KZ550 Chain Replacement

Hello all, first off I would like to introduce myself my name is Steve but everyone calls me ES (S). I am 27 years old and live in southern NJ. I have an '82 KZ550 LTD with 22,000 miles on it. This is my first bike. I am mechanically inclined but I am not a know it all.

My question is a little hard to answer or at least that's what they've told me at Kawasakimotorcycle.org. The chain and sprockets need replacing. I know that I would like to go to the 17 tooth sprocket up front and keep the 38 in the rear (simply because I haven't found a smaller rear). Stock is 16/38 with a 530-100 link chain. Do I need a longer chain to compensate for the larger front gear or will the 100 link fit fine?

Hello, Steve, and WELCOME to KZR!
We're glad you're here!

On the large fours, going up or down one tooth on the countershaft sprocket did not require a different length chain.

Had enough adjustment remaining in the axle slots to compensate either way.

Should expect a significant loss in acceleration from stop or crawl, with no increase in attainable top speed. But a more relaxed highway cruising rpm.

It's sort of like trading gears 1~5 for gears 2~6 instead.

Good Luck!

I run a 17 tooth front sprocket on my 81 KZ550 LTD with a stock length chain. I have not noticed a significant loss of acceleration at take off but then I'm not "Hole Shot Harry" either. Patton is right on about no gain in top end speed or in MPG either. I notice a decrease of about 500 rpm in 6th gear at highway speed.



How rude of me! Welcome to KZR ES. You should have no problems getting 99.9% of your questions answered here. (Just don't ask what oil to use or about loud pipes....)
Great group of guys here.

Thanks for the replies and salutations. I will order the stock chain and the 17/38 tooth gears. I am a brand new rider so new that I don't even have my motorcycle endorsement yet, I still have the permit. I am also a cautious rider/driver so I don't think I will be running the 1/4 mile with this bike.

I also don't like loud exhaust (forgive me, those who do). I find it much more attractive when something sounds sleek and sexy rather than raspy or obnoxious. I have an '88 Conquest TSi (where the turbo part of my username came from) it hauls pretty good but at the same time very quietly. I also have an appreciation for originality but you most likely wont see me cutting the frame and making some crazy chopper.

Seeing as I am new to the forum and you all are just getting to know me here's my little disclaimer:
One thing I say often in forums is that feelings and tones cannot be portrayed through text. Things that some people read as harsh and uncalled for are in actuality professional and deferential or meant as a joke not an insult. So if you feel that I've offended you by anything I have said please accept my apologies and understand that it's never intentional.

Seeing as how you are new here, I'll give you a tip in case you don't already know. For parts, the best place to go is www.z1enterprises. The owner is a member here (I am not the owner or even an employee). You will get the best prices, the best service and great (free) advice.

Hey ESTURBO welcome.. Im in south jersey too, near Long beach Island.. I have a kz550 too, but the a model, not the cruiser..