took to go into the design and building of any motorcycle. Some people were critical and was like, "why are you putting in so much work in a slouch of a bike?". I don't know... I truly think the small Kawasaki parallel twin is a thing is engineering wizardry. Maybe because I'm not an engineer - so I appreciate it more, I guess.
 
Folks, I dialed it.

Thank you for your remarks and suggestions.

A few things since I last posted:

1. Airbox in and carbs put back to the recommended mains and needle setting. I took everybody’s advice and tossed the air pods. First run, the flat spot was gone. However, I was getting pop on decel and idle.

2. Deleted the PAIR valve. I completely removed it and blocked all the openings. Pop is completely eliminated.

What I still need to do:

1. Steering head bearings. Riding it around somewhat loosened up the stickiness, but still needs to be replaced. I have the kit, it’s just a matter of tearing down the front end and doing the work.

2. Speedometer. New cable snapped, so I think the actual speedometer is frozen and bound the cable causing it to snap. I need to get in there and and free it up at the gauge. At the wheel, it spins freely. I did inspect it and it was corroded, but I didn’t think it would be frozen.

3. New seat. Found one (without tears) on eBay and it’s en route.

4. Miscellaneous. Make her a bit more travel worthy with bags and illuminated side markers to be seen. These Texas drivers are way worse than California.

I am so impressed with the EX500 motor. It is fast for such a small engine - perfect for what I need it for and that’s solo stuff around town and getting around. I love that’s it’s a small, fast bike. I was able to open her up and rip around. No issues getting around cars nor keeping up.

What a project! Haven’t resurrected a bike like this in years - but well worth it. I made it mine, and I’m stoked! Sorry for the short video, the file was too large so I had to trim it a bit.

View attachment IMG_3403.mov
 
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