"Air Baffle" question

According to Kawasaki parts listing, there is supposed to be an air baffle mounted behind the rear tank rubber on the frame. (part # 11019-003).
My question is, is this really needed? It is missing on my 650.
If it is, does anyone have one they want to sell me as it is an NLA part.
Thanks

I just looked at how that "air baffle" mounts to the frame on my '78 KZ650-B2, and it appears that it's intended to prevent the direct/disturbed airflow that flows between the fuel tank and top of engine from reaching the top (opening) of the air filter housing.
I don't really know if it will make a diff if it's missing or not, but Ma Kaw did put it there for a reason I suppose.

To help you in searching for one, that part fits the following models:
'80~'83 KZ550-A1~A4 (Standard) and C1~C4 (LTD)
'81 KZ550-D1 (GPz)
'77~'79 KZ650-B1~B3 and C1~C3 (Custom)
'78/'79 KZ650-D1/D2 (SR)
'80 KZ650-E1 (LTD)
'80 KZ650-F1 (Custom)

I just checked, and unfortunately the KZ650-D (SR) parts bike I have is missing that part so I guess I can't help you there. :S

RetroRiceRocketRider wrote:

I just looked at how that "air baffle" mounts to the frame on my '78 KZ650-B2, and it appears that it's intended to prevent the direct/disturbed airflow that flows between the fuel tank and top of engine from reaching the top (opening) of the air filter housing.
I don't really know if it will make a diff if it's missing or not, but Ma Kaw did put it there for a reason I suppose.

To help you in searching for one, that part fits the following models:
'80~'83 KZ550-A1~A4 (Standard) and C1~C4 (LTD)
'81 KZ550-D1 (GPz)
'77~'79 KZ650-B1~B3 and C1~C3 (Custom)
'78/'79 KZ650-D1/D2 (SR)
'80 KZ650-E1 (LTD)
'80 KZ650-F1 (Custom)

I just checked, and unfortunately the KZ650-D (SR) parts bike I have is missing that part so I guess I can't help you there. :S

Thanks for looking, and I appreciate the model list.

Interesting, I went out and looked at my bike and it's missing. I must in my eternal wisdom youth removed it thinking it was slowing me down. It's been so long I don't remember, I do know I cut off the air box cap extension "knowing" :blink: that was restricting air flow. That baffle plate as Chris described probably prevents a high pressure area above air intake from forming which would actually hurt air intake? The idea of a stock air box is for the carbs to ingest "still" air. My bike runs fantastic without it so I would not worry about it.