TOPIC:

The different 550's I've checked (Early 1980's) have the same gears in the tranny. So you may not be limited to the gpz 550's. The chain drive LTD's and standards should work too, but of course please check the numbers on BuyKawasaki.com first.

mariozappa wrote:

koolaid_kid wrote:

Since the bike will primarily a canyon carver, this is ideal for me.

Man!
You're gonna have to tell me where you ride in Indiana!

Good point. It took me years to find them, but we actually have curves in southern Indiana. Brown County is my favorite, but there are also some closer to Ohio. I have even riden some close to Shelbyville. You just have to stay off the beaten path. And not tell anyone else, don't want the outsiders to know.
But the main purpose is going to be Deal's Gap, which will be a (at least) yearly trek from now on.

loudhvx wrote:

The different 550's I've checked (Early 1980's) have the same gears in the tranny. So you may not be limited to the gpz 550's. The chain drive LTD's and standards should work too, but of course please check the numbers on BuyKawasaki.com first.

You are absolutely correct. I have 2 copies of the factory Kawasaki Service Manual for the late '70s - early '80s 550 models (anyone want to buy a copy?). The gearbox is the same for all models, so any 550 shoud do. This greatly widens the availability of trannys available.

Post edited by: koolaid_kid, at: 2005/10/26 17:49

So, does it make more sense to put the transmission innards into the cases for a 650/750; or would it work to instead swap the entire 550 cases and innards, and mount the 650/750 top end onto it?

I gotta find me a 550 engine to scavange for this type of project!

I posted a while back, or responded to someone else's post rather, about putting a 650 top end on a 550 bottom, and I believe the census was that the cases would need cut to allow the larger sleeves. I don't remember for sure, so I'll have to go check. I'd still love to have a 6 speed 650 with my 750 cams, VM29's And Kerker. I think the SR would like that.

Resurrecting the thread.
I got scared and asked for Steell's expertise.
The engine is almost together. It appears to work, at least on the bench. Probably the kickstarter is the key.
Project was also delayed due to the addition of a Wiseco 810 kit. Should make decent power now, as well, coupled with the Kerker, jet kit and K&Ns.
I also notice in my Kawasaki factory manual that the trans appears to be the same for the KZ400, KZ500 & KZ550. So the choice of a donor trans should be wider.
I predict it will be on the road in 2 weeks, I will report back then. After I get back from my ride(s).

The secret's out

Think maybe I should post a pic of the engine setting on the kitchen table? I don't know how or why my wife puts up with me

Oh yeah, if you let me take it for a ride I promise not to flip this one

Post edited by: steell, at: 2006/03/10 03:29

steell wrote:

The secret's out
Oh yeah, if you let me take it for a ride I promise not to flip this one

I have to admit, steell, it took me about 5 minutes before I could get off the floor, I was laughing so hard. My only regret is that I did not have my video camera with me and shooting at the time.
On the plus side, I have gotten a lot of mileage out of that story; and it still makes me laugh uncontrollably.

And I am ever so glad you did not have a video recorder!

Good luck with the tranny swap! lots of folks will be interested in seein ghow that works out.
Slightly off topic.....ride 238 out of Fortville up to Noblesville. You'll see your own tail lites a few times;)
Good luck and have fun.....

If the kickstarter is the issue then the 550 swap into a 650 is not doable, BUT the swap to a 750 IS??? Can someone clear this up.

Thanks. I'm looking forward to positive results.
As to 238, I've done it on my GS1100E. When I put the GSXR shock on the GPz I'm going to take it for a comparison ride.