New member from Holland

Hello all.
My name is Rob Dijkhuizen. I'm 51 years old, and drive motorbikes for 17 years now.
I live in Holland.

i just bought myself a non runner: The Kawasaki GPZ550, in the states known as ZX550.
I will add picture from me and my bike very soon.
i also have a technical question, but I will open a new thread in the apropriate section.
(not able to switch through gears when tje bike is not running). I've hear from another kawa rider on youtube Ron Schmidt that this is normal behaviour for a Kawasaki KZ 550 ? This is me:

I no longer have this beemer, but this is my Kawa (picked it up in my van):

Hello and welcome Rob

Yes this is normal. If the output shaft is not in motion or rotating you can´t get normally not into the higher gears (2nd and up).
There are 3 steel ball in the gear box that block the gear shaft.Only if shaft is rotating the balls will by centrifugal force let you shift.



Michael

Welcome. It's normal.
Steve

Welcome Rob...welcome to KZR

Welcome Rob.
Nice GPz you've bought.


Do post up some pictures of your bike out in the beautiful countryside, and cities.
I was born in Holland, left at 2, and have been back twice, but do miss it.

Welcome. You hail from my favorite European country. I've been there twice and the dutch are some bike mad folks. I love it and I love that GPZ.

Welcome Rob. I'm another one who has been to Holland several times. Whereabouts are you? I based myself in Rotterdam on my visits, nice and central for getting around with the train system you have there. I look forward to your updates with the bike.

Glenn, I'm from Soest. A town between Hilversum and Amersfoort (population: 50.000).
Holland is a flat country. No mountains, hills, creeks, tracks or other popular places for enduro riding.
That's one of my hobby's. enduro riding with a Husaberg FE 450 4 stroke.

About the Kawasaki. I've removed the carbs, exhaust, battery cage, air filterbox and electronics around it.

Carbs removed. They seems to be allright.


The float bowls before cleaning:


After cleaning:


The air filter has seen better days:


Now I'm looking at a big gaping hole:


Unfortunately one of the mounting points is broken from the left sidepanel. So i have to figure out how to repair that. I no longer have the broken piece.


Well that's it for this moment. No more pictures.
I'm waiting for a washer underneath the oil filter. Once that is in, I can start putting things back together.

I'll keep you updated, and make some pictures.

If the air cleaner is still intact you can wash it with dish soap and water. Coat it with filter oil.
Steve

No, the filter is too far gone. the foam desintegrates when you touch it. For a few bux I have a new one. If it was quite new, then you can wash it;)

Welcome from Toronto, Canada

Not sure if this is from the right year;
www.cmsnl.com/kawasaki-zx550a6-gpz550-19...131157/#.WR146XklHIU