Model:
KZ500 / KZ550 / ZX550
Model Variants:
KZ500A, KZ550A, KZ550B, KZ550C (LTD), KZ550D (GP), KZ550F (GP), ZX550-A (GPz)
Production Years Covered:
1979-1986
Chassis Codes:
KZ500A, KZ550A, KZ550B, KZ550C, KZ550D, KZ550F, ZX550A
Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics seeking to perform maintenance and repairs on these specific Kawasaki models.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential factory-level repair information, enabling DIY maintenance and reducing reliance on costly dealership services.
Key Selling Points:
Factory quality, comprehensive coverage, detailed diagrams, instant download, cost savings on repairs.
Engine:
Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, troubleshooting, tuning, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled), fuel system (carburetors), ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, inspection, lubrication, clutch operation and service
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork overhaul, rear shock absorber service, swingarm inspection and lubrication, steering head bearing service
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service (hydraulic disc and drum), caliper and master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), battery maintenance, ignition coil testing, instrument panel functions
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning, cleaning, and rebuilding (Mikuni VM series common), fuel tank maintenance, petcock service
Bodywork And Trim:
Fender, seat, fuel tank, side covers, and instrument cluster removal/installation procedures
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake adjustment, valve clearance adjustment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and electrical issues
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine top-end and bottom-end rebuild, gearbox overhauls, carburetor rebuilding, suspension component replacement
Inspection:
Torque specifications for all critical fasteners, wear limits for engine and chassis components
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level detail with step-by-step instructions, torque values, clearances, and exploded diagrams for most components.
Engine Type:
4-stroke, DOHC, Air-cooled, Inline-Four Cylinder
Displacement Kz500:
498 cc (30.4 cu in)
Displacement Kz550:
552 cc (33.7 cu in)
Bore X Stroke Kz500:
66.0 mm x 72.0 mm (2.60 in x 2.83 in)
Bore X Stroke Kz550:
66.0 mm x 80.0 mm (2.60 in x 3.15 in)
Compression Ratio Kz500:
9.5:1
Compression Ratio Kz550:
9.4:1 (std), 9.1:1 (GPz)
Horsepower Kz500 Approx:
48-50 HP @ 9,000 RPM
Horsepower Kz550 Approx:
50-60 HP @ 9,000 RPM
Torque Kz550 Approx:
32-35 lb-ft @ 7,000 RPM
Carburetor Type:
Twin Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) carburetors (e.g., 34mm VM series)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.3 US gallons (17 - 20 Liters)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, Octane rating 86 or higher (RON+MON)/2
Transmission Type:
6-speed, constant mesh, sequential return
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Final Drive:
O-ring sealed chain drive
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4, SAE 10W-40 motorcycle gear oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.0 - 2.2 US quarts (1.9 - 2.1 Liters)
Overall Length Approx:
2.1 - 2.2 meters (83-87 inches)
Overall Width Approx:
0.75 - 0.8 meters (30-31 inches)
Overall Height Approx:
1.1 - 1.2 meters (43-47 inches)
Dry Weight Approx:
180 - 200 kg (397 - 441 lbs)
Wet Weight Approx:
195 - 215 kg (430 - 474 lbs)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is primarily performance and design based)
Braking System:
Dual hydraulic disc front, single disc or drum rear (model dependent)
Suspension Features:
Telescopic front forks, adjustable rear shock absorbers (twin or monoshock depending on model/trim)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight/brake light, incandescent turn signals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 6 months
Valve Clearance Check Interval:
Every 6,000 miles (10,000 km)
Chain Lubrication And Adjustment:
Every 500 miles (800 km) or after washing/rain
Engine Oil Type:
API SE or SF, SAE 10W-40 motorcycle specific oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 - 2.8 US quarts (2.3 - 2.6 Liters) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Common Wear Items:
Cam chain tensioners (can become noisy), carburetor synchronization drift, fork seal leaks, aging electrical connectors.
Typical Problems:
Carburetor gumming if not run regularly, potential for CDI unit failure, general aging of rubber components.
Spark Plug Gap:
0.6 - 0.7 mm (0.024 - 0.028 in)
Idle Speed:
Approx. 1000-1200 RPM
Manufacturer:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Motorcycle & Engine Company
Kz500 Introduction:
Introduced as a successor to smaller displacement models, offering a balance of performance and manageability in the 500cc class.
Kz550 Development:
Developed from the KZ500 platform, increasing displacement to the 550cc class for enhanced performance. Introduced various sub-models like LTD and GPz variants.
Zx550 Introduction:
The ZX550 designation generally referred to the GPz550, often featuring sportier styling and improved performance components like adjustable suspension and fairings.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily)
Historical Recognition:
While specific awards for these models may not be widely documented, they were popular and well-regarded in their respective sportbike and standard motorcycle segments of the early to mid-1980s.
Performance Reputation:
Praised for their reliable inline-four engines and solid chassis dynamics, making them accessible sportbikes for the era.
Certification Standards:
Met all relevant safety and emissions standards for their respective production years and markets.