Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics
Value Proposition:
Inexpensive way to maintain and repair vehicles, saving on labor costs
Completeness:
100% complete and intact factory service information
Illustration Quality:
Detailed illustrations and hundreds of photos
Ease Of Use:
Written for both novice and experienced mechanics
Engine:
Complete disassembly, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting
Fuel System:
Carburetor servicing, fuel pump, fuel lines
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, coil testing, spark plug specifications
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly and assembly, lubrication
Chassis:
Frame inspection, suspension servicing (front forks, rear shock), steering components
Brakes:
Disc brake servicing, hydraulic system bleeding, pad replacement
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery maintenance, lighting
Cooling System:
Air-cooled engine specifics, heat dissipation
Exhaust System:
Component inspection and replacement
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure, wheel bearing maintenance, rim specifications
Bodywork:
Panel removal and installation, fairing components (where applicable)
Maintenance:
Regular servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug checks
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, electrical diagnostics and repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problems and solutions
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete step-by-step procedures for major components
Adjustments:
Carburetor synchronization, valve clearance adjustments, chain tension, clutch and brake levers
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail with hundreds of photos and illustrations
Engine Type:
4-stroke, DOHC, Inline-4 Cylinder (typically)
Displacement Kz500:
498cc (approx.)
Displacement Kz550:
553cc (approx.)
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Horsepower Kz500:
Approx. 48-52 HP (varies by year/tune)
Horsepower Kz550:
Approx. 54-60 HP (varies by year/tune)
Torque Kz550:
Approx. 33-35 lb-ft (varies by year/tune)
Carburetion:
Typically 4 x Mikuni VM series carburetors (specific model varies)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-4,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for exact recommendation)
Valve Clearance Interval:
Typically every 6,000-8,000 miles (crucial for performance and longevity)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically around 6,000-12,000 miles depending on plug type
Engine Oil Type:
API SE or SF, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-40 (verify in manual for exact specification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.4-2.6 Liters with filter change (verify in manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify in manual)
Fork Oil Type:
Refer to manual, typically SAE 10W or 15W
Carburetor Issues:
Clogging due to fuel varnish, synchronization drift, idle speed instability.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded connections, failing rectifier/regulator, intermittent charging system issues.
Cam Chain Tensioner:
Wear or failure leading to rattling noise, especially on higher mileage units.
Suspension Wear:
Fork seals leaking, rear shock absorber degradation.
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki's reputation for performance and engineering in the sportbike and motorcycle market.
Kz Series:
Part of the popular KZ series, known for its performance and reliability during the late 70s and early 80s.
Gpz Variant:
The GPz designation often indicated sportier styling and performance enhancements, including the Uni-Trak rear suspension.
Production Era:
1979-1985 marked a significant period for Japanese motorcycle development.