Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video !

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01 May 2020 07:17 #824686 by Frenkie S22
Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video ! was created by Frenkie S22


My Kawasaki KZ 550 Scrambler build is finally finished. Thank you for your advice, that i have found here ! :)

I have one more problem tho. My bike goes only 120km/h. I guess it is due to wrong gearing, and different tire size - but can it be such a difference?

Thank you .

Kawasaki KZ 550 B 1982
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01 May 2020 09:02 #824699 by martin_csr
Replied by martin_csr on topic Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video !
Howdy. Something isn't right. I doubt the problem is the sprockets or tire. For curiosity's sake what sizes did you go with?
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  • iWant2RideMyBike
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01 May 2020 09:58 #824702 by iWant2RideMyBike
Replied by iWant2RideMyBike on topic Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video !
Awesome job, man! Your bike looks great!
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01 May 2020 15:44 - 01 May 2020 15:46 #824727 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video !
Looks great. Nice side covers.

The bike should go near 190 km/hr (120mph) with stock tires and gearing on level ground with no wind.

The knobby tires will slow it down a bit but not that much.

Are you sure all four cylinders are firing? The spray water test on the headers is the first thing I would try.
Last edit: 01 May 2020 15:46 by loudhvx.
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02 May 2020 17:13 #824812 by iWant2RideMyBike
Replied by iWant2RideMyBike on topic Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video !
I would +1 checking this. I just got back from a ride on my '80 KZ440 and I was doing 75 to 80 mph on the highway easily, so I'd assume if your 550 was firing on all cylinders you would be able to pass that with ease.
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03 May 2020 04:30 - 03 May 2020 04:37 #824830 by Frenkie S22
Replied by Frenkie S22 on topic Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video !
I dont really remember now - I'll count the sprockets and write again. I know that the bike should be going faster. It's weird. All of my cylinders are fireing for sure. The bike sound very healthy. Carbs ballanced and all. There is one concern - my clutch feels a bit like slipping (even though i have adjusted it for 100 times - but it not too bad) and also the bike had a really rough life before me - i did measure the compression, but I guess it could be higher. The tachometer shows 11 000 rpm when i go barely 120 km/h on 6th gear. :( Can it have something to do with the POD filters or the straight flow exhaust ?

Thanks a lot

Kawasaki KZ 550 B 1982
Last edit: 03 May 2020 04:37 by Frenkie S22. Reason: insufficient information

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03 May 2020 08:58 - 03 May 2020 09:13 #824858 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video !
When a clutch slips, the RPMs usually jump up quickly. Slipping happens most in highest gears.

If the RPMs are truly at 11,000 then yes, either the clutch is slipping or the gearing is vastly different from stock.

Here's a link to the clutch adjustment which is sometimes written incorrectly in some manuals.
s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/ClutchReleaseMech.GIF

I think your front sprocket should be 16T and rear sprocket should be 40T.
Last edit: 03 May 2020 09:13 by loudhvx.
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03 May 2020 09:37 #824860 by 650ed
Replied by 650ed on topic Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video !
Sounds like the clutch is slipping, and that could easily be the result of using the wrong motor oil. What oil are you using? Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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03 May 2020 10:43 - 04 May 2020 06:16 #824864 by martin_csr
Replied by martin_csr on topic Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video !
The link provided by loudhvx has the procedure, but I'll go ahead & say you probably need to turn the clutch release adjusting screw counterclockwise first until hard to turn, then clockwise 1/4 or 1/2 turn, then tighten the locknut. It's kind of counter-intuitive. That's how it's done on my 81 650-CSR (the KZ650 manual says 1/4 turn). Of course do the other adjustment stuff at the clutch lever & cable barrel adjuster.
Last edit: 04 May 2020 06:16 by martin_csr.

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03 May 2020 12:21 - 03 May 2020 12:35 #824877 by Frenkie S22
Replied by Frenkie S22 on topic Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video !
Guys thank you so much for the answers !! As you describe - the clutch slips usually quicky at some point and you do feel it very significantly. I do not think that it slips at the high speeds. And I did adjust it exactly according to the scheme you've sent. :)

I'll let you know about the gearing as soon as I am by the bike. I have a feeling that i have 16T and 43T. The oil issue could be possible - i am using a fully synthetic oil - the one that is written on the oil cap.

BUT i checked my old compression pictures and the numbers are terrible :/ from 80PSI to 140psi. I did cranck it without motoroil in the sump - I just sprayed about 50 ml each in the cylinder from the top. Which isnt ideal ... i know.

Could the low top speed be caused by low compression ?

Kawasaki KZ 550 B 1982
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Last edit: 03 May 2020 12:35 by Frenkie S22.

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03 May 2020 12:31 #824880 by M_a_t_t
Replied by M_a_t_t on topic Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video !
Are you holding the throttle open when doing the compression test? Also make sure there is a valve in the end of the compression hose that you are using.

83 KZ1100A (shaft)
17 Versys X 300 abs
81 kz650h1
81 kz750e2
90 Honda CBR600F (brother's)

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03 May 2020 12:37 - 03 May 2020 12:41 #824882 by Frenkie S22
Replied by Frenkie S22 on topic Kawasaki KZ 550 full build video !
I did the compression test a loooooong time ago - about 3 years. But i think i havent hold the throttle open.

What i would like to add - the bike had a really rough life before me. I would not be suprised if it would be running low top speed because of some engine damage.

But it runs sweet otherwise. That is what's weird

Kawasaki KZ 550 B 1982
Last edit: 03 May 2020 12:41 by Frenkie S22.

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