hey im getting a 550 ltd cruiser for my first bike. so i was wondering if anyone on here could school me on common issues, the good, the ugly, maybe a link to the manual. anything and everything will help.
hey im getting a 550 ltd cruiser for my first bike. so i was wondering if anyone on here could school me on common issues, the good, the ugly, maybe a link to the manual. anything and everything will help.
I had an '81 GPz 550 and I think the engines were pretty much the same. Mine was running like crap until I discovered that there was a second air filter inside the air box that was all gummed up.
I think they used bucket shims, so valve adjustments aren't exactly a fun project.
The only other thing that really stands out in my mind was that the switch gear was a big step down in quality in comparison to Hondas of the same era.
If you like that bike you would really like the '80 KZ 1300 six cylinder I have for sale.
its my first bike so i think a 1300 might be a little to much power and would get me into to much trouble. 
so i got the bike home and passed the mst course just need a few parts and i should be all set
Had one, loved it. Great bike. Keep an eye on the chain an sprokets. once they start to wear, they degrade catastrophically. As with any air cooled bike, oil is the blood, keep it changed and topped off.
They are stealth machines. Quicker than they look, but don't attract the attention of law enforcement, or theives or vandals. They look like a cruiser, but the riding position is a standard, so I found it really comfy.
I sold it to a buddy who let his girl learn to ride on it. She was on the freeway, not paying attention the the RPMs while she was in 4th, at 80 mph, eventually it just "starting slowing down..."
had a KZ 550, good bike
heres a pic of it with out the tank and seat right before i popped the carbs out
Kawasaki's UJM from back in the day. A very good basic bike. Compared to a modern bike, it's got spagetti noodle forks, weak brakes, flexy frame, etc. But, accept it for being a fine old bike and it will serve you superbly. There are really no inherent weak points to the bike. It just runs. And runs and runs and runs. Change the oil occassionally, don't wreck it, and you'll be able to give it to your great grand-children.
as i get more and more into it i have i feeling that if i really need to and had the time i could break it down and put it back with out a problem if their was any engine problems
If you are tempted to remove the air box and go for something like K&N single cones; don't. I've done it twice and regret it.
Smarter people than you and I designed the flow of air to marry well with that engine, changing things gives a dead spot just above idle and lowers your top end.
Nice all round bike. Have fun.
Dan
yea i have pulled the carbs out and putting them back in has been a pita because the rubber tubes popped into the air box so i have to pull the carbs and box again
just ordered a set of shinko 712 for a grand total of 97.16 hells yeah
I have the Shinko 712's on my bike, they are decent. Especially for the price. 
im just glad tires didnt cost more than the bike
lightitup wrote: yea i have pulled the carbs out and putting them back in has been a pita because the rubber tubes popped into the air box so i have to pull the carbs and box again
Heh. Wait until you try a Honda V4.
Heh. Wait until you try a Honda V4.
+20.....Had a friend at college who had a 500 Interceptor man i loved but hated that bike...we ended up replacing his tank after the 19th carb pull...
lightitup wrote: its my first bike so i think a 1300 might be a little to much power and would get me into to much trouble.
Nonsense I learned on a 1200.
So, when are you getting this thing out of my driveway?
faster than you with the honda
anyone have any carb valve flaps mine are missing one and if i can get one cheep then i dont have to make one. let me know what you got
got the new bars on today. so now i need to go and find a smaller brake res, shorter brake line and run the wires so they dont sit between the gas tank and frame. but i found an awesome bike grave yard so i can just go pull what i need.
The only suggestion i have is always make sure your battery is in good shape and well charged. KZ's of this vintage have no kick starter and the starter clutches are known to fail and are a HUGE PIA to overhaul. Fact i got my 750 LTD for $50 due to the starter clutch needed its 3rd replacement. If the battery is not up to snuff the rollers don't lock as hard and wear out. Other then that there great bikes. Oh and you just can't add a kicker the boss in the main cases are not drilled for the shaft..BTDT. I pop started the 750 for 2 years.
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Wanna share this bike graveyard? I've got two project bikes I wouldn't mind getting running.
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