1983 kz550 ltd

I will be restoring this bike. Where should I start? Im thinking about taking it apart to restore all the chrome and aluminum. Take off the carb, clean it and replace any rubber parts. New battery and tires obviously. Also new paint on the tank which is showing some surface rust. Im not sure if I should just get a new tank. I dont want a problem in 2 years after doing all the work to make it look good. This bike has 6500 miles and I got it from the original owner.

So far just taking things apart and doing my homework.
I didnt get an overall view of what I took apart so far but I will for the next round of pictures. Lots of painting and polishing to do!

Are you really going to keep the emission air valve system? It tens to be a great source for possible vacuum leaks, and doesn't guarantee you any better gas mileage.

Is that what all the tubes are on top? How would you eliminate them? Is there a thread with that kind of information? :huh:
I will be uploading some pictures when my internet is upgraded sat. It has been runningat .15 mbps. Lol, good bye at+t.

if you remove that valve, you can either cap off the valve cover fittings, or buy a set of APE Reed Cover Caps.
kzzone.com/billet.html
This would free up room for valve clearance checks too.

Nice idea. Does the bike run the same? The biggest challenge right now is learning to polish chrome and aluminum. I can paint really well already. Any tips on that would be appreciated too


Mouse house! :ohmy:

Yes the bike will run the same, just disable the vacuum hoses from the carbs, that operate this valve system. Easily overlooked.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationTo add, there is this Ebay Seller that seems to be parting out a 1983 KZ550:

Be sure to install new brake shoes.
I would get oem or Vesrah (e.g., VB-412). Z1Enterprises.com may have them.
It has been reported that some EBC brake shoes don't fit right.

Thanks good to know, I just ordered the rears. What about the fronts. What is good price/quaility? I also need a battery if there are any suggestions on that.

Do not get the battery that you hve to add the acid, and charge, it's better to buy a sealed maintenance free battery. These are available a lot of places. Check with some of the vendors on this site.

EBC Brake Pads are good for me.

Some more pics...