kz650 trans swap to 6 speed

Does anyone know of a 6 speed trans that would bolt up or lil mods that would fit on a 1980 kz650 ltd? What would be ur option on a 5 speed than a 6? Big difference? more power?

Any of the kz550s that had a 6 speed will swap in but you have to block off the kickstart opening on your clutch cover or replace it with a cover from an 81 or 82 kz650 (no kick start on those newer ones). Not entirely sure which 550s have 6 speeds, but they swap right in.

I've seen many threads on here about the swap the general consencious though is that it doesn't make much difference in running because 1st gear in the two trannies and 5th and sixth are that much different, the ratios are just closer together as you shift up. Besides I'd rather keep my kickstart, it saves a lot of wear and tear on the electics,, and besides,, I like it,,

The six speed only really helps if you are running after market cams that move your power band into the upper rpm ranges and make it narrower. In other words, when you need to keep the rpms up to make any power, like the 550's

It's not going to give you any power though, that's where the 750 top end and 810 kit comes in.

Anyone know if a trans from a 1993 gpz650 is compatable with a 1983 kz650?

OK, I'll bite - what the heck is a 1993 (or any other year) GPZ650? :blink: Ed

My bad was drunk last night. Lol 1993 Kawasaki gpz 500.

Aditat wrote: My bad was drunk last night. Lol 1993 Kawasaki gpz 500.

You're still drunk. There is no such thing as a 1993 GPz500.

EDIT: it seems I may be wrong. The EX500 is called a GPz in some (non USA) markets.

To answer your question, I've never heard of anyone swapping parts between a KZ and the EX500.

I believe the only 500cc bikes sold in the US by Kawasaki in 1993 were the EN (LTD), EX(GPz) both of which were twins, and the KX which was a thumper. No way those transmissions will work in a KZ 650. There was also the ZR550 Zephyr, but it had a five speed.

That's how it's listed on the Craigslist add. The motor/trans set up looked the same that's why I figured I would set up a account and ask before I drove out to look at it.

I thought maybe you meant a ZX600. Since the subject has been broached, I kinda wonder if one of those could be swapped to a KZ. Although I didn't do a careful comparison, the 600-C transmission looks similar in the diagrams & the lower crankcases are similar as well. I'd guess not, but it would be interesting to know either way.

Zx600 might swap, as that is based on the Kz550.
The Zr550 is also based on the Kz550, so I'm shocked to hear it is a 5-speed.

EDIT: looking at some parts diagrams, it appears to be 6 speed, like the Kz.

Here's the Zr550B Zephyr sprocket cover.




There were also some Zr5xx bikes in Europe which had the marketing name Z500F and Z550F, but their designations were actually Zr500A and Zr550A. They looked very much like the Kz550H version of the Gpz550, so they could easily be mis-identified as Gpz's. They would also have 6-speed transmissions. The factory manual I have only goes to 91, so I don't know if they were available in 93.