will a 78-79 kz60 head fit an 81 h1?

Ok guys,

I think the best solution for me is to just get a new cylinder head for my engine. So do you know if a 78-79 head will work on a 81 h1 engine? I have a 79 and it looks exactly the same. I have 2 engines, that i got for 100 dollars, one is almost ready to run, and this 81 is needing a bit more love.

So do you think it would work? Iv found some cheap 78-79 on eBay, so that is why Im asking.


thanks for your time.
Daryl

Just a helpful little hint, if you put the name of the bike you have (or in this case the engine) in your signature line it really helps other people who are posting to make a quick answer. I don't know this for 100% sure but I think that the 78-79's will fit your 81.

I dont have a bike, its just the engine, Its a 81 H1 kz650 engine.

thanks for the Info, anyone else been able to do this swap?

OK.... I thought a Kawasaki H1 was a two stroke:silly: :laugh: :lol:

The Kawasaki website lists different head numbers from 81 onward, so I couldn't say they would definitely swap. I think in 81 they went to a different cam chain, and maybe that has something to do with it. The chain idler that mounts inside the head is different for sure.

The 81 650 uses a HyVo style cam chain, while the earlier models (pre 81) use a roller cam chain (like your drive chain but smaller).

The models that use the roller cam chain have an idler gear mounted between the cams, while the models that use the HyVo style chain have a slipper mounted in the top of the cam cover that pushes down on the chain.

The 81 head may gave the mounting holes drilled and tapped for the bolts that hold the idler gear, or it may just have the undrilled pads, I don't know which.

The early model head should work on your motor as long as you use the 81 cams and cam cover.

Hey thanks, I was going to use the all the parts from the 81, mine has one of the exhaust bolts holes completely shattered. Do I just need the head for that reason.