kz650 vs kz550 vs kz500

hi guys,

im going to buy my first bike soon and i need some help.

whats the difference between these bikes apart from the engine size?

That's about it.

They all do about the same thing with similar performance, the 650 having the iconic curves and duck tail, the 550 having the later chiselled swage lines and graphics. I like the later look, most prefer the older classic shape.

The 550 are nicely lighter than the 650, also with an extra gear and a more revvy motor. They are all a blast to ride and if you find a decent one of any of the above I' don't think you'll be dissapointed.

The 1981 GPz 550 twinshock is the 550 to find imo.

The KZ650 has 64 horsepower and the bike is somewhat larger than the other two; it's engine is not shared by the other two. It has a 5 speed tranny.

The KZ550 has 50 - 58 horsepower depending on the year/model, and the KZ500 has about 52 horsepower; they share the same engine with different size bores; they both have 6 speed trannies; there's not much difference between the KZ550 and KZ500.

All 3 bikes come in different model configurations. They're all nice bikes, but I prefer the KZ650. Ed

Since this will be your first motorcycle, I think that the much more important question is, how has it been taken care of? The last thing a newbie needs is a neglected or abused machine that will be in immediate and constant need of money and repair time. It is much better to spend a little more up front so you can spend your time riding and your extra money on good riding gear and farkles.

Tyrell Corp wrote: The 1981 GPz 550 twinshock is the 550 to find imo.

Yep. But the 1982 and 83 GPz550 are great bikes for a beginner and not quite as sought after. There is a guy selling two near me for $1,500.

Tyrell Corp wrote: They all do about the same thing with similar performance, the 650 having the iconic curves and duck tail, the 550 having the later chiselled swage lines and graphics. I like the later look, most prefer the older classic shape.

The 550 are nicely lighter than the 650, also with an extra gear and a more revvy motor. They are all a blast to ride and if you find a decent one of any of the above I' don't think you'll be dissapointed.

The 1981 GPz 550 twinshock is the 550 to find imo.

I had a dead mint '81 GPZ550 that only had a couple thousand miles on it when I sold it. Of all the bikes I've owned over the years that's the fish that got away for me. The '82 is a better bike but I don't care. Any of the bikes mentioned would make a good beginners bike. I'd lean toward the lighter end of the spectrum but if the rider is big and strong the 650 should be no problem.

Realize that all these bikes are about 35 years old now and will need a LOT of ongoing maintenance. If you don't like to wrench then save your money and get something newer.