Maximum speed

Hey guys! I have a question, iI own an old (1980) kawasaki ltd 550, I'm no expert but I think it is in good condition, however I dont think it's a good idea to run it at full speed for a long time because it's an old litlle bike and I don't wanna break the engine, so, which would be good top speed? I mean one that you can maintain for a long period of time on a trip? could be 70 mph?

As long as your tires and brakes are good, 70 mph cross country is no problem. This is assuming everything else is well maintained. The main components I would worry about after tires would be the the drive chain. Needs to be well adjusted and lubed. Next, the wheel bearings (front and rear) need to be in good shape and well greased if they that type. As long as the engine has been serviced properly, it should be fine.

Considering "full speed" on the KZ550 is probably close to 115 mph I agree, running at full speed for an long time might be a bad idea. The longest I ever ran my KZ650 at full speed (around 120 mph) was 10 minutes (back in the old days), and I can tell you it was harder on my nerves than it was on my bike.

I would think 70 mph would be fine as long as (as KZJOE900 stated) everything is in good shape and you have fresh oil in it. Be sure to check the oil at each gas stop just in case it uses some. Oh, BTW, 1980 isn't old - I consider that to be one of the newer bikes. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Ed

I believe (Ed correct me if I am wrong) that the kz650 cruise speed is around 52 MPH. I know with mine if I am in the 70 MPH range steady riding the engine is fairly wrung out. Does the 550 have a longer top gear than the 650? Same? Can I change sprockets to "Cruise" at or around 65-70 MPH? Mine will hit 110-120 as well but I have to be on it from the get go; and then it is only to reach those speeds not keep them.

I have ridden hundreds of miles at a time at 75 mph or a bit more on my KZ650 without any problems at all. This included trips from Baltimore to the Poconos Raceway in PA, to Williamsburg, VA., etc. Most recently was my ride to N.J. for the KZRIDER Relay; if you don't go at least 75 mph on Route 95 you will be run over. I don't know where you read about a 52 mph cruising speed, but that is barely moving on a KZ650. I have always used stock 16 tooth and 42 tooth sprockets. 60 mph = about 4500 rpm; 75 mph = about 5600 rpm; 80 mph = about 6000 rpm. Ed

Gothcha, I think my thinking of ideal RPM range is flawed. I also haven't had a tachometer for about 6 years :silly: I'm glad I finally broke down and spent the $30.00 for the replacement! Thanks for the info!

I'm riding to Luchenbach Tx in the morning
100 mile's from the meet up spot leave at
9:00 am and we should be there by 10:00 am.

I can run a 120 mph for an hour at a time
get gas and do it for the next hour rince and repeat
all day.

These old KZ motors don't mind running
7000-7500 all day if you have a sound motor
to start with.

There's an old video of Kawasaki demonstrating their new Z's endurance. Running two early Z's flat out for 24 hours at Daytona. Pardon me if I'm off a bit on my recollection, and I forget what thread I saw the link. I'm sure someone here can re-post it.

well...considering your question for minute.....after long careful thought....i think it better that you not ride bikes

thanks for your comments guys, sure that I will have them in mind, exept the last one ... I want to ride my bike