Accessories for KZ550 LTD

Hi all - I'm very new to the KZ Rider forums and have a question... just last night I purchased my very first motorcycle ever - a 1984 KZ550 LTD Shaft Drive! I'm really excited but also could use a hand with some accessories.

Forgive my not knowing the proper naming, but I would like to get a 'back rest' for the passenger seat for my gf to rest while riding... what is this called and where is a good place to get one in Madison, WI, or online?

I'd also like to get some nice bags for the bike to carry small items while riding... not leather though... just not my style. Any ideas?

Thanks everyone!
-Dustin H

Might consider a combo rack including backrest. Keep an eye on eBay. Usually inexpensive. Easily installed (looks like ) and easily removed . Might not need saddlebags if have the rack. Also many types of non-leather soft bags are available.


Sissy bars may be plain metal with some scrolling or also incoporate a pad for the passenger to lean back against. See eBay.

Might also check KZRider Classified and maybe put in a want ad -- betcha you'll find some available.

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/02/09 09:20

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/02/09 09:21

Here's a sissy bar on eBay that might possibly fit your '84KZ550LTD. Should carefully measure your bike and compare to seller's measurements before considering purchase.


cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CB-XS-XV-XJ-KZ-6...QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


It's generally easy to make your own custom spacers from various size chrome tubing or stacked washers (stainless steel perhaps) and ss nuts and bolts are also useful for custom mounting and readily available from almost any local hardware store.

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/02/09 11:27

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Welcome to the forum Dustin, and best of luck with your KZ550. The following eBay vendor often has a good selection of bags at attractive pricing:
tinyurl.com/g4sp9

Ah '84.. a good vintage!

Welcome - and good luck with the little beastie. I've got mine apart right now, and am making a new seat/cowl for it.

I'm going to be fabbing up a luggage rack too, so I'll letcha know what I come up with - if you're handy, that is.

Cheers!

Your bike originally came equipped with a hand grab bar located behind rear of the seat. They are easy to remove and frequently are removed and left off. Your bike may or may not still have the bar with it. If it's not on the bike, ask the seller if its still available (may have been stored and forgotten).

The sissy bar and/or luggage carrier usually replaces the grab bar and attaches at the same points where the grab bar attached, typically at two points on each side.

If the grab bar is available, it's easy to measure the widths between the front attachment points and the widths between the rear attachment points and the distance between the front and rear attachment points.

When the front attachment points are the upper shock studs, it is important that the width between the front attachment points is correct -- not too wide and not too narrow.

The rear attachment points, if wide enough, can usually be easily fitted by filling any extra space with a spacer, stacked washers, or using three nuts on each bolt (one tightens the rack against the bolt head, one sets the distance to the bike attachment point, and one tightens the bolt onto the bike.

Of course, a unit made specifically for your bike model should bolt right up. And some good reference links have been suggested.

Let us know how it works out.

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/02/09 14:53

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/02/09 14:57

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/02/09 14:58