shorter cables for 80 kz55oltd

Ok, put on flat bars, got new levers, now I need shorter clutch and throttle cables. My searches don't reveal much so I thought I'd pick your guys brains for options, thanks.

Maybe can use some shorter clutch and throttle cables of the Kz550a1 - a4 or GPZ550d1 / GPZ550h1 / GPZ550h2 bikes
with the lower bars.

www.cmsnl.com/kawasaki-kz550_model12595/

Michael

I would disconnect the cables at one end, route them so that they seem right, then measure the overage. Be sure to turn the handlebars lock-to-lock while checking. Then remove the cables & measure, then figure out the needed lengths. A little too long is better than too short. Be sure to note the amount of slack or end-to-end movement. A little too much slack is probably okay, because of the barrel adjusters. if not enough slack, a replacement cable may not fit.

Z1Enterprises.com lists the dimensions of many of their cables, including the slack. If the cables Scirocco mentioned don't seem short enough, maybe check the KZ400, 440 & 305 models. Or if nothing is suitable, MotionPro & I think Barnet make custom cables. there may be other places to check for custom lengths.

Cool beans guys! Wasn't sure if there was a plug and play, or go custom.

If the brake lines are the old originals, you should replace them. You'll probably want to install a shorter upper line & a different master cylinder. After installing new bars, a handy way to figure out the length of the new upper line is to unbolt the brake joint from the forks, lower it so that the brake line looks right, then measure the overage & figure out the rest. Clear tubing is handy for measuring the old lines without removing them from the bike. The Kawasaki parts diagrams may have the lengths which I believe are eye-to-eye, but don't quote me on that. The brake joint trick is handy as you just bolt it back in place & keep riding while the brake parts are on order.

They look original, was thinking braided would be nice!

GPz cables would be a good option. The OEM Kawasaki cables are the best quality available.

And a fresh clutch cable is always a thing of beauty. So smooth...

Gpz550 cables are shorter, but I've found even they are not quite short enough for a straight bar. They can be made to work, certainly, but it will end up "loopy".

I spent a few days learning how to shorten cables. It's a lot of steps, but ends up working pretty good. It's also a good way to re-purpose old cables that only have the lever-end worn out (which is the usual way they wear out).

I also did some destructive testing to see what the limits were in that process.
The cables I used were really old and dirty to start with.
gpzweb.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.co...tchCableShorten.html

Here is the thread on Kzrider, but I was not able to edit the posts to add commentary to the images.
I left it up for comments/questions.
www.kzrider.com/kunena/2-engine/603254-s...g-kz550-clutch-cable

That's awesome! I had almost tried that on my Yamaha once, not sure why I decided against it. My throttles are shot so I'll buy those, may try the clutch though!

Motion Pro has cable and will make them if I'm not mistaken. They have worked well for me.

The problem with the Motion Pro cable, besides the extra cost, is the lag time. Sometimes it can take 2 weeks to get the cable. I am also not very crazy about how their cables feel. They feel really raspy. The factory cables are sooo much smoother.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationloudhvx is THE MAN. Master craftsman, and 550 forum guru. I believe him when he says drag bars are lower than GPZ bars, however... The GPz cables are shorter than stock LTD cables by a fair bit and a little rerouting should make them nicely serciceable.





www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/kawasaki/KP-54011-1025.html