1982 KZ550C Back on the Road

Well this thread is not going to be as impressive as some of the other projects here, but I feel I owe this forum a thank you.

I have been struggling with getting this bike road ready since early March, when it was still 30* outside. I have spent too many weekends outside working on this thing (according to my wife) and spent too much money in parts (according to my wife). It is now late June, and 90*, and on Sunday, June 23, I had finally resolved enough of this bike's issues to go for a real ride.

In the last few months I have -

Replaced front brake pads.

Bled front brake.

Checked and adjusted valve lash.

Cleaned and rebuilt the carbs.

Replaced carb holder boots and airbox boots.

Replaced both throttle cables.

Replaced clutch cable.

Installed a new Dyna S ignition system complete from pickups to green 3 ohm coils.

Repaired some failing wiring at the fuse panel.


This bike is now solid enough to take me to work and back, without constantly dying in traffic and bogging down above about 45 mph.

I still have some things to wrap up -

Replace front tire.

Replace rear brake shoes.

Perform an accurate running sync (my homemade manometer did not provide the results I was hoping for).

Diagnose non functional turn signals.

Diagnose a slight surge at steady throttle.

Improve starting behavior (requires constant adjustment of the fast idle screw until it is warm).

Fix an exhaust leak at the crossover.

I am just happy this thing runs in a reliable manner.


I would especially like to thank "Patton" "Loudhvx" "Motor Head" and "650ed" for their excellent help and lasting patience.

Congrats! It's good to have another KZ back on the road! Ed

thats cool