TOPIC:

This has probably bene asked before but i cant find anything via the search option.

I have a KZ550 F LTD with the CV type tk26 carburetors. I'm building a custom bike so the stock airbox has to go and make way for some quality pod filters. CV type carbs are very difficult to get right with pod filters and I can't seem to get them to run properly. Some of the gaskets are also leaking as the whole carb is in pretty bad condition (I did clean the entire carb thoroughly so its not clogged or anything). I can get a set of Teikei 22 mechanical slide carburetors for the same price as the parts to repair the old CV type Teikei 26 carbs. If it's a pretty straight forward swap then I prefer to get mechanical carburetors instead of the CV carbs.

My question is if anyone has done this before and can confirm whether this is a straight forward swap? Inlet sizes and carb spacing are all the same.

Morning,

I bought a part bike for $40 KZ550, The person was very kind to sell my a complete bike for $40. I removed the air box from that bike and install the air box on my other bike. I had some pod filters laying around, 39mm pods. So I re jetted the Tk22 carburetors and I got the bike working very well. However, the exhaust system was not modified. I believe I increased the pilot and main jet by the next available jet size.

From my experience the tk22 should work perfectly fine with the correct jets on a 550CC engine

I've done it. Its slightly more difficult than most swaps. You have modify the intakes to accommodate the bolt spacing. If you google it, I did post the details a few times on kzrider over the past 12 years or so.

Because the newer style ports are bigger, the intake rubbers will be more prone to vacuum leaks, so you have to pay very close attention to detail while installing the intake rubbers. Bolt tightening sequence during carb install is important. You can't just bolt the intakes on, then slap the carbs on.

Thanks for the reply.

Any idea on which mechanical slide swap would be more straight forward?

There are race-only options like a set of CR's maybe easier to install, but Big bucks and won't be very street-friendly.

Despite the downsides, the Tk22's would be the easiest mechanical carb option overall. Brand new intakes that are from an older motor is a must. And the first thing you will do is hacksaw the bolt holes on them.

But the TK26's do have a jet kit available from Dynojet. It seems to work pretty good with the TK26 carbs on the 82/83 Gpz550, and your carbs are similar. The Gpz carbs have an extra circuit so are a bit more complicated. Yours are nice and straight forward.

The main issue is the rubber diaphragms. I'm not aware of any new, affordable sources.

You might want to check out the Tk26 website. It's mainly for the Gpz carbs, but theres a lot of info for other TK26 and Tk27 carbs.
s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/TK26mainPage/TK26mainPage.html

Would be easier to swap to the ZX550 TK27 Carbs, as you wouldn't have to change the throttle cable, throttle assembly, or intake holders. TK27 carbs are easier to tune, and the Dynojet Kit works fine. I have been running and racing with CV Carb on my GPz550 since 2003, and have not had any issues tuning them.

CoreyClough wrote: Would be easier to swap to the ZX550 TK27 Carbs, as you wouldn't have to change the throttle cable, throttle assembly, or intake holders. TK27 carbs are easier to tune, and the Dynojet Kit works fine. I have been running and racing with CV Carb on my GPz550 since 2003, and have not had any issues tuning them.

Corey, I think his Tk26 carbs are probably as easy to tune as your TK27's. His TK26's are not like the Gpz Tk26 carbs. They are more like your TK27's.

Hi Lou. I didn't realize there is more than one version of the TK26, like that used on the 82-83 GPz550. Good to know.

Yes... so much nicer than the gpz H version which have all the extra jets and plugs etc.