Author Topic: 1987 Kawasaki vn1500 New Project  (Read 2219 times)

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Jensen

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1987 Kawasaki vn1500 New Project
« on: April 16, 2014, 07:41:58 PM »
Hey all, felt that I needed to grace this board with my presence again haha. Just picked up a kawasaki vn1500. Paid very little for it. But my problem is, the bike sat for two years under a porch with no plugs. Yaaaaay. So it's sat for about 4 years now with ATF in the cylinders and my attempt to break it free today was futile. I was getting to the point that I would shear the crank bolt if I tried any harder. That, and I seem to be missing the carb setup. So, with that being said, is there any kawasaki gear heads on here? What am I looking at for rebuilding this motor? Also does anyone have another or know of another motor for this? Doesn't have to be a 1500

Kaw-meister

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Re: 1987 Kawasaki vn1500 New Project
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2014, 08:59:20 PM »
hey Brandon, I have worked on alot of Kawi's...just no V-twins...Sounds like your in for a full tear-down and rebuild. not for the faint of heart, or budget minded. that  being said, there is no end of help awaiting, from forum go'rs. I, have been known to offer a few bits of info from time to time. and would gladly give thought to any posts regaurding your impending build. If you choose to look for an easier first build, there are always a few members with projects to sell. good luck and will watch for your posts.
Paul

fast1

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Re: 1987 Kawasaki vn1500 New Project
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2014, 09:33:29 AM »
  Actually it does have to be a 1500. Nothing else will fit in the chassis you have. You didn't state the year? Early models had a nylon oil pump gear that liked to lose it 's teeth. May have been seized before the plugs came out. As for carb I would start with Dave at new-life cycles in Willie's puddle. CHEERS.

Jensen

  • Guest
Re: 1987 Kawasaki vn1500 New Project
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2014, 12:07:47 PM »
So myself Paulie and  Jamie tore into this motor yesterday, well mainly Paulie, I learned haha. And it appears that the reason for the motor being seized was one side was running way too lean and melted the pistonthe the sleeve. Ended up having to drill out around the outer edge of the piston to relieve pressure and then proceeded to break it free. The bike itself only has  2700km on it, the internals are mint nearly zero wear on all parts. This bike is barely broken in. So now I am on the hunt for a rear jug and pistons and possibly a new rear head. I picked the worst time to head to south as all the good junk yards on the way to nanaimo are closed for the weekend. Ill figure out how to post pics from a tablet soon, but till then  I hope everyone has a great weekend. Talk to you all soon

fast1

  • Guest
Re: 1987 Kawasaki vn1500 New Project
« Reply #4 on: April 19, 2014, 09:27:28 AM »
   Yours is one with the bad gear. Check it! CHEERS.

fast1

  • Guest
Re: 1987 Kawasaki vn1500 New Project
« Reply #5 on: April 19, 2014, 05:25:24 PM »
  In a hurry this morning. Kawasaki in their infinite wisdom mounted the oil pump to the inside of the cases on this puppy. Factory fix is a new pump and split the cases. Google judges oil pump gear kit. A retired judge makes a replacement gear that can be installed on the bike without removing the pump. Simply follow the directions, paying close attention to gear alignment. He makes these in a little machine shop in his backyard so they can sometimes take a while. Luck and CHEERS.