Primary Model Line:
KZ/Z/GPz Series
Covered Models:
KZ400, KZ500, KZ550, Z400, Z500, Z550, GPZ400, GPZ550
Covered Years:
1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985
Market Position:
Crucial resource for owners and independent repair shops of Kawasaki's popular mid-range motorcycles from the late 70s and early 80s, known for their performance and styling.
Competitive Analysis:
This manual competes with OEM service manuals and other aftermarket repair guides, offering a consolidated and accessible digital format.
Key Features:
Instant download, wide model year and variant coverage, digital format offers portability and protection from dirt/grease compared to paper manuals, lifetime protection policy.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine removal/installation, top-end overhaul, bottom-end overhaul, valve adjustment, piston/cylinder inspection, crankshaft, camshafts, timing chain.
Fuel System:
Carburetor inspection, cleaning, adjustment, synchronization; fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter.
Lubrication And Cooling:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, cooling system (air-cooled, specific model dependent, but includes heat dissipation aspects).
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, transmission disassembly/assembly, gear inspection, shift mechanism, final drive chain and sprockets maintenance/replacement.
Steering And Suspension:
Handlebar steering head bearings, front fork (oil level, seal replacement, internal components), rear shock absorbers, swingarm.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system inspection, caliper maintenance, master cylinder, brake fluid replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, disc inspection.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (CDI, coils, spark plugs), charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, battery), lighting, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting.
Bodywork And Frame:
Frame inspection, body panel removal/installation, seat, fuel tank, fenders, fairings (where applicable).
Intake And Exhaust:
Airbox, intake boots, exhaust pipes, mufflers, exhaust gasket replacement.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, lubrication points, tire pressure checks, brake adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based fault finding.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step guides for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation.
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and component rebuilds. Suitable for DIY mechanics and professional technicians.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, Parallel-Twin (common across most models, with variations in displacement and tuning).
Displacement Variants:
Approximately 398cc (KZ400/Z400), 498cc (KZ500/Z500), 552cc (KZ550/Z550/GPZ550).
Bore X Stroke Example Kz550:
Approx. 66.0 x 81.0 mm
Compression Ratio Example Kz550:
Approx. 9.5:1
Carburetion System:
Typically twin Mikuni VM or similar constant-velocity carburetors.
Horsepower Range Estimate:
40-60 HP (model and year dependent)
Torque Range Estimate:
35-45 lb-ft (model and year dependent)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity Example Kz550:
Approx. 3.7 US gallons (14 liters)
Overall Length Example Kz550:
Approx. 85.4 inches (2170 mm)
Overall Width Example Kz550:
Approx. 30.5 inches (775 mm)
Overall Height Example Kz550:
Approx. 46.7 inches (1185 mm)
Dry Weight Example Kz550:
Approx. 445 lbs (202 kg)
Wet Weight Example Kz550:
Approx. 478 lbs (217 kg)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles or 6 months (refer to specific model recommendations in the manual).
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Often recommended around 3,000-5,000 miles or as needed based on noise.
Chain Lubrication And Adjustment:
Frequent checks recommended, especially after riding in wet conditions; adjust as per manual specifications (typically 1-2 inches of slack).
Engine Oil Type:
API SE, SF service classification; SAE 10W-40 or 20W-40 viscosity recommended (check manual for exact specifications).
Engine Oil Capacity Example Kz550:
Approx. 2.4 US quarts (2.3 liters) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Fork Oil Type Example Kz550:
SAE 10W fork oil (quantity specific to model, typically 150-170cc per fork leg).
Known Issues:
Carburetor synchronization drift, occasional cam chain noise, aging electrical connectors/components, worn fork seals, general wear and tear on clutch components.
Brand Heritage:
Kawasaki has a long history of producing performance-oriented motorcycles, with the KZ/Z/GPz series being cornerstones of their sportbike and standard motorcycle offerings.
Model Evolution:
These models represented a progression in Kawasaki's parallel-twin technology, evolving from earlier KZ designs. The GPz variants introduced sportier styling and performance enhancements, paving the way for later Kawasaki sportbikes.
Production Period For Models:
These specific models were primarily produced from the late 1970s through the mid-1980s.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan.