New '81 KZ550 from VA

  • almous71
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New '81 KZ550 from VA

02 Dec 2011 12:36 - 02 Dec 2011 12:37
#491102
Hi there. Just purchased my first bike ever, an '81 KZ550A I found on the CL for a couple hundred bucks. It needs paint, a seat & pan, tires, and a lot of TLC, but it starts at a touch of the button, idles nice, rides good, and the electrical system's in good shape. In fact, it starts and idles so nice, I'm afraid to tear down the tank and carbs to clean them out, but I know I have to since there's a coat of slime in the tank.
As a complete noob, I'm going to try to refurb this bike without asking too many questions, but I do have one to start out with... where does the dang horn bolt to?



Attachment My550-1.jpg not found

1981 KZ550-A2
Va.Beach, VA

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Last edit: 02 Dec 2011 12:37 by almous71. Reason: fixed attachment

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  • Patton
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Re: New '81 KZ550 from VA

02 Dec 2011 12:55
#491105
almous71 wrote: Hi there. Just purchased my first bike ever, an '81 KZ550A I found on the CL for a couple hundred bucks. It needs paint, a seat & pan, tires, and a lot of TLC, but it starts at a touch of the button, idles nice, rides good, and the electrical system's in good shape. In fact, it starts and idles so nice, I'm afraid to tear down the tank and carbs to clean them out, but I know I have to since there's a coat of slime in the tank.
As a complete noob, I'm going to try to refurb this bike without asking too many questions, but I do have one to start out with... where does the dang horn bolt to?



Attachment My550-1.jpg not found


Hello, almous71, and WELCOME to KZr! :cheer:

As to questions about various components, would likely receive more advice and suggestions by creating a new topic for each particular item in the applicable tech forum. Because the tech questions sometimes don't remain as noticeable when carried in the New Member section.

Meanwhile, there's lots of good info on kawasaki.com, including parts diagrams, part numbers, models sharing same part, availability, etc.
Here's a link for help with navigating the site and finding information.
Click > kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...w&catid=13&id=376734

Good Fortune! :)
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD

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  • almous71
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Re: New '81 KZ550 from VA

02 Dec 2011 13:23
#491110
Thanks Patton. I apologize for the misplaced post, and thanks for the link. Lot's of great info here!
1981 KZ550-A2
Va.Beach, VA

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  • R.Z.
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Re: New '81 KZ550 from VA

02 Dec 2011 21:38 - 02 Dec 2011 21:39
#491172
Welcome almous!

I'm a newb, here too ...

Looks like a good choice for a first bike - and you'll get some good mechanical experience in the process, too!

Careful though - these two-wheelers get into your bloodstream and you'll never be 'right' without one again!


Enjoy!
'83 KZ750 twin
Last edit: 02 Dec 2011 21:39 by R.Z..

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  • ramtough_63
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Re: New '81 KZ550 from VA

02 Dec 2011 21:45
#491175
congrats and wellcome
1978 KZ1000 A2
Thrown Together To Ride Til Winter
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1982/83 750R/GPZ
1984 Goldwing 1200 Interstate
1982 Yamahopper QT50
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2 79 HD sporty XLH
02 HD FLSTS Heritage
60's HD Hummer
70's Honda 550 Four
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and various enduros dirtbikes minibikes...

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  • gane
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Re: New '81 KZ550 from VA

02 Dec 2011 22:50 - 02 Dec 2011 23:04
#491187
Almous, Behind the steering stem and acessable from the inside of the frame rails below the front of gas tank between the front reflectors there is a tapped hole at the base of the r/h backbone tube....This is the horn mount..Properly positioned the horn sets behind the triangular hole in the down tube gusset.,Hard to see, but actually a very good home. Luck & welcome G. Ps, Just read your' update post, I was checking my A1 in the semi dark & by feel, there may well be a 2nd hole I missed, have a look..
[img][/img] 1977 KZ1000A1
Last edit: 02 Dec 2011 23:04 by gane.

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  • almous71
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Re: New '81 KZ550 from VA

03 Dec 2011 01:16
#491210
Thanks so much Gane, l check it out in the morning.
1981 KZ550-A2
Va.Beach, VA

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