Kz750 B2 Starter Issue - among other things.

Im taking on a bike from a relative and among other things, like the bike surging and bucking like it wants to throw me off, backfiring and then shutting off after a 30 min ride, it only kicks starts. I searched the forum and see that the starter failure is a common problem.

Sounds like a new starter clutch gear is the way to go, but they dont make them anymore. Can I just kick this thing whenever I want to ride it? Im 27 with plenty of energy and though it takes some doing, Im able to get the KZ750 going with a few kicks.

I also noticed there is a crack in the airbox to carb rubber connector. Would that make the bike overheat or cause the surging and backfiring?

Thanks.

Alex

Once the bike is properly tuned, it should start on the first or second kick. 

That crack is likely adding to the problem, but not the primary cause. I bet the carb holders ( they hold the carbs to the cylinder head) are hard, cracked and leaking. Also, if the bike had been sitting unridden for a while, dried out fuel residue will be clogging the pilot circuits, causing hard starting and poor running. A complete disassembly of the carbs  and thorough cleaning with new orings and gaskets will be in order.
The fuel tank vent will need to be checked, and if the B has a vacuum petcock, it will need rebuilding.

Doing all of the items on the routine maintenance list is a great way to eliminate problems and insure smooth, reliable running.