Frame differences Z500?
- KzMack
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Frame differences Z500?
19 Jun 2014 05:26
Hi!
I have a 1982 Z500b and im trying to find rearsets for it. Anyone know of any?
I asked fastfromthepast.com since they have for the 1981 model, but they have no info on an 1982 model
And btw it says its a 1983 model, but the seller said that there is no 83 models. True?
And also im changing the tacho? 1/4 ratio isent it?
All help is appriciated!
I have a 1982 Z500b and im trying to find rearsets for it. Anyone know of any?
I asked fastfromthepast.com since they have for the 1981 model, but they have no info on an 1982 model

And btw it says its a 1983 model, but the seller said that there is no 83 models. True?
And also im changing the tacho? 1/4 ratio isent it?
All help is appriciated!

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- martin_csr
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Re: Frame differences Z500?
19 Jun 2014 06:22
Is it a European model? Shaft drive or chain? The Z550-B was not sold in the USA.
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- Mcdroid
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Re: Frame differences Z500?
19 Jun 2014 06:28 - 19 Jun 2014 06:29
Martin, the Z500 was a Euro model and not marketed in North America. I have some info at home and if no one answers KZMack's question, I'll post this evening.
Michael
Victoria, Texas
1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A
Victoria, Texas
1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A
Last edit: 19 Jun 2014 06:29 by Mcdroid.
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- KzMack
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Re: Frame differences Z500?
19 Jun 2014 06:37
Mcdriod is right. Its an euro version with chain drive.
Finding it hard to believe that the 81 rearsets wont fit!
Finding it hard to believe that the 81 rearsets wont fit!
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- martin_csr
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Re: Frame differences Z500?
19 Jun 2014 06:47
You may not get a definitive answer on the rear sets fitment.
I would compare the bike to a similar US model --- Kawasaki.com & eebbaayy photos.
If it's a Standard model, the closest match is probably the 550A (80-83). If it's a GPz, then the 550H.
I would compare the bike to a similar US model --- Kawasaki.com & eebbaayy photos.
If it's a Standard model, the closest match is probably the 550A (80-83). If it's a GPz, then the 550H.
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- slayer61
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Re: Frame differences Z500?
19 Jun 2014 08:48KzMack wrote: Hi!
I have a 1982 Z500b and im trying to find rearsets for it. Anyone know of any?
I asked fastfromthepast.com since they have for the 1981 model, but they have no info on an 1982 model
And btw it says its a 1983 model, but the seller said that there is no 83 models. True?
And also im changing the tacho? 1/4 ratio isent it?
All help is appriciated!
Have a look for Raask rear sets. They are European and made for just about everything. Here in the states, they are carried by Omar's.
Don't be ridiculous! It's only a flesh wound!
[strike]Wife's little bike... 1984 GPZ 550 Kerker and DynaJet stage I kit[/strike]
Wife's BIG bike......[strike] 1981 GPZ 1100 Kerker and [strike]factory FI[/strike] Mikuni RS34s W/ K&N pods[/strike] SOLD
[strike]Wife's little bike... 1984 GPZ 550 Kerker and DynaJet stage I kit[/strike]
Wife's BIG bike......[strike] 1981 GPZ 1100 Kerker and [strike]factory FI[/strike] Mikuni RS34s W/ K&N pods[/strike] SOLD
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- KzMack
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Re: Frame differences Z500?
19 Jun 2014 09:33
Raask only offers to 81 aswell. I`ll email them and ask if they know 
Do you guys know if the tacho is 1/4 ratio? Ordering new small ones from DCC.

Do you guys know if the tacho is 1/4 ratio? Ordering new small ones from DCC.
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- slayer61
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Re: Frame differences Z500?
19 Jun 2014 09:41
Don't be ridiculous! It's only a flesh wound!
[strike]Wife's little bike... 1984 GPZ 550 Kerker and DynaJet stage I kit[/strike]
Wife's BIG bike......[strike] 1981 GPZ 1100 Kerker and [strike]factory FI[/strike] Mikuni RS34s W/ K&N pods[/strike] SOLD
[strike]Wife's little bike... 1984 GPZ 550 Kerker and DynaJet stage I kit[/strike]
Wife's BIG bike......[strike] 1981 GPZ 1100 Kerker and [strike]factory FI[/strike] Mikuni RS34s W/ K&N pods[/strike] SOLD
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- KzMack
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Re: Frame differences Z500?
19 Jun 2014 14:28
2240:60 ratio is not an option on DCC. But i saw a guy that said 1:5 ratio so ill trust him then
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- Mcdroid
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Re: Frame differences Z500?
19 Jun 2014 14:49KzMack wrote: Hi!
I have a 1982 Z500b and im trying to find rearsets for it. Anyone know of any?
I asked fastfromthepast.com since they have for the 1981 model, but they have no info on an 1982 model
And btw it says its a 1983 model, but the seller said that there is no 83 models. True?
And also im changing the tacho? 1/4 ratio isent it?
All help is appriciated!
The seller is correct...Z500 was produced from 1979-1982...there is no 83 model. If your motorcycle is not a monoshock, then I suspect that the rear-sets will work for all years. Right about 1982, Kawasaki introduced the monoshock on the 550 GPz (similar is stature to yours)...which really exaggerated the differences between the 1981 GPz and the 1982 GPz. As for yours being labeled a 1983 model, in some Euro countries, motorcycles are titled on the year they are sold, rather than the year manufactured.
Michael
Victoria, Texas
1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A
Victoria, Texas
1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A
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- KzMack
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- loudhvx
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Re: Frame differences Z500?
20 Jun 2014 11:10
Generally, the standard frames with twin shocks fall into two categories. Those with removable passenger peg mounts, and those with fixed mounts. (This does not include the LTD frames, just the standard frames.)
The earlier frames used tubular sections welded to the frame to form a triangle for rear peg mounts.
The later frames used a cast aluminum triangle bolted to the frame.
I'm not sure what years had which type, but I think that is what will make the difference on the rear-sets, if any.
Raask had rearsets for the 1981 Gpz550, which had dual shocks and the aluminum rear peg mounts. So those might work on your bike if it has the aluminum rear peg mounts.
The earlier frames used tubular sections welded to the frame to form a triangle for rear peg mounts.
The later frames used a cast aluminum triangle bolted to the frame.
I'm not sure what years had which type, but I think that is what will make the difference on the rear-sets, if any.
Raask had rearsets for the 1981 Gpz550, which had dual shocks and the aluminum rear peg mounts. So those might work on your bike if it has the aluminum rear peg mounts.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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