Hey, I'm new here

Just wanted to stop in since I just signed up and say hi. I bought my KZ 550 last year and it's the first/only bike I have owned. I love it but sometimes I need help with how to fix things on it and this site seems like a great resource.

So here is my first question...My starter went out and I got a replacement now, but how do I change it out? Do I have to take the entire side off? I know there is probably a better way to say what I'm trying to ask, but I'm new so please be patient with me lol.

Here is a pic of my bike. I actually changed out those handlebars for some lower ones though and put a new set of turn signals on.

Start out by getting a good shop manual and read through the text a couple of times on whatever job you are trying to do. If you run into a problem, Stay calm ask your question, on this site, and someone here will probably know what you need to do next. Add pictures if you think it might help. There are a lot of smart KAW guys here and they have talked me through stuff I didn't think I could do.
Keep your chin up and welcome to the site. Enjoy your Kaw and ride safe.

here is a link to get you started.

www.autorepairmanuals.biz/site/573683/product/1850104867

Your bike looks nice. In addition to getting a Kawasaki factory service manual (they're usually on eBay) be sure to get a decent torque wrench. You may want to get the manual first as it shows the various torque settings. Then you can more easily determine which size torque wrench(es) you will need. Remember, it's REALLY easy to strip aluminum threads with the steel bolts, so using a torque wrench will save you time and money. Ed

Welcome blubill

The starter is fairly easy to replace.
Disconnect battery ground cable for safety.

Remove shift lever, aluminum side sprocket cover and crome starter top cover.
Remove 2 bolts holding starter to engine case.
Move rubber boot on starter terminal and disconnect starter power wire.
Pull starter out.
Removal done.

Check o-ring on nose of starter. If dammaged, replace.
Clean off starter mounting pads (where starter bolts to engine case), These are the grounding points.
Insert nose of starter and line up the gear teeth.
Connect the starter power wire, cover with the rubber boot.
Replace 2 bolts holding starter to engine case.
Replace aluminum side sprocket cover,shift lever and crome starter top cover.
Connect battery ground wire.
Install done.

A Kawasaki Factory Service Manual is an investment that will pay for itself many times over.

Good luck,
Jim

Thanks a lot!

I really appreciate the info and have ordered one of the shop manuals off ebay! Can't wait to get this starter in and back on the road!

Thanks for the compliments on my bike also, I am loving it.