Ouch- clymer no good for twin!!?

Just paid $36 (tax!) for a Clymer M450- and as soon as I opened it- it was clear that it was not for a 1983 750 twin. As far as I can tell there is really NOTHING I can use in it- My question is- am I right? I'd return it to the shop but I did remove the wrapper-The oil filter, air filter, carbs, etc all seem different- did I just learn some sort of lesson?? Like don't assume the counter guy knows?

rickj wrote:

Just paid $36 (tax!) for a Clymer M450- and as soon as I opened it- it was clear that it was not for a 1983 750 twin. As far as I can tell there is really NOTHING I can use in it- My question is- am I right? I'd return it to the shop but I did remove the wrapper-The oil filter, air filter, carbs, etc all seem different- did I just learn some sort of lesson?? Like don't assume the counter guy knows?

That's a good lesson.

I can offer this: When I bought my 400, I got the Clymer first, and it was helpful, but I always felt like I was sifting through too many other model's stuff. Somehow I decided to get the Kaw Service Manual and I never opened the Clymer since. When I got the 750s, I went straight to the Kaw Service Manual again and am sure I'm not missing anything...

Now, I know your bike's manual is more rare, but I'm certain I've read other people who either have it or have scanned copies. At worst, you could get the model for the '76 -'79 if you were absolutely desperate, there might be alot of crossover coverage....

I was also a little "quick to do it right" actually the owners manual has a LOT of good info- I coulda' worked my way up to needing the more detailed manual- maybe by then I would have known!! Woulda coulda shoulda...

Your suggestion is good too- but I'll LOOK at one first to see if it's potentially useful. I have that sick feeling that I effed up-truth is- I've done a lot stupider things.

Sure glad this site exists-"KZrider.com-it's better than clymer"

I too have found the clymer manuals abit short on info, I have a 750 manual and for the later model 750 its all about the ZX750, and the wire diagrams don't match, the 650 manual was a little better but I won't be buying anymore clymers

Here ya go buddy - buy this:

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kawasaki-KZ-750-...temZ8058772567QQrdZ1

There was a downloadable version of the Factory Service manual for the 76-79 750 twin floating around, I don't know if it's still available though.
I think the only difference between the motor on your bike and the 78-80 is the carbs, the electronic ignition, and the air injection system. Quite a bit of difference with the frame and suspension though (including the belt drive).
I think someone else here has the Factory Manual, and if you can get the part number you may be able to order it.

I just checked butkawasaki.com, and it does not have a part number for the manual

I suggest doing what Biquetoast said, buy that manual before it gets away

Post edited by: steell, at: 2006/04/26 23:52

that IS a rare bird- all others are about 10 bucks, thats 60something! I'm gonna hold off- more because of my skill level than anything-
But thanks guys... You KNOW i'll be back with questions!!

I have a factory manual on cd I will see if I can copy it if you would like

agawam wrote:

I have a factory manual on cd I will see if I can copy it if you would like

Believe it or not, I would like it, too...
Mostly because I'm a twin owner who will prolly be around here for a long time *trying to help other twin owners, sometimes the later models that I know really nothing about...

"*trying" = This means that I lack the knowledge but have good intentions, not that others lack understanding...

Didnt somebody in here mention having some scanned or "on CD" FSM's awhile back?? I'd sure buy one!

indykaw77 wrote:

Didnt somebody in here mention having some scanned or "on CD" FSM's awhile back?? I'd sure buy one!

I've mentioned in the forums that I've got the complete "Kawasaki Service Manual" for the '76-'79 KZ750 twin in PDF format, donated on CD by Homer/Davie (he mailed me the CDROM, whattaguy).

It kinda' got chewed up a bit in converting from DOC format to PDF in OpenOffice - after being chewed up a bit from the OCR in MS Office...

...but that does not help our friend with the '83...

I have to consult my son the computer geek around here and if he can I will make a bunch of copies for everybody who needs one, "watch this space"