master cylinder rebuild kit for '81 KZ550?

I've been searching but the only kits I can find are for '82s and up. Could any of you point me in the right direction?

Asked at www.z1enterprises.com ? they could tell you if the parts interchange.

Thanks for your help but I bought one from them about six months ago and it doesn't fit. Gonna need one for my year or before I'm afraid. Guess I could call them in the morning and see what they have to say. I never tried to return it or anything.

You can look on the bottom of your master cylinder and there should be a 1/2 or 5/8 cast into the bottom of it. This is the size of the piston bore of your cylinder. Both kits should be available, although I had a hard time locating the "1/2" kit. If you have any further questions, please post this number from your master cylinder and we will try to find the correct kit part number. Also, please let us know if you have a KZ550-A2 or another model.

Robert

Hey that was solid advice. First I'd heard of that. It's a 1/2" inch bore and my model is an '81 KZ550 A. The dude I bought it from said it was a 550 C but on the frame and pipes it says A. I'll go with that. Where did you find your 1/2" kit?

Sorry, I can't locate a kit for your bike at the moment. The Kawasaki piston and seal assembly, part #43020-1027 has been discontinued. Here are the models that have the same piston and seal assembly as your bike.

KZ550-A1 (1980)
KZ550-A2 (1981)
KZ550-A3 (1982)
KZ550-A4 (1983)
KZ550-C1 (LTD) (1980)
KZ550-C2 (LTD) (1981)
KZ550-C3 (LTD) (1982)
KZ550-C4 (LTD) (1983)
KZ650-E1 (LTD) (1980)
KZ650-F1 (1980)
KZ650-H1 (CSR) (1981)
KZ650-H2 (CSR) (1982)
KZ650-H3 (CSR) (1983)
KZ750-G1 (LTD II) (1980)
KZ750-M1 (CSR Twin) (1982)

43020-1027

Might check out this supplier.

speedsupplies.com/partslisting.asp?posit...ment=500&category=KW

Part Number Description Quantity Retail Sale Price Extended
43020-1027 PISTON-COMP-BRAKE $60.20 $54.18 $54.18
Subtotal: $54.18



A m/c may sometimes be restored to serviceable condition using the existing piston and cups, where the bore isn't too badly pitted.

Good Luck!

The '81 KZ440-A2(LTD) has a master cylinder that is very similar to yours. The retainers and seal in the end of it have the same part number as the ones on your master cylinder. It is possible that it is also a 1/2" bore cylinder, since this bike also has a single disc brake in the front. The piston and cup assembly for it are still available, Kawasaki part #43020-1026. The piston is likely different from yours, but it is possible that the rubber cups can be taken off the new one and installed on your old piston. I realize that this is not the ideal scenario, but if you get desperate, this might be something to look into. Sooner or later you will find the correct part. As Patton says, you can sometimes get your old master cylinder to work by taking it apart, cleaning and putting it back together. I like to take the old cups off the piston and clean out the groves real well, then put them back on. This seems to stretch the cups out a bit and can help it to seal until you find something better to work.

Robert