Target User:
Owner seeking to maintain and repair their Kawasaki KZ500, KZ550, or ZX550 motorcycle, as well as independent motorcycle repair shops.
Manual Type Comparison:
Offers the depth of a factory service manual, often unavailable through retail channels, at a more accessible digital format.
Instructional Method:
Step-by-step guidance designed to teach factory-trained technician knowledge.
Data Completeness:
Covers fundamental to advanced repair and maintenance procedures, empowering owners to make informed decisions.
Digital Advantage:
Immediate accessibility via download, allowing for prompt problem-solving.
Engine Coverage:
Complete engine overhaul, including top-end, bottom-end, carburetor systems, ignition system, and cooling system.
Chassis Coverage:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shocks), steering, wheels, and tires.
Electrical Coverage:
Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system, lighting, ignition, and instrument panel.
Brake Coverage:
Front and rear brake systems, including hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinders, and brake pad replacement.
Transmission Coverage:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, assembly, clutch operation, and maintenance.
Estimated Page Count:
500+
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and DIY Mechanics with basic electrical and mechanical knowledge.
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip
Operating System Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning, cleaning, overhaul, fuel pump, fuel lines.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler inspection and replacement.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, coolant, thermostat, and associated plumbing (if applicable to specific models).
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, coils, CDI unit, timing adjustment, and troubleshooting.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil change procedures, and oil specifications.
Frame And Body:
Frame inspection, fairings, seat, handlebars, and body panel removal/installation.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment, and lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problems and solutions, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed procedures for dismantling and reassembling all major vehicle components.
Cleaning:
Component cleaning procedures, particularly for carburetors and engine internals.
Reinstallation:
Correct reinstallation of parts with torque specifications and alignment guides.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic tune-ups to complete engine rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Data Availability:
Critical specifications, torque values, clearances, and diagnostic data essential for accurate repairs.
Engine Type Kz500:
4-stroke, DOHC, parallel-twin
Engine Type Kz550 Zx550:
4-stroke, DOHC, parallel-twin
Displacement Kz500:
498cc
Displacement Kz550 Zx550:
553cc
Horsepower Kz500 Approx:
48-50 HP (Varies by market/tuning)
Horsepower Kz550 Zx550 Approx:
55-60 HP (Varies by market/tuning)
Carburetor Type:
Dual Mikuni VM series (e.g., VM26 or VM28, depending on model variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity feed from fuel tank via petcock
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (CDI)
Instrument Panel:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, and indicator lights (neutral, turn signals, high beam, oil pressure).
Braking Assist:
Hydraulic disc brakes provide consistent stopping power.
Diagnostic Features:
Primarily relies on manual diagnostics, visual inspection, and multimeter testing as detailed in the service manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (2,000-3,000 miles) or 6-12 months, refer to manual for specific conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles), depending on plug type and condition.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 1,000 km (600 miles) and after washing or rain riding.
Engine Oil Type:
API SE or SF, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 (check manual for precise recommendations).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (verify with manual).
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 10W or 15W fork oil (specific viscosity detailed in manual).
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetor synchronization drift, pilot jet clogging, float needle wear leading to flooding or lean conditions.
Ignition System Reliability:
CDI unit failure, ignition coil degradation, leading to misfires or no spark.
Valve Clearance:
Valve clearance can drift over time, requiring periodic adjustment to maintain performance and prevent damage.
Charging System:
Stator winding failure or voltage regulator issues can lead to battery drain or overcharging.
Cam Chain Tensioner:
Wear on the cam chain tensioner can result in rattling noises from the engine.
Kawasaki Motorsports:
Kawasaki has a long history of performance motorcycles and racing heritage, influencing the engineering of models like the KZ series.
Kz Series Development:
The KZ500 and KZ550 lines represented a step forward in Kawasaki's parallel-twin technology, offering performance and reliability for their era. The ZX550 evolved from this platform with sportier intentions.
Production Era:
Early to mid-1980s, with the KZ500/550 platform seeing production in earlier years and evolving into the ZX550 variants.