Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
- Blane8552
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 3
- Thanks: 0
Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
05 Aug 2015 08:47 - 05 Aug 2015 14:02
So here is my situation. I just bought an 81 KZ250W LTD (this is what my registration card says at least)
As part of plating the vehicle, it must be saftey inspected before I can get it on the road. Usually they get you for a couple things, not a big deal.
So the mechnaics told me I need a front sprocket, rear sprocket, and a new chain. Fine, I say find the parts, give me a number and we will do it.
Now they can't source the parts, which means I won't be able to plate and ride it.
I have found a site, "old bike barn" and it looks like they have the right parts. But these parts I found under KZ250
Now for my questions I hope someone can help me with
Are there drastic differences (if any) between the KZ250 and KZ250W LTD?
Would it work for my KZ250W LTD?
There are many different sprockets with varying teeth numbers, which one do I need?
What size chain do I need?
Anything else I should know involved with this?
This is my first bike, I know a little about mechanics and am able to learn easily and understand, but I am far from being an expert lol.
Any help anyone can lend will be greatly appreciated. I only got to ride my bike to the shop yesterday and this is killing me not being able to get out on it now.
As part of plating the vehicle, it must be saftey inspected before I can get it on the road. Usually they get you for a couple things, not a big deal.
So the mechnaics told me I need a front sprocket, rear sprocket, and a new chain. Fine, I say find the parts, give me a number and we will do it.
Now they can't source the parts, which means I won't be able to plate and ride it.
I have found a site, "old bike barn" and it looks like they have the right parts. But these parts I found under KZ250
Now for my questions I hope someone can help me with

Are there drastic differences (if any) between the KZ250 and KZ250W LTD?
Would it work for my KZ250W LTD?
There are many different sprockets with varying teeth numbers, which one do I need?
What size chain do I need?
Anything else I should know involved with this?
This is my first bike, I know a little about mechanics and am able to learn easily and understand, but I am far from being an expert lol.
Any help anyone can lend will be greatly appreciated. I only got to ride my bike to the shop yesterday and this is killing me not being able to get out on it now.
Last edit: 05 Aug 2015 14:02 by KZQ.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Patton
-
- Offline
- KZr Legend
- Posts: 18640
- Thanks: 2099
Re: Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
05 Aug 2015 09:04 - 05 Aug 2015 14:02
Hello, Blane8552, and WELCOME to KZrider! 
Would count the number of teeth on each sprocket and measure length of the chain.
Meanwhile, will check for an aftermarket supplier, part numbers, stock number of teeth, etc.
If not already done, would inquire by phone or in person of a Kawasaki dealership as to availability, pricing, etc.
My guess is that the '81 KZ250 models share sprockets, chain, and sizes.
LTD models might possibly have a stock rear sprocket with 1 or 2 or 3 more teeth than the standard road model.
Good Fortune!

Would count the number of teeth on each sprocket and measure length of the chain.
Meanwhile, will check for an aftermarket supplier, part numbers, stock number of teeth, etc.
If not already done, would inquire by phone or in person of a Kawasaki dealership as to availability, pricing, etc.
My guess is that the '81 KZ250 models share sprockets, chain, and sizes.
LTD models might possibly have a stock rear sprocket with 1 or 2 or 3 more teeth than the standard road model.
Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
KZ900 LTD
Last edit: 05 Aug 2015 14:02 by KZQ.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- martin_csr
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 8019
- Thanks: 1645
Re: Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
05 Aug 2015 09:14 - 05 Aug 2015 15:08
It helps to verify exactly what model it is. There is an 83 250-W1, but it's belt drive.
If the bike has a 17-digit vin, try checking it at Kawasaki.com. It could be a 250-D1 Ltd, but that is just a guess.
Maybe the stuff need replacing, but I would compare the sprockets to new to make sure they are indeed worn. Use the part numbers from Kawasaki.com or partzilla to find eebbaayy photos for comparison. Or post sprocket photos here. The service manual should have a wear inspection procedure for the chain to check if it's stretched.
Z1Enterprises.com may have a chain & sprockets for your bike. JT Sprockets has a listing for the 250-D. Click catalogue, then enter KZ250. Then click the JT part numbers to see what other bikes use the same sprockets. Then you can go searching on eebbaayy. Be sure to verify that your sprockets look the same.
If the bike has a 17-digit vin, try checking it at Kawasaki.com. It could be a 250-D1 Ltd, but that is just a guess.
Maybe the stuff need replacing, but I would compare the sprockets to new to make sure they are indeed worn. Use the part numbers from Kawasaki.com or partzilla to find eebbaayy photos for comparison. Or post sprocket photos here. The service manual should have a wear inspection procedure for the chain to check if it's stretched.
Z1Enterprises.com may have a chain & sprockets for your bike. JT Sprockets has a listing for the 250-D. Click catalogue, then enter KZ250. Then click the JT part numbers to see what other bikes use the same sprockets. Then you can go searching on eebbaayy. Be sure to verify that your sprockets look the same.
Last edit: 05 Aug 2015 15:08 by martin_csr.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Aarronsharp
-
- Offline
- User
- Got my first KZ1100!!!
- Posts: 4
- Thanks: 0
Re: Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
05 Aug 2015 09:17 - 05 Aug 2015 14:03
Hey there Blane. I too have encountered the lack of parts dilemma. I have found a site which has all the schematics and part numbers for
1983 KZ250-W1 LTD Belt
Looking at the different parts lists the only LTD kz250 comes with a belt drive. Yours may be the KZ250-D2 CSR 1981. Heres a link to the parts list for that one. 81 csr There is also a 1980 NON CSR model here 1980 NON-CSR Both rear sprockets are the exact same part number 420411042 which has 37 teeth and both have an approved alternate of This Approved alternate Which is made by Tsubaki. P/n: 5810003580 Hope this all helps I know its a bit of a maze of words. BTW both the 1980 and 1981 CSR have the same chain KAWASAKI part no: 920571034 Here
Which is a 500X100L chain. Hope this helps.
1983 KZ250-W1 LTD Belt
Looking at the different parts lists the only LTD kz250 comes with a belt drive. Yours may be the KZ250-D2 CSR 1981. Heres a link to the parts list for that one. 81 csr There is also a 1980 NON CSR model here 1980 NON-CSR Both rear sprockets are the exact same part number 420411042 which has 37 teeth and both have an approved alternate of This Approved alternate Which is made by Tsubaki. P/n: 5810003580 Hope this all helps I know its a bit of a maze of words. BTW both the 1980 and 1981 CSR have the same chain KAWASAKI part no: 920571034 Here
Which is a 500X100L chain. Hope this helps.
83 KZ1100 shafty
DL650 Vstrom (Wee)
Dearly departed Yamaha XJ600 Pre-Div
DL650 Vstrom (Wee)
Dearly departed Yamaha XJ600 Pre-Div
Last edit: 05 Aug 2015 14:03 by KZQ.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- martin_csr
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 8019
- Thanks: 1645
Re: Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
05 Aug 2015 09:26 - 05 Aug 2015 15:08
The 1980 D1 has "Ltd/250" side covers emblems.
Last edit: 05 Aug 2015 15:08 by martin_csr.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Blane8552
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 3
- Thanks: 0
Re: Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
05 Aug 2015 09:41 - 05 Aug 2015 14:04
Wow. A lot of responses in a short time! Thanks everyone so far.
The shop ended up finding parts and ordered them. So all will be well in the end. I may have jumped the gun on everything lol.
Thank you for your replies though. I will use them as a reference once I get my bike back. I am eager to look at my bike now to find out exactly what it is.
The shop ended up finding parts and ordered them. So all will be well in the end. I may have jumped the gun on everything lol.
Thank you for your replies though. I will use them as a reference once I get my bike back. I am eager to look at my bike now to find out exactly what it is.

Last edit: 05 Aug 2015 14:04 by KZQ.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Patton
-
- Offline
- KZr Legend
- Posts: 18640
- Thanks: 2099
Re: Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
05 Aug 2015 09:45 - 05 Aug 2015 14:04
Seems that sprockets and chain are available.
For rear sprocket, Google 42041-1042 and eBay search 42041-1042
For front sprocket, Google 13144-069 and eBay search 13144-069
For chain, Google 92057-1034 and eBay search KZ250 chain
Good Fortune!
For rear sprocket, Google 42041-1042 and eBay search 42041-1042
For front sprocket, Google 13144-069 and eBay search 13144-069
For chain, Google 92057-1034 and eBay search KZ250 chain
Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
KZ900 LTD
Last edit: 05 Aug 2015 14:04 by KZQ.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- martin_csr
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 8019
- Thanks: 1645
Re: Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
05 Aug 2015 12:21 - 06 Aug 2015 05:35
Even if the cycle shop ordered the parts, I would make sure they're actually needed.

Last edit: 06 Aug 2015 05:35 by martin_csr.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Blane8552
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 3
- Thanks: 0
Re: Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
06 Aug 2015 15:15
Went to the shop today and checked on my bike. The mechanic walked me through everything and the parts are needed. Glad he caught it too, I probably wouldn't have caught it. Chain was tight in spots and crazy lose in others and the sprockets were worn.
Looking forward to the repairs being complete
Looking forward to the repairs being complete

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Irish Yobbo
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 380
- Thanks: 93
Re: Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
06 Aug 2015 17:09
I also have a KZ250 W. As far as I know, they were all belt drive, but it was probably converted to chain. When I got mine, it was still a belt drive, but I did the conversion too, as sourcing the belts is very difficult. Mine is actually a 1985 model - I imagine it was made in 1983, but not sold until much later.
Most parts from the other KZ250's are exchangeable - at least, most of the engine/drive train parts. Some have different side covers, forks etc. To find part numbers I've been using Partzilla . Since I'm in Australia I've been trying to source parts locally, but that site has been very useful to me.
Good luck with your front brakes - mine are still pretty bad
Most parts from the other KZ250's are exchangeable - at least, most of the engine/drive train parts. Some have different side covers, forks etc. To find part numbers I've been using Partzilla . Since I'm in Australia I've been trying to source parts locally, but that site has been very useful to me.
Good luck with your front brakes - mine are still pretty bad

1981 KZ750 LTD
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Tyrell Corp
-
- Offline
- User
- "You were made as well as we could make you"
- Posts: 1650
- Thanks: 261
Re: Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
06 Aug 2015 18:57
Most parts from the other KZ250's are exchangeable - at least, most of the engine/drive train parts.
Top tip for sourcing odd bits is find out what other bikes the same part was fitted to. Part numbers can be misleading though as they get surpassed and even a different colour makes a different number.
I picked up some silly cheap bits for my Lawson Rep by sourcing parts this way, clocks, dash facia and seat lock for example.
Top tip for sourcing odd bits is find out what other bikes the same part was fitted to. Part numbers can be misleading though as they get surpassed and even a different colour makes a different number.
I picked up some silly cheap bits for my Lawson Rep by sourcing parts this way, clocks, dash facia and seat lock for example.
1980 Gpz550 D1, 1981 GPz550 D1. 1982 GPz750R1. 1983 z1000R R2. all four aces
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- martin_csr
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 8019
- Thanks: 1645
Re: Can't source parts for 81 KZ250W LTD
06 Aug 2015 23:30 - 07 Aug 2015 08:03doh. I didn't think of that for the 250. I know it's kinda common on the 440.. :blush:By Irish Yobbo: I also have a KZ250 W. As far as I know, they were all belt drive, but it was probably converted to chain. When I got mine, it was still a belt drive, but I did the conversion too, as sourcing the belts is very difficult.....
Last edit: 07 Aug 2015 08:03 by martin_csr.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.