Fork oil change
- Onealjp
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Fork oil change
07 Sep 2014 07:08 - 07 Sep 2014 07:11
Hey guys, so I've got my bike working and everything like it should be so now I'm trying to update the suspension. I've got a 78 kz650 and I'm trying to change the fork oil and inspect my Springs but I'm stumped on how to open up the forks themselves. Rather than having a bolt on top that you twist off to open up the forks, it has this piece that is like an inverted square that goes down into the top rather than sticking out and I have no idea how to get it off. Is there a special tool I need or am I just an idiot and am missing something completely?
1978 Kawasaki Kz650
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Last edit: 07 Sep 2014 07:11 by Onealjp.
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- jsnabbs
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- 1981 kawiKZ440
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Re: Fork oil change
07 Sep 2014 07:37
push down on it and then pop out the circlip
TIME TO TRADE IN THE PEDALS FOR SOME POWER
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- martin_csr
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Re: Fork oil change
07 Sep 2014 08:13 - 07 Sep 2014 08:30
In the diagrams it's listed as a Seat spring & appears to be threaded.
Stick a tool in the square hole, then unscrew the plug. You may need a special tool.
Next, you're going to have some more fun removing the bottom allen bolts.
Stick a tool in the square hole, then unscrew the plug. You may need a special tool.
Next, you're going to have some more fun removing the bottom allen bolts.
Last edit: 07 Sep 2014 08:30 by martin_csr.
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- 650ed
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Re: Fork oil change
07 Sep 2014 08:51 - 07 Sep 2014 08:52
I don't believe there's a circlip on the KZ650-B2. Instead, that top bolt with the square hole should unscrew. See if either a 1/2" or 3/8" ratchet extension will fit the hole properly. Be sure to loosen the top triple tree clamp bolt before trying to unscrew it. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Last edit: 07 Sep 2014 08:52 by 650ed.
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- martin_csr
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Re: Fork oil change
07 Sep 2014 14:43
At first glance it seemed like the square hole might be bigger than a typical ratchet,
but I think 650ed is right & a 1/2 will probably fit.
but I think 650ed is right & a 1/2 will probably fit.

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- PLUMMEN
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Re: Fork oil change
07 Sep 2014 16:22 - 07 Sep 2014 16:25
1/2" breaker bar is the easiest way to break it loose,after loosening top triple tree bolts
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Still recovering,some days are better than others.
Last edit: 07 Sep 2014 16:25 by PLUMMEN.
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- RonKZ650
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Re: Fork oil change
07 Sep 2014 16:47
Yea, it's simply a screw on cap with a 1/2" drive built into it. Normally it is tight to break loose, but just keep your lower clamps tightened, then insert a 1/2" extension, use the biggest ratchet or breaker bar or use a pipe to extend to gain more leverage.
321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
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