Kz 550

Hello friends. I want to know the top speed of this
motorbike. The speedometer says 85 mph, but I think
that the motorbike has a speed more high. Thanks.

My 1979 KZ1000E1 also has an 85 mph speedometer as does my 1980 Caddy Coupe De Ville and my 95 Ford F150. The 85 mph speedo was normal when the govt. decided 55 mph was answer to man's problems. I am not sure if my pickup or Caddy can do 85 mph but I know the KZ1000E1 can! bwhahaha I suspect the 550 can do a shade over 100 mph. I had one back in the early 80s (GPz550) and it could top a ton (I was lighter then too).

I asked the same question a few weeks ago. My 83 kz550 is stock in good running condition and wouldn't break 85 in top gear. It was running about 2 grand under redline in top gear but if you wind it out longer in 4th or 5th you can go faster.

I'm no heavweight and thought that the bike was perfectly capable and powerful for reasonable riding. I'm picking up a bigger bike this week (Sorry, not a kaw) but am letting my girlfriend have the 550 because I don't can't bring myself to trade it in.

FYI
General information
Model: Kawasaki Z 550 LTD
Year: 1983
Category: Sport
Engine and transmission
Displacement: 553.00 ccm (33.74 cubic inches)
Engine type: In-line four
Stroke: 4
Power: 50.00 HP (36.5 kW)) @ 8500 RPM
Compression: 9.5:1
Bore x stroke: 58.0 x 52.4 mm (2.3 x 2.1 inches)
Valves per cylinder: 2
Fuel control: DOHC
Cooling system: Air
Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type
final drive: Chain
Physical measures
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc: 211.0 kg (465.2 pounds)
Chassis and dimensions
Front tyre dimensions: 3.25-19
Rear tyre dimensions: 130/90-16
Front brakes: Dual disc
Rear brakes: Expanding brake
Speed and acceleration
Top speed: 178.0 km/h (110.6 mph)
Other specifications
Fuel capacity: 13.00 litres (3.43 gallons)


Believe weight greatly affects acceleration but is not much of a factor toward attaining absolute top speed.

Random thoughts:
Running on just three cylinders (test by water hand spray on hot exhaust pipes)?
Clutch slipping?
Brakes dragging?
Spark plug appearance after high speed run?
Condition of plugs, wires, caps?
Spark?
Ignition timing?
Advancer unit operating properly?
Valve clearances?
Proper oil and level?
Compression test (leakdown test if available);
Carbs -- last resort (plug reading??)





.

My 82 will bury the needle easy with a tail wind in top gear. Going the other way I have to drop a gear or two. I'm looking forward to getting a litre or so someday, but I don't mind down shifting in the mean time.