New Member, Old Rider

Thought I would join and introduce myself. I got this '83 KZ550 A4 about a month ago and since then it has been my only transportation--hasn't let me down yet. So far I have replaced the old worn out tires, drive chain, oil and filter, air filter, plugs, and I have a new clutch cable coming.

This little bike surprises me. I've owned mostly twins, from XS650s to BMWs to Britbikes to Harleys. The only other four I had was an '80 Suzuki GS850, wasn't able to keep it long. Think I'll hang on to this one.

Wow...very nice bike! Welcome to KZR! There's an unbelievable amount of expertise here -- it's been an invaluable resource to me and it will be to you, too!

Howdy. If you haven't replaced the rear brake shoes & their age is unknown, a new set should be installed. The adhesive that binds the linings to the shoes gets old... a lining can come off & get jammed between the shoe & drum, locking the rear wheel. It does happen. I was lucky that it happened in the driveway when rolling the bike off the center stand. At speed would be a drag.

Yow. I guess I'll be ordering new shoes today. Thanks!

Welcome aboard! The 550As are some of my favorite bikes. Owned a 1981 A2 with black A3 body work. Be sure to get yourself a factory service manual when you can. It will save you a lot of head and heart aches.

The PO threw in a Clymer's with the bike. I'm a by the book kinda guy.
He also threw in some new fork seals, which it definitely needs. It looks like I'm going to need some time set aside to do those.