Hi all,
My DT seems to run nicely with a nice little power kick at around 7000rpm. 9000 miles on the clock but no idea if that is correct. But I don’t know what normal / good feels like for these bikes.
It accelerates to 45mph fairly briskly, will reach 50 with a  little bit of extra effort and reaches 60 on the flat if I red line it through 4th and 5th. But won’t maintain that if there is any sort of uphill gradient.
Although it (and me!) feel a bit stressed at 60 and I usually cruise at 45-50.
Does that sound normal or am I a bit down on power?
Previous owner who seemed to know quite a lot about two strokes (rebuilt many Kwak KHs including a four cylinder version of the triple) reckoned it was a bit rich on mid throttle and suggested I raised the needle clip one notch. But I don’t think that affects performance when the throttle is wide open, so shouldn’t be a factor for the bikes “ultimate” performance?
I’m quite happy with the performance of the bike considering the type of riding I do, but I like things to be “right”, so just wondering.
And I’m also aware of the mantra… if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Thanks,
Mike

Mauser from here in the UK will probably answer when he reads your post, as he has one of those models as well.

In the meantime, maybe see if both of your sprocket sizes are as originally recommended and fitted. 

Thanks. Interesting point on gearing. It’s fitted with a 4.00 R18 rear tyre, which I think is a bit taller/oversize. Which would reduce nippiness and reduce
revs whilst cruising?

Is your bike a 175 MX or the last of the twin shocks ?
If it's a 175 MX it should go pretty well and pull cleanly all the way through the RPM range.
If the needles to high and it's running rich , it won't rev cleanly . Think about it . If the wedge comes further out the hole, then you get more fuel. Too much fuel occupies space that air would be in, or more to the point, oxygen. So your slide regulates air and needle fuel at that point of throttle.
Best thing to do is a plug chop. Clean plug, make sure the engines up to temp, flat out in third , pull the clutch in, cut the motor coast to a stop. Whip the plug out and check what colour it is.
Black = rich. Pretty light = Weak. Biscuit colour either way your on the mark. Don't use a brand new plug unless you have 50 + miles on it.
If your bike is a 175 MX you should see 70 MPH easy. I see 55 mph on my 90 and just shy of 60 flat on the tank unless it's windy, then it's hold on for grim death time.
Hope that sheds a bit of light on stuff in layman's terms for you.
Regards
Shyted.

Its a 175 built to emission rules i guess, even back in 1979, so don't expect too much out of it without opening up breathing & exhaust etc. Providing compression feels good on the kickstart & exhaust isn't restricted by carbon, in which case it wouldn't have power kicking in at 7000--normally they don't kick in at all & just carry on up. It's likely the same model for different countries is restricted in different ways. If exhaust or tail muffler is restricted by carbon then she just wouldn't rev out & go 4 stroking rich on full throttle.
You mentioned a 4 cylinder version of the Kawy 3 cylinder twostroke--now i'm sitting up & taking notice?, please tell more [show more]--link. Thanks.

Oh aye RT 325,check this boy out if you haven't already.
/?q=Allan+Milyard+Kawasaki+4+you+tube&atb=v314-1&iax=videos&ia=videos&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DNk9BW0FQW7s

Thanks for the comments. It has a new Big One end can so that should be ok. Will check my sprockets.
Thanks.
Mike

If it's what you call an "MX" in the UK (monoshock) it should have 6 speeds, not 5. 

Check base of cylinder above ignition for displacement...  I've seen 125's passed off as 175's.  Also 175 six head studs.  125 only four. 

LOL - Thanks for that real world view! I had read about power wheelies in third, but I had my doubts…
Good to know no need to go chasing shadows.
I’m enjoying the bike - it puts a smile on my face and that’s why I bought it.
Thanks.
Mike

I've got a '79  dt175 all stock and the thing is NOT slow.  The obvious answer for me is probably that I weigh  <150lbs.  But still.  Also depends on what your definition of 'wheelie' is.  I can 100% get the front wheel off the ground in 3rd gear.  Am I pushing it kind of hard?  Yes.  It lifts much easier in 1st and by no means am I lifting the tire more than 1ft off the ground but I don't need to in order to be having fun = )
Unless you're a big guy, I'd say something is a bit off if it is just poop slow.  Mine is definitely comfortable at 50 but can get to 60mph relatively easy (again, I'm light).  Could be a simple intake or exhaust leak, reeds, etc.  If you're happy with how it runs though, that's all that matters.