Newb with an '81 LTD550

Hey all, new guy here with an '81 LTD550 given to me. It sat in a garage since 1991 and will need some TLC to bring back to life. Cosmetically it is very good but tank and I'm sure carbs as well are full of goo.

I presently ride a 2007 GL1800 Goldwing but this will be a retirement project and hopefully a fun around town scoot.

I don't know anything about Kawasakis so have some initial questions:

1. Is this a KZ550 with the LTD being a "trim" model?
2. I have found some reference on the web to KZ550 A1, A2, A3 or A4. What does that refer to?
3. I found the following manual online: KZ500/550 & 2x550 1979-1985 SERVICE REPAIR MAINTENANCE. Is this applicable?
4. Where might I find carb kits for this beast?

My wife is gonna' love this. I now have yet another motorcycle forum to take up my time!

Welcome to KZR! An LTD550 was my first bike! She's served me well, no complaints here.

To answer a few of your questions:

Yes, LTDs are "trim" cruiser models. With that being said, if you have a Goldwing, I'd take that in a heartbeat for true "cruising."

KZ550A# are the base KZ's, LTD550s are actually KZ550C#, I want to say my LTD was a KZ550C2 or C3. A quick giveaway is the front fender (LTDs have a smaller fender) and seat (LTDs have a stepped seat).

That manual should help you out. I believe someone scanned a Clymer manual and posted it on here somewhere, I'll have to do some digging.

Check out Z1 Enterprises ( www.z1enterprises.com/ ) for anything and everything related to older Kawasakis. They have most everything in stock and I have never dealt with nicer folks my entire life.

Good luck!

It has the LTD badging on the side cover, so it is a KZ550 C? - Where / how do I figure that out?

Does that apply to the engine only or other options on the bike in general?

I'm assuming that will be important to know at some point for parts purchasing?

WELCOME to KZr!

The following links are courtesy of KZr Member loudhvx.

FSM home.comcast.net/~loudgpz/KZ5mnl.pdf

home.comcast.net/~loudgpz/GPZweb/index.html#home

Good Fortune!

Thanks Patton

tulsawalk wrote: It has the LTD badging on the side cover, so it is a KZ550 C? - Where / how do I figure that out?

Does that apply to the engine only or other options on the bike in general?

I'm assuming that will be important to know at some point for parts purchasing?

Correct, your side cover badges should say LTD 550. Your engine is the same as a KZ550 (a GPz550 has a modified engine).

-

She's no Goldie but that 550 is a nice mid size bike. On the smaller side but made up for with a super 6 speed tranny. Couple that with one of my favorite engines you will have a spirited gas sipping pony there that will be a ball when you just want to scoot to the store, work or cool off on a warm evening. I rode my uncles a few times and that is what got me hooked on bikes in the first place. We are kinda bigger people so the LTD cramped us a little and I would buy another straight model in a heartbeat if one came up locally. Good luck and these guys will take care of you. Show us some pictures of your LTD!

What is a Goldie?

:woohoo:

Okay, duh! Sometimes I'm dense.

You're right, it's no Goldwing, I call mine the FatGirl, but it was free, I am recently retired and going crazy and think it will be a fun bike to tool around town on from time to time.

This is a Goldie too!