bike help

[sgtarthurusmc]

I just bought a Kawasaki 454 86 model i been riding it then I found out today it been sitting for 2 years before I started riding it I just replaced the plugs on it I was going to take it for a ride but was out of gas I wanted change plugs because it runs n idles fine and when u r riding it in the higher gears it does not want to go faster then 55 bit if it is lower gear has no problem getting to 55 or faster n it has been using a lot gas I called the person today and they said they think it leaking around the petcock they said they could put gas in it the next morning it will b low again put u can't see where gas leaking on the concrete the hoses look they r starting to dry rot the fuel hoses so I am going replace them n hope they help n hope changing the plugs will help it not being so sluggish at high gears if anyone has any ideas let me know

[gonzo]

Congrats on the bike!!! As for the leak? Many will help with that, I guess just replace the seals?
Does the bike make a ticking sound. I just ask this as the valves need adjustment if it doesn't make that sound. I did mine recently and was amazed at how well it starts now. It didn't before this as the valves were SO TIGHT!!! And after an adjustment there is a noticable sound.
Forgive me if you've read or know this but it makes a big difference.
Good luck with the fix though!!!

[Blaine]

Welcome to the forum.Thw gas has to be going somewhere.Check to be sure no fuel is going into the oil.You can try some SeaFoam in a tank of fresh fuel.It may save you pulling the cabs for a rebuild.Also these bikes need a valve adjustment every 7500 miles.Very important.

[sgtarthurusmc]

It looks like it is leakin from the pitcock down to the carb the hose at the end of the pitcock was pretty dry rotted so I replaced it and put a hose clamp on it and I also pulled air filters off and they are really dirty n stuff between all inside the filter that is probably why I am using more gas also and when I changed the plugs one of them the white electrodes just fell apart everywhere so I am hoping changing the plugs and air filters and giving oil change that helps out a lot

[eaglerider]

If the bike sat for that length of time, and had gas in it, the jets and orfices in the carbs are more than likely at least partially clogged up from the old gas. As stated, running a good strong mix of Seafoam with new, fresh gas, might clean the carbs. The valve adjustment needs to be checked, as tight valves will prevent acceleration.

[sgtarthurusmc]

I have replaced the plugs n air filters changed oil and filter replaced the gas hose and flushed out the coolant system and took it for a ride and it runs good now has the get up and go power like it should and doesn't cut in and out like it did and I ran seafoam thru with full tank of gas