Model:
KZ500, KZ550, ZX550
Product Name:
KAWASAKI KZ500 KZ550 ZX550 Motorcycle Service Repair Manual 1979-1985
Applicable Years:
1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985
Model Codes Covered:
KZ500 Series, KZ550 Series, ZX550 Series
Target Audience:
DIY motorcycle owners, professional mechanics, repair shops
Target Market Era:
Designed for riders seeking reliable, performance-oriented, and relatively affordable motorcycles in the early to mid-1980s.
Value Proposition:
Saves money on repair bills, provides professional quality resources, empowers users for self-maintenance and repair
Usability:
Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for any skill level
Delivery:
Instant download upon payment confirmation
Content Quality:
Tons of pictures and diagrams, detailed exploded views
Primary Systems:
General Information, Troubleshooting, Periodic Maintenance, Lubrication, Tune-Up, Engine, Clutch, Transmission, Fuel and Exhaust, Electrical System, Wheels, Tires, Brakes, Chassis
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures covered.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Comprehensive electrical system troubleshooting, including starter, charging system, ignition system, lighting, and switches.
Chassis Components:
Steering head bearings, swingarm pivot, suspension (front forks and rear shock absorber) overhaul and adjustment.
Fuel System Service:
Detailed carburetor overhaul, jetting information, fuel pump (if applicable), and fuel tank service.
Exhaust System Service:
Installation and removal of exhaust components, gasket replacement, and inspection for leaks.
Repair Scope:
Simple to complicated repairs, all repair procedures
Maintenance Tasks:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, lubrication, brake fluid flush, coolant checks (if applicable to any variants), battery maintenance.
Repair Tasks:
Engine rebuilds, transmission gear replacement, clutch service, carburetor rebuilds, brake caliper overhauls, wheel bearing replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Wheel And Tire Service:
Tire mounting/dismounting, wheel balancing, spoke tensioning (if applicable), wheel bearing replacement.
Brake System Repair:
Pad replacement, caliper service, master cylinder rebuild, brake line replacement, bleeding procedures.
Detail Level:
Professional quality, highly detailed, step-by-step instructions, exploded pictures and diagrams, factory shop manual equivalent
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for critical fasteners throughout the motorcycle.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for certain procedures.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic approach to diagnosing common and uncommon problems with probable causes and solutions.
Additional Coverage:
1982 and Later Service Information, Wiring Diagrams, Index
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
Compatibility:
Works on Windows, macOS, Linux (with compatible PDF reader)
Printability:
All pages printable
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Searchability:
Bookmarked and Searchable
Navigation:
Zoom In/Out capability
Accessibility:
Downloadable, Compatible with all Versions of Windows & Mac
Navigation Aid:
Bookmarks for quick access to major sections, enhancing usability for frequent reference.
Engine Type:
Inline-Four Cylinder, Air-Cooled DOHC (KZ550/ZX550 typically) / Inline-Four Cylinder, Air-Cooled DOHC (KZ500 typically - though some early KZ500 variants were twin-cylinder, this manual likely covers the dominant inline-four models for this era)
Bore Stroke Range:
Specifics vary by exact model (e.g., KZ550 A1/A2 approximately 58.0 x 50.6 mm), manual will detail.
Engine Displacement Range:
Approximately 500cc to 550cc
Horsepower Range:
Typically in the 45-55 HP range, model dependent.
Torque Range:
Typically in the 35-45 lb-ft range, model dependent.
Carburetion:
Multiple Carburetors (typically CV type), specific model dependent
Dry Weight Approx:
Refer to specific model data, typically around 180-200 kg (dry)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to specific model data, manual will contain this.
Wheelbase Range:
Typically around 1400-1450 mm, model dependent.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 km or 6-12 months, refer to manual for specific intervals and conditions.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Typically every 6,000-12,000 km, or as specified by the manual based on usage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 (viscosity dependent on ambient temperature), JASO MA compliant motorcycle oil.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check specific caliper/master cylinder requirements).
Coolant Type:
Not Applicable (Air-Cooled Engines)
Gearbox Oil Type:
API GL-1 or GL-4, SAE 80W or 90W gear oil.
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor synchronization and cleaning, fork seals, brake pad wear, chain and sprockets, voltage regulator (on some models).
Electrical Faults:
Corrosion in connectors, failing rectifier/regulator units, stator output degradation over time.
Tune Up Components:
Spark plugs, air filter, valve clearance adjustment, carburetor cleaning and synchronization, ignition timing checks.
Kawasaki Motorcycle Legacy:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries' long-standing reputation for performance and reliability in motorcycles, particularly in the sportbike and standard motorcycle segments of the late 70s and early 80s.
Kz500 Kz550 Zx550 Lineage:
These models represent a crucial phase in Kawasaki's development of efficient, sporty, and accessible motorcycles. The KZ500 was an evolution of earlier KZ models, offering a balance of performance and economy. The KZ550 built upon this with a slightly larger displacement and often more refined features, leading into the ZX550, which represented Kawasaki's move towards more sport-oriented designs, foreshadowing the 'Ninja' lineage. The ZX550 specifically often referred to the GPz550 and its derivatives, incorporating aerodynamic fairings and sportier chassis tuning.
Sportbike Development:
The ZX550, often associated with the GPz series, was a key step in Kawasaki's transition from broadly appealing standards (KZ) to dedicated sportbikes, emphasizing aerodynamics and handling improvements.
Production Era:
Mid-to-late 1970s through mid-1980s, a period of significant innovation and competition in the motorcycle industry.