1980 KZ550A Frame and a 1981 KZ750 (questions abou

So I have a 1980 KZ550 frame, and I just picked up a 1981 KZ750 motor. What kind (if any) issues will I have with the swap?

Please be specific if you can.

thanks!

ps Im stoked, I got the motor, rims, tires, coils, some of the controls all for 60$

I wonder if Im going to have any strenght issues? (in the frame)

The exhaust pipe spacing is wider on the KZ750 so you can't use the 550 pipes, also the carbs are spaced different and shorter from front to rear on the 550 so you can't use any of the stock KZ550 airbox. I think it will be a difficult swap. I think if you do get the engine to fit, the carbs will not have clearance to add air filters.

I was planning on running Pods off the carbs, and as far as mounts on the frame, will those line up, or will I have to re-mount the motor?

Take some measurments. The 750 motor looks similar, but is a lot bigger. I thought about doing this a few years ago, but chose to get an early oil-cooled GSXR750 motor.....which is still sitting on the floor of the garage.

I'm sure it can be done, but it probably won't be simple.

Thanks guys, I guess I will find out mroe Sunday, as thats when Im picking up the motor

sinks88 wrote:

So I have a 1980 KZ550 frame, and I just picked up a 1981 KZ750 motor. What kind (if any) issues will I have with the swap?

Please be specific if you can.

thanks!

ps Im stoked, I got the motor, rims, tires, coils, some of the controls all for 60$

What skills do you have?equipment?tools?

With some help from some friends I will be able to pretty much accomplish anything, Im just worried about strength in the frame, or the size of the frame....in the past years I have met a group of pretty good guys that have been building bikes for years, I guess what Im trying to figure out if I will have toubles with the swap in terms of the 550 frame being to narrow, or too short (cradle)

does anyone have a compatability list as far as models and years?

sinks88 wrote:

does anyone have a compatability list as far as models and years?

kawasaki.com is one source to find which parts are common to various models.

Click > kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...w&catid=13&id=376734

Good Fortune!

Well, you can cross-reference individual parts at Kawasaki.com. I find it easiest to search by year only.

Kawasaki.com (USA) -->> Owner Info -->> Parts diagrams -->> Search-by-Model-Info -> click continue -->> choose a year only then click continue -->> pick a bike from the list. Once into the diagrams, click stuff. Most diagram reference numbers are clickable which speeds up finding the full part number below. Clicking the part number opens a new window - click the yellow/black ? for the cross-reference... another new window opens w a list of bikes using that part. Click the red/white S for the superseded part number info.

If your computer has a pop-up blocker, the diagrams may not work. You'll have to turn off the blocker or otherwise allow popups from the Kaw site.

SWEEEEEEEEEETTTT!