1982 KZ550 Ltd fork oil level

The next course of action would be to compare fork components between the KZ550A model and the KZ550C model.

If the internal parts, like damper rod etc are the same, and the slider is the same (different part number may simply be for a different paint color), then I would assume total potential travel (outside of the spring-bind or external part interference) is the same. In that case, I would set the oil level at the same number of millimeters above the top of the damper rod. or even slightly higher, since the C model uses longer forks.

If the internal parts, or slider, are different, then we'd have to determine how they are different in order to know what to do.

Didnt see a date on this so not sure if an answer was found...im having the same issue. Have not tried with the springs in yet, got late. Thanks.

1980 kz550ltd

There may be a more definitive post about kz550c fork oil level. I seem to remember this coming up more than once in the last couple years.

Cool thanks will keep digging lol, my local crazy mechanic says screw the book, bottom out the forks and add until 4 to 6 in. From top. Any thoughts on that?

cbrianroll wrote: Cool thanks will keep digging lol, my local crazy mechanic says screw the book, bottom out the forks and add until 4 to 6 in. From top. Any thoughts on that?

Yes; I have a thought. Your "mechanic" is an imbecile and should not be permitted to touch anything mechanical!

First - Find a mechanic who doesn't have his head up his butt; the one you have now could get you hurt.
Second - Use the book. Keep in mind that the book was written by folks who truly understand these bikes and was written for professional mechanics at Kawasaki shops who maintain these bikes. Ed

Not my mechanic!, local mechanic..lol I do my own stuff and go by the book but the book is wrong in this case.....definatly wasn't gonna try that without a bunch of you guys saying go for it.

cbrianroll wrote: Not my mechanic!, local mechanic..lol I do my own stuff and go by the book but the book is wrong in this case.....definatly wasn't gonna try that without a bunch of you guys saying go for it.

I don't understand - what did you find wrong in the book? Ed

The FSM and other manuals seem to have the wrong fork oil level measurement listed. This has come up a few times before, but I don't think a resolution has been reached on what the correct level should be.

Here's another thread on the subject.

www.kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/602836-k...fork-oil-measurement

On mine the CC amount is listed and a measurement with the springs in. Too much and the forks are rock hard.
Steve

So is the spec in the FSM, which is 290CC of SAE 5W20 fork oil for the KZ550-C3, accurate or not accurate? Ed

I'm at work so I can't verify but perhaps it's because an Ltd? Longer forks if I'm correct? Pretty sure my manuals just say kz550 etc

Oops...thats what I can't figure out, I put in ymthat amount and measure down 14 in and I don't hit oil...its roughly 4 more in down.