1st Jul 2007, 04:39

What's up?

I just received my first Kawasaki F7 175.. I was wondering how hard is it for you to come across parts on these things, because mine isn't running at the moment, but tomorrow hopefully it will.

I need a few new parts to get it running, but I don't know how hard the parts are to come across?

There is a pin that pushes the clutch that is behind the chain cover (if anyone has seen it, then you will know what I am talking about). Well I guess a guy before me rode the bike, got a rock stuck in the chain, and bent that rod. So I went and bought some round stock, and shaved it down to the length and width of the old one, and it worked perfect.

But now the fuel tank petcock is all jacked up, and it won't receive fuel. Getting one shouldn't be a big deal, but I just don't know how hard it is to get new parts..

My goal is to completely rebuild the whole bike and make it a daily driver.. Please write back if you know anything about the parts..

8th Jul 2007, 21:16

Believe it or not, there are a lot of parts for the F7 on Ebay. I found and bought a nice rear sprocket and clutch pack for a grand total of $89.

Also, I'm fortunate enough to have a motorcycle salvage yard about 20 miles from my house, and have found stuff there.

There's a guy that specializes in vintage Japanese bikes out in Washington state, you can find him on Google (sorry I can't remember the name).

27th Jul 2007, 21:48

Hi, I just bought a 1974 f7 for $100 with 4500 miles on it.

I cleaned the carb it seems like a hundred times, but I can't get it to go past 4000-5000 RPM. I've cleaned the piston and head. I was wondering if people who had them or worked on them would know why?

Thank you.

29th Jul 2007, 01:23

I'm 17 years old and I've got two f7's sitting in my shop. One barely runs, and the other one is all there, but was left outside for years. I also have a running 1968 dt1 250.

10th Aug 2007, 17:03

I too have a '72 F7. I got it about 2 months ago and it runs great.

Watch out though for the air cleaner. Most of these bikes will have the old foam and steal cage cleaner. The foam will have rotted and will get sucked into the carb area at the side of the engine. Some will get sucked into the engine too. It will probably get burned up, but it's better to just pull out the old cleaner - vacuum out the foam dust in the bottom and peel off the rest of the old foam. You can then cut a really thin layer of foam and redo the filter. I used too thick of a piece of foam and it made the engine run too rich. I had to shave it down until the flow was cool.

If you run without a filter, it may run too lean.

12th Aug 2007, 00:07

I recently saw and purchased a NEARLY PERFECT 1974 F7 online. I have been riding serious off-road, including racing motocross and enduros, since 1970. The Kaw F7 was one I wanted way back when, but I went to a Maico 250 as my 2nd bike. I'm currently racing a Honda XR650R. This little F7 is like a minibike in comparison, but it just won't give up when it comes to rough trails, steep hills, and flicking around in the woods! And, if I do get stuck in a creek, etc., this bike is so light I can just about put it on my shoulder and carry it out! When you consider how much more advanced suspension systems are since 1974, this bike does extremely well for its era! I really should probably ride it less often, and not quite so hard, as it is a "vintage" bike, but it is so much fun, and brings back so many memories, it's hard to resist!

3rd Oct 2007, 21:12

I just acquired a 73 F7. It's not running and I've found parts on eBay. Hopefully, I'll have it up and going in a few weeks/months. I plan to restore it.

12th Nov 2007, 00:35

I bought a 71 f7, and it will run if you have the throttle all the way back, but then when you let go a little, it dies. I'm so annoyed right now. If know what's wrong please reply.

22nd Nov 2007, 02:23

I purchased a 1972 from a guy in Cleveland, OH this January and have been at the restoration all summer. I completed the project in August and it is back to perfect 100% stock condition. Everyone who sees it says it looks like new.

It was accepted at the AMA motorcycle museum show this October, and it drew a lot of comments.

There are lots of parts on e-bay for this bike still, which is very surprising.

Biggest problem I had were the rubber parts dry-rotting after 35 years in the elements, but with a little luck / patience you will be rewarded.

11th Mar 2008, 10:07

I've had an F6 with an F7 top end for at least 8 years. I'm 22 now, and a few years back the bike decided to crap out above 3000rpm. Thinking it was plugs or carb problems, I did as much as I could to adjust these back to stock settings. I have played with the timing and checked clearances on the rotary valve, tried disconnecting the super-lube system, and running a variety of mix ratios in it, but nothing has worked. It has great compression and is an absolute blast to drive, even compared to my new kx125.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

13th Mar 2008, 15:05

I have a 72 that does not really run above 1500 RPM; it will run for about 20 seconds, then it starts to die. The only way you can keep it running is to choke it. It runs good with the choke on. I know this sounds like a clogged pilot jet, but it is not. Any ideas?

Also, does anyone know where I can get a petcock gasket?

28th Apr 2008, 22:08

Hi, just got an F7 for a 30 pack of Bud Lite on Sunday. Bike would be super clean and straight if it hadn't sat outside uncovered for who knows how long. Runs, but needs a fuel system cleaning.

Reproductiondecals.com has decals, grips, fuel petcock gaskets, air filters, foot peg, shifter and kick start rubber, as well as other items for the F series.

Good luck and keep 'em runnin'! Remember, ride 'em, 'cause trailer queens suck.